Pinnacle N/A BET365 O169 -110 Sportsinteraction N/A 888Sport O168½ -110

Posted at 1:00 PM EST (July 12). Odds subject to change.

WNBA Regular Season

College Park Center, Arlington, TX

Wager: LA/DAL over 168½ (best odds: -110 at 888Sport)

3:30 PM EST. In two previous contests between the Wings and the Sparks, we saw 167 and 153 points, respectively, so you may be wondering why this total is so high on Saturday. Part of it is because Dallas and Los Angeles met way earlier in the season. Just like any sport, WNBA teams need time to grow into their true form. In the NBA, we usually give rosters 2-3 months to start showing who they truly are and to glean a better perspective on their true potential. At this point in the summer, 22+ games in, we certainly have a better idea.

One thing is for sure, these are two of the most pitiful defenses in the association. Over their last 7 games, no two programs are worse defensively than the Sparks and the Wings. And, not the least bit surprising, they’re both allowing a ton of points during the same span (LA: 89 ppg, DAL: 96 ppg). Even better for the prospects of our wager on Saturday is the relative improvement of both offenses. Dallas is a top-5 unit the last few weeks, fully embracing a faster pace (3rd overall) and rated #1 in offensive boards, a huge part of why they’ve been able to hang with most enemies in high-scoring affairs.

The Sparks were once the worst offense in the W, but they’ve climbed up to 8th overall, not “good” by any means but not disgusting either. Like the Wings, they’re very good at snagging offensive rebounds (5th the last few weeks) and they’re top-4 in assist-ratio.

Two months in and both of these bottom-feeders have just 5 wins. They know they’re not going to the postseason, so the time for experimentation and playing looser basketball has officially begun. A pair of poor programs like the Wings and Sparks means we often see barely any physicality or defensive effort, and we already know their typical form is grossly underwhelming on that side of the court anyway. Take the over and don’t think twice. 

Farley

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