The WNBA semifinals will tip off with the Atlanta Dream hosting the New York Liberty in Game 1 on Sundayh afternoon, with both teams coming off easy first-round sweeps.
New York earned the eighth and final spot in the WNBA playoffs, but it had no trouble ousting top-seeded Minnesota. The Liberty cruised 91-75 on the road and then closed out the series at home with an 87-71 victory.
Atlanta, the No. 4 seed, coasted past fifth-seeded Washington 92-77 at home and 93-75 on the road.
With tipoff set for 2:00 pm ET on ABC, it’s time to break down the matchup and discuss the best bets to make.
New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream betting picks and predictions
Atlanta Dream -3.5 (-115)
These two teams faced each other in a back-to-back situation at the end of the regular season. Atlanta prevailed on both occasions even though both games were in New York. The visitors rolled 95-84 on September 21 and got the job done 83-65 two days later.
Liberty star Breanna Stewart did not play in the season finale after it was determined that her team would be on the road in round one, but New York was not particularly competitive against Atlanta when she was on the floor in the first of the two recent meetings.
Stewart scored 27 points on 11-of-19 shooting to go along with 14 rebounds and four assists, but it was still nowhere close to enough.
The Liberty compiled a modest 12-10 road record during the regular season. Meanwhile, the Dream are 4-0 in their last four at home and they are on a five-game winning streak overall.
Playing great basketball, with their own fans behind them and having just dominated this particular opponent two weeks ago, the Dream should have the upper hand on Sunday.
Under 173.5 (-110)
Although 179 points were scored in the September 21 showdown between these two clubs, the rematch produced only 148 points. With defensive intensity sure to be at a high in a playoff situation, something more along the lines of the latter contest should be in store for Sunday.
Atlanta finished second in the Eastern Conference in scoring defense and New York was right behind in third, so these two sides know how to put the clamps down.
Opponents are averaging just 72.3 points in the Dream’s last three games and they have not allowed more than 84 points in any contest since August 28.
The Liberty held Minnesota – the fourth highest-scoring team in the WNBA – to a mere 73 points per game in the first round.
All things considered, the under looks like the play to make.
Jordin Canada Over 10.5 points (-130)
Jordin Canada has scored in double-figures in five consecutive contests dating back to the regular season, including outputs of 19 and 12 points against New York.
The guard out of UCLA is coming off a 19-point performance at Washington, where she also delivered 11 assists, seven rebounds and three steals. Needless to say, Canada’s confidence is sky high at the moment.
It should also be noted that she has attempted at least 11 shots from the field in four straight games. That was preceded by a stretch in which she had no more than nine attempts in four of five outings.
Clearly the 31-year-old is making a concerted effort to look for her shot right now. Moreover, Canada is 19-for-19 from the free-throw line over the past five games.
Read more betting picks and predictions for the WNBA on site.
New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream odds
New York Liberty | +150 |
Atlanta Dream | -180 |
Spread | ATL Dream -3.5 |
Total Points | O/U 173.5 |
New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream player props
Player points
Breanna Stewart (NY) | O/U 22.5 |
Sabrina Ionescu (NY) | O/U 14.5 |
Jonquel Jones (NY) | O/U 13.5 |
Rhyne Howard (ATL) | O/U 19.5 |
Allisha Gray (ATL) | O/U 18.5 |
Angel Reese (ATL) | O/U 14.5 |
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
