The Los Angeles Sparks (5-10) are set to face the New York Liberty (11-5) tonight in WNBA action, with tipoff scheduled for 7:00 p.m. EDT at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The matchup will be broadcast live on FOX5 New York.
Entering the game, the Liberty are substantial favorites, listed as 9.5-point favorites (Liberty -9.5), with the over/under total set at 168.5 points. New York’s moneyline is -575, indicating they are expected to win, while Los Angeles sits at +425, suggesting a potential upset.
Both teams will be looking to build on their previous performances, having last played on Sunday. The Liberty’s dynamics have changed significantly in the absence of Jonquel Jones, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. This has notably impacted their defensive performance, with the team allowing 18 more points per 100 possessions while playing at an even quicker pace than before, which is notable as they already lead the league in tempo. This uptick in pace has resulted in more scoring opportunities overall.
Breanna Stewart has shown impressive offensive flexibility, averaging 20.8 points per game this season. Notably, against the Sparks, her scoring average increases to 25.4 points, as she has exceeded the 25-point mark in 7 of their last 10 encounters. Given the Sparks’ struggles defensively, ranked with the third-worst Defensive Rating in the league, this matchup could provide Stewart with ample opportunities to excel.
Despite the Sparks’ challenges this season, they may be able to hold their ground and keep the game competitive, particularly if they capitalize on the Liberty’s recent defensive vulnerabilities.
The best bet for tonight’s game leans towards Breanna Stewart scoring over 20.5 points, reflecting her history of success against the Sparks and the current dynamics of both teams.
In a vibrant WNBA season, fans can look forward to an exciting matchup between these two teams, with the potential for standout performances on both sides.