Liberty vs. Wings prediction: WNBA odds, picks, best bets for Monday
The WNBA takes center stage Monday night with a marquee matchup between the Liberty and Wings down in Texas.The Wings (16-8) have won five in a row entering Monday and can extend their longest win streak of the season to six games with a win at home.The Liberty (13-11) have dropped three straight games and look to pick up a win to avoid their longest losing streak of the season. Oddsmakers expect a tight contest between these two contenders, with the Wings listed as razor-thin spread favorites at -1.5, while the Over/Under sits at 175.5 total points.Before the Wings tipped off the season, the loudest conversations around them focused on off-court rumors, but their on-court expectations were modest.
They’ve blown through those expectations so far.Entering the season, the Wings’ projected win total was 21, and they’re on pace for 29 wins.
The Wings would have the best record in the Eastern Conference, but in a crowded West, they’re fourth behind the Lynx, Aces and Valkyries.They’ve been one of the best offensive teams in the league, posting a 111.5 offensive rating this season, which ranks fourth.Much of that success is tied to the play of Paige Bueckers, who has been one of the best guards in the league.
She’s one of three players this season averaging 20 points on 50 percent shooting from the floor, along with A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum.She’ll be at the top of the scouting report for a Liberty team that needs to break out of its slump and fast.The Liberty profile as a good defensive team — fifth in defensive rating this season, allowing 105.1 points per 100 possessions — but the Wings blew them out both times these two teams met.In the first meeting, the Wings hit a season-high 15 3-pointers against the Liberty to beat them 91-76.
When they met for the second time last week, neither team could hit a 3, but the Wings took advantage of the Liberty’s mistakes and scored 18 points off their 14 turnovers in an 88-77 win.I think we’ll see bet...