The Money Line: WNBA odds, predictions for Sunday, July 30

Dallas Wings (+12, -110)
Los Angeles Sparks (-12, -110)
Total: 170.5

Dallas continues to befuddle everyone with their inconsistent play, alternating wins and losses over their last five games. Last time out, they dropped a road game at Seattle 109-93, the defense being an issue as it has all season long. The game was the third time in four games Dallas allowed 100 points or more and while they do have some offensive firepower, the defensive end has to get fixed in order for them to be successful. In the Seattle loss, the Wings got contributions on the offensive end from a variety of players, including Skylar Diggins-Smith  (18 points), Glory Johnson (16), Allisha Gray (15) and Kayla Thornton (10). With a decent offensive rating and the league’s worst defensive one, Dallas’ pattern of winning and losing will likely continue, leaving plenty to wonder if the potential that the team possesses will come to actuality this season.

The Sparks are three games up on the third and fourth place teams in the standings (Connecticut and Washington) but are three games out of first place themselves. With the Minnesota Lynx seemingly in route to securing the number one seed again, L.A. will have to yet again overcome the Lynx’s home court advantage if they meet again in the Finals. That is still a long ways off, and if their play so far is any indication, it is vital for the Sparks to lock up home court for themselves. At 16-6 on the year, the Sparks are 10-1 at home and just 6-5 on the road, a stark contrast. The biggest change when they travel has been their defense. Owning the second best defensive rating in the league when they are home, the Sparks drop all the way to last place when away from Staples Center, an alarming stat that obviously has to be addressed at some point.

I think the Sparks win this one but I’m hoping the Dallas offense keeps it close. I’ll take the Wings and the over.