The Money Line: WNBA odds, predictions for Friday, June 9

Seattle Storm (-5.5, -110)
Indiana Fever (+5.5, -110)
Total: 164.5

A valiant effort that just fell short, the Fever get to stay home and host another Western Conference power. In the loss to Phoenix, Indiana simply couldn’t do anything with Griner, not surprising from a team whose starting “center” stands at 6’1 and whose only other center on the roster plays about two minutes a game. Erica Wheeler randomly exploded for 24 points while logging a season high 42 minutes; her previous high was 26 minutes. Candice Dupree had 23 points, but after that the offensive dropped off. Out rebounding Phoenix by one, that victory was negated by the 21 turnovers by the Fever. Other than Griner, they did a fine job on the rest of the Mercury, but this team continues to be like the old cartoon with the dam: they see one hole leaking with water and plug it up, only to see another hole somewhere else.

It would probably best for Seattle to forget that their last game ever even happened. While a Minnesota win was what I expected, the 64-39 halftime score I saw on my phone looked like a typo. Jewell Loyd was finally slowed down by someone, scoring just 10 points on 30% shooting, while Breanna Stewart (14 points, 5-of-16) and Sue Bird (8 points, 2-of-7) didn’t fare much better. For the season, Seattle does own the third best offensive rating in the league, so it was most likely just the defensive prowess of Minnesota and a tough shooting night combined together.

There is no doubt the Fever can surprise you every now and then, but I think Seattle bounces back from their poor performance after having a few days to think on it. I like the Storm and the under.