Xam’s Daily Gems:
Sparks +9.5 -120 BetMGM 5 Units
Needless to say, at 6-17, the LA Sparks aren’t having the season they imagined. However, they do have some offensive talent, led by Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson. In fact, they have scored 78 or more points in 7 of their last 8 games. Losing rookie Cameron Brink to a torn ACL was a big blow, but they have managed to overcome it, to a degree. The key to this game is what kind of defense the Sparks will play. The Storm are scoring about 84 points per game and are 2nd in the league in rebounds per game. However, they don’t hit a ton of 3s, which can keep this game close. If the Sparks can contain players like Jewell Loyd and Ezi Magbegor, the Sparks SHOULD be able to score enough to not lose by dougle digits and cover the spread!
Liberty Money Line -185 BetMGM 5 Units
The two best teams in the WNBA square off for the 3rd time this season! The Liberty are 2-0 in this season series so far with BOTH wins coming in Connecticut. Breanna Stewart comes into this game a little banged up, but she SHOULD be able to give it a go in this game before the break. However, the Liberty have TONS of firepower even if Stewart is out. Sabrina Ionescu has been ON FIRE recently, scoring 21 or more points in 4 straight games. The Liberty ALSO come into this game MORE RESTED as they’ve played just one game since the 11th, while Connecticut played back on the 14th. Superstar DeWanna Bonner can struggle on the road as well, and if that happens, Connecticut’s chances of winning this marquee matchup PLUMMET! The Liberty know how to win games, as they’re winners of 3 straight games and 8 of their last 9!
Sun/Liberty Over 152.5 Points -110 FanDuel 5 Units
There are some injury concerns to watch for in this game, but this is a HUGE matchup between the two marquee teams in the league, so the stars on BOTH SIDES should be ready to give it their all tonight. Connecticut can score with the best of them when they’re on, as evidenced by their 96 point effort in their last game against the Phoenix Mercury. Connecticut averages 80 points per game, but their offensive efficiency ranks 3rd in the WNBA. New York LOVES to shoot the 3, shooting the most 3s in the entire league per game. With superstars like Sabrina Ionescu on the team and playing well all year, this shouldn’t surprise ANYONE! Connecticut is a good defensive team, so the key will be what the Liberty can do on offense. If Ionescu can continue leading an efficient offensive attack, they SHOULD be able to score when they want, and led by stars like DeWanna Bonner and DiJonnai Carrington, the Sun SHOULD be able to score points as well!
American League Money Line -118 FanDuel 5 Units
The 94th edition of the MLB All-Star Game takes place tonight in Arlington, Texas. The AL has the deeper lineup in this game and rookie Paul Skenes will only be pitching 1 inning tonight as the NL starter. Of course, AL starter Corbin Burnes probably won’t go much deeper, but the AL seems to have better pitching in this game as well. While it’s hard to determine what players will be used, the AL has the deeper bullpen in this game, led by studs Emmanuel Clase and Mason Miller. Scoring runs will be at a premium, as it usually is in the All-Star Game. That favors the AL, who not only has the deeper lineup, but the better power hitters in this matchup as well!
Sky/Aces Under 171 Points -112 DraftKings 5 Units
The Sky have been struggling to score recently, averaging just 73 points per game over their last 4 games. Overall, they’re only putting 78 points per game throughout the entire season, so this is a season long trend for the team. The Aces are giving up just over 82 points per game on the year, so they SHOULD be able to play some quality defense and contain Chicago’s offense. However, the key to this Play is what the Sky can do on the defensive end. The Aces are averaging a WHOPPING 88 points per game on the year, and they can score against anybody when they’re on, led by MVP favorite A’ja Wilson. They also are an efficient 3-point shooting team, so the Sky will have their work cut out for them on the defensive end. If Chicago can play even A LITTLE defense, we SHOULD see this game have less points than expected!