The Money Line: WNBA odds, predictions for Friday, August 18

Los Angeles Sparks (-7.5, -110)
Chicago Sky (+7.5, -110)
Total: 164

After completing a trade with Atlanta two weeks ago that sent Imani Boyette and
Tamera Young packing, some wondered if Chicago was giving up on the season. Well, perhaps it was addition by subtraction somehow because since the trade the Sky have won three straight and are in a battle with Dallas and Seattle for the final two playoff spots. The play of Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley continues to impress, as both are having career years, especially Quigley. Though they haven’t been spectacular on either end the entire season, Chicago has improved enough defensively to be steady, and their offensive as of late is hitting all cylinders.

The Sparks are really good. I feel like even though that’s technically an opinion that I’m correct and will get no arguments. The thing that makes this year’s version of L.A. even scarier than last year’s is the play from the other players, not just Nneka Ogwumike and Candace Parker.  Chelsea Gray is having the best season of her young career, Odyssey Sims has proven to be a spark and Alana Beard just keeps on doing Alana Beard things. The Sparks have the second best true shooting and effective field goal shooting percentages on offensive, while also posting the second best defensive rating in the league.

Another game where I think the spread is covered in a loss, I think the Sparks win but I’ll take Chicago with the 7.5 and the over.