Betting the WNBA Week 16, Expert Picks & Playoff Implications

It’s the final week of the WNBA season, and while things seem to be pretty set in stone in regard to who is in and out, there is still one position waiting to be filled.

The top 7 teams have all clinched their postseason spots, but the #8 seed is up for grabs.

My Analysis to Betting the WNBA Week 16

In terms of games this week, the majority of the action goes on Thursday night, which is the final day of the regular season.

Given that everything will be decided then, we are going to focus on the top games being played this coming Thursday.

By the time all is said and done, the playoff bracket will be ready, but let’s look at the top games that will decide who finishes where.

Chicago Sky at Connecticut Sun

When: Thursday, September 19, 7:00 PM

This time last week, it looked as though the Chicago Sky would be the last team in, but they have now lost 3 in a row and have slipped below the cut line.

They are still alive, but with just 1 open spot and 3 teams vying for it, they might well need a bit of a miracle to find their way back into the top 8.

Worst of all, they need to go on the road to face a Connecticut Sun team that will finish as the #3 seed heading into the playoffs.

They have not been great of late, but they have won all 3 meetings with the Sky this season.

Atlanta Dream at New York Liberty

When: Thursday, September 19, 7:00 PM, NBA TV

As mentioned, there are 3 teams still in with a shot at landing the final playoff spot, but the Dream probably have the toughest road of all 3 to get in.

They need to win on Tuesday night against the Chicago Sky to stay alive, but even if they can do that, they then need to hit the road to face the best team in the league.

The New York Liberty are 2 games clear at the top and on the brink of clinching the #1 seed, which they might just do with a win in this one, potentially eliminating the Dream at the same time.

Indiana Fever at Washington Mystics

When: Thursday, September 19, 7:00 PM, Prime Video

As it stands right now, the Washington Mystics are in pole position for the #8 seed, but with 2 days of action still to come, they probably need at least one more win.

Their final chance to get that will come on Thursday night against an Indiana fever team that has already punched their playoff ticket.

Everyone believed the Fever would be better this season with Caitlin Clark in the fold, but they might be better than expected, especially in the last few weeks, where they have really gotten hot.

Stephen A. Smith on Caitlin Clark:

"She is clearly the ROTY, deserving to be in MVP talks, even though she's behind A'ja Wilson". Around 56 sec mark, he says

"Did Sheryl Swoopes call that game because she was going up against the Dallas wings?"😭😭😭#WNBA #FeverRising pic.twitter.com/fDzVsI1A2n
— Ashwin (@Sudharsan_ak) September 17, 2024

Seattle Storm at Phoenix Mercury

When: Thursday, September 19, 10:00 PM

Both of these teams have already clinched their playoff spots, but they will both want to go into the postseason on a high.

Seattle is on a very good run of form right now and comes into the new week on a 4-game win streak that has them just 1 game out of the #4 spot, which would mean home court advantage in Round 1 if they can climb up a spot.

The Mercury are coming off a win in their last game, but they have also won just 3 times in the last 10 games.

Betting the WNBA Week 16 Odds to Win the 2024 Season

New York Liberty +141
Las Vegas Aces +255
Minnesota Lynx +330
Connecticut Sun +910
Indiana Fever +2000
Seattle Storm +2600
Phoenix Mercury +9000
Atlanta Dream +28000
Washington Mystics +50000
Chicago Sky +65000

Update : Sun lost to Lynx and Aces beat the Storm

If Sun lose their last game (Sky) and Aces win their last (Wings), Aces get the 3rd seed, since they have the tie-breaker over Sun (3-0)

Fever will then play the Aces in the 1st round of the #WNBA playoffs#FeverRising https://t.co/v8zLX5nSLH pic.twitter.com/mUh0M2Tevi
— Ashwin (@Sudharsan_ak) September 18, 2024