Los Angles Sparks (-2.5, -110)
New York Liberty (+2.5, -110)
Total: 156
Though the season is young, the Sparks loss to the Atlanta Dream was the most surprising thus far in my opinion. Candace Parker uncharacteristically struggled, scoring one more point (6) than turnovers committed, and the team as a whole coughed it up 17 times. That being said, the Sparks have done some really nice things this season. First in offensive rating and second in effective field goal percentage, true shooting percentage and assist-to-turnover ratio, there is no reason this team shouldn’t be 4-0. Their third straight game on the east coast, and this one against elite competition, the Sparks are being challenged early.
Win-loss-win-loss has been the pattern so far this season for the Liberty, one they will be happy to continue tonight and then change after that. In their last game, a loss to Seattle, Tina Charles looked like… well, Tina Charles. With her 28 points, as well as 21 from Sugar Rodgers and 19 from Epiphanny Prince, the Liberty played well enough to win, but then Samantha Whitcomb happened and all bets were off. Second in the league in rebounding, this team needs to find a way to convert those boards to points, as only San Antonio is scoring fewer points a game.
You could honestly make an argument for either team here tonight and I could totally buy either, so this pick is just a gut selection. I think LA has gotten the wake up call they needed and get it done tonight, so I’ll go Sparks and the under.