WNBA Tips & Odds: The Panel's Picks And Best Bets For Thursday, August 15

Our WNBA Picks For Thursday, August 15

• The Panel Pick 1: Chicago Sky First-Half Moneyline @ +120 With BetMGM
• The Panel Pick 2: Washington & Minnesota Under 155.5 Points @ -110 With FanDuel
• The Panel Pick 3: Los Angeles To Score Over 76.5 Points @ -105 With DraftKings 

Our team of experts dive into the WNBA action taking place today, focusing on insights and odds from top best betting sites. 

Drawing from our extensive expertise, The Panel delve into the key matchups, spotlighting players to watch, positional battles, and potential surprises.

They also provide a thorough overview of where the smart bets are heading, breaking down each game with our own strategies and analysis.

Continue reading for The Panel's in-depth coverage and expert predictions as the WNBA season continues.

* Want to follow the latest odds and news on the 2024 WNBA season? Why not sign up to our Telegram channel here to have it delivered straight to you!

Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky (O/U 164.5, Mercury -3)

The problem with a four-week layoff is that it becomes difficult to tell who will and will not be rusty when they return. 

Phoenix head to Chicago Sky on Thursday night with the action starting at 8:00pm ET and will be streamed on Prime Video as the home team try to get closer to .500.

Both teams were 5-5 in their previous ten games before the Olympic Break. The problem is, Phoenix are 5-8 on the road, while Chicago is a horrid 4-8 at home. 

Something has to give here and though the Sky have not played that poorly, it comes down to finishing in the fourth-quarter of games.    

NBA betting sites appear to like the idea of Angel Reese going on a second-half rampage and there are already several interesting game props. 

However, the feeling is that we may focus on the Sky getting off to a good start, however, their finishing ability concerns bettors more. 

Chicago are still +120 on the First-Half Moneyline and the Sky are one of those teams who expect to take advantage of their rest. 

The full-game Moneyline is at +130 for the Sky. Taking the first 20 minutes as an option still is a solid pick on Thursday night. 

The Panel Pick 1: Chicago Sky First-Half Moneyline - BetMGM +120

Washington Mystics vs Minnesota Lynx (O/U 155.5, Lynx -8.5)  

Minnesota won the Commissioner’s Cup and currently leads the West, with Seattle also at 17-8 and Las Vegas at 16-8. Needless to say, the race is on and with 15 games remaining for Minnesota, every game is crucial.

Minnesota’s defensive strength is key here. They allow just 75 points per game, and their defensive rating is the best in the WNBA.

Can Washington pull off a surprise? They are 6-10 after a disastrous 0-12 start. Unfortunately, the Mystics lost four of their last five games before the Olympic break.

However, you might be surprised to learn that Washington and Minnesota played to quite a defensive stalemate in that contest, managing a total of just 141 points as the Lynx failed to cover the spread.

Minnesota were only .500 in their last 10 games heading into the long break, while Washington are one of those teams with nothing to lose.

If both teams struggle in their half-court sets, this could turn into a low-scoring contest. Therefore, we’re leaning towards poor shooting and taking the Under.

The Panel Pick 2: Washington & Minnesota Under 155.5 Points - FanDuel -110

New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks (O/U 165, Liberty - 11)  

The New York Liberty entered the break with the best record in the WNBA. However, there's a bit of an injury concern for the 21-4 Liberty, as Betnijah Laney-Hamilton will be out for at least another two weeks.

Laney-Hamilton, with her 12.7 points per game, will be missed for her contributions on both offense and defense.

The Sparks are far from being just a mediocre team—in fact, they are worse. However, every so often, they manage to put together a decent performance.

Los Angeles are 6-18, but the irony is that this team has beaten the Aces twice. 

New York, a high-tempo team, have seen both of their meetings in the Big Apple go over the point total and while it may be a considerable risk, the Sparks could find the offensive spark to surpass their point total on Thursday night.

The Panel Pick 3: Los Angeles To Score Over 76.5 Points - DraftKings -105