2022 WNBA Betting Playoffs 1st Round Series

The stage is set and four WNBA Playoffs series tip off between Wednesday and Thursday, with each series having two games played by Sunday. For this week’s rundown of games, we’ll take a look at each series.

This season’s playoffs are the first in which it doesn’t matter which conference a team is in, the top eight seeds made the playoffs and were seeded, regardless of league. It was a dramatic finish at the bottom of the table with the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury making it as the last two teams in. Then the Las Vegas Aces took the top seed overall by beating the Seattle storm on Sunday.

Here’s a look at the first four playoff series so you can get ready to bet against the WNBA Odds.

Top 2022 WNBA Games Worth Betting This Week (August 17th – 23rd)

New York Liberty vs Chicago Sky

Game 1: 8 p.m. ET Wednesday at Wintrust Arena, Chicago, on ESPN2
Game 2: Noon ET Saturday at Wintrust Arena, Chicago, on ESPN

The defending champion Sky won the season series 3-1 with a blowout in the first matchup, but three games decided by eight points or less. New York was 18-17-1 against the spread and 17-19 on over/unders this season. Chicago was 17-18-1 against the spread and 19-16-1 on over/unders.

The Liberty (16-20) feature Sabrina Ionescu, who is averaging 17.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. Natasha Howard is at 15.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Brittney Laney is not listed on the injury report, though she’s played nine games and is one of the four in double figure scoring.

Chicago had the second best offense and fourth best defense. Six players average double figures, making the Sky a difficult cover defensively. Kahleah Copper was the Finals MVP last season and led the team at 15.7 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Candace Parker is still great, averaging 13.2 points, 8.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces

Game 1: 10 p.m. ET Wednesday at Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas, on ESPN
Game 2: 9 p.m. ET Friday at Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas, on ESPN2

Phoenix (15-21) has had an emotional season dealing with Brittney Griner’s trial overseas on. Her presence on the court has been missed both offensively and defensively. Moreover, Diana Taurasi and Skylar Diggins-Smith, the two leaders for the Mercury, are expected to miss the series with the Aces (26-10).

The Mercury were seventh offensively and 10th defensively. Meanwhile the Aces were the best offensive team at 90.4 points per game, yet were ninth at 84.1 points allowed per game, though that’s due to playing to a higher pace.

Las Vegas is led by Kelsey Plum (20.2 ppg, 5.1 apg), A’ja Wilson (19.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg), Jackie Young (15.9 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.9 apg) and Chelsea Gray (13.7 ppg, 6.1 apg). They were 18-18 against the spread and 17-17-2 on over/unders.

Diamond Deshields, who was on the Sky last season, is the top remaining scorer for the Mercury at 13.1 ppg. Sophire Cunningham, a sharpshooting wing, is behind her at 12.6 ppg. The Mecury were 15-20-1 against the spread and 18-18 on over/unders last season.

Dallas Wings vs Connecticut Sun

Game 1: 8 p.m. ET Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut, on ESPNU + NBA TV
Game 2: Noon ET Sunday at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut, on ABC

The Dallas Wings (18-18) have made consecutive playoff appearances for the second time since the franchise moved to Dallas, but are in search of their first series win. They’ll have to do it without Arike Ogunbowale, a top scorer in the W, and against the Sun (25-11), who are third offensively and second defensively.

Marina Mabrey (13.6 ppg) and Allisha Gray (13.3 ppg) are the top two scorers left. Other double figure scorers are Satou Sabally (11.3 ppg, out indefinitely) and Teaira McCowan (11.0 ppg). Dallas is 21-14-1 against the spread and 21-15 on over/unders.

The Sun are led by Jonquel Jones, who averaged 14.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. The reining MVP has four other double figure scorers surrounding her. Connecticut is 21-15 against the spread and 20-15-1 on over/unders.

Washington Mystics vs Seattle Storm

Game 1: 10 p.m. ET Thursday at Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, on ESPN2
Game 2: 4 p.m. ET Sunday at Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, on ESPN

It’s the swan song for Sue Bird, who leads the Storm (22-14) for another run at a WNBA title. The retiring guard leads the fifth best offense and third best defense in a tough matchup with the Mystics (22-14), who boast the league’s best defense.

Washington allowed 75.9 points per game and played at one of the slower paces in the league. Elena Delle Donne, a unicorn of a forward, is averaging 17.2 points and 6.3 rebounds per game while shooting 36.8% on 3-pointers. Ariel Atkins adds 14.6 ppg and Natasha Cloud 10.7 ppg and 7.0 apg. They were 21-15 against the spread and 13-23 on over/unders.

Breanna Stewart averaged 21.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game with guard Jewell Loydadding 16.3 points per game. Center Tina Charles, who joined the team mid-season, is averaging 14.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. Bird is averaging 7.8 points and 6.0 assists per game but can pick her spots to take over, when needed. Seattle was 18-18 against the spread and 21-15 on over/unders.

The four playoff series getting exposure on ESPN’s top networks is great for the game. It also allows great options to view the games for sports bettors. Of course the first game can be pretty revealing heading into the weekend’s Game 2s, which should be a little more predictable despite likely coaching adjustments.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?