Announcement

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2013, 02:03 AM

Preview: Mercury (9-9) at Storm (7-10)

Date: August 01, 2013 10:00 PM EDT

The injury-plagued Phoenix Mercury have labored with star rookie Brittney Griner out, and it's unclear if she will return in their first game back from the All-Star break.

With help from an inspired Tina Thompson, the Seattle Storm are hoping they're finally coming together after struggling for much of the first half without two of their top players.

The Storm will try to secure their second win streak of the season as they host the Mercury on Thursday night.

Griner has missed Phoenix's past five contests due to a sprained left knee and sat out Saturday's All-Star game. After an 81-69 loss in Minnesota last Wednesday, coach Corey Gaines expressed hope that the 6-foot-8 center would return this week.

"I think we will come back with my big healthy and ready to play," Gaines said.

Gaines, though, got some bad news last week on Penny Taylor. The Australian forward might have to sit out the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on her right knee.

Forward Lynetta Kizer has been dealing with a strained left knee, and it's unknown if she can help Phoenix (9-9) earn just its second win in seven games Thursday. A healthier Mercury won five straight and eight of nine before that difficult stretch.

Seattle (7-10) has dealt with two high-profile absences - three-time league MVP Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird - but wrapped up the first half with its second win in four games, 73-66 at Los Angeles last Thursday.

Tina Thompson's 23 points helped put the Storm in position to seek back-to-back victories for the first time since a three-game win streak June 16-21. The WNBA's all-time leading scorer, who appeared in a record ninth All-Star game after replacing Griner, is set to retire at the end of this season.

"She's sort of got a rejuvenated energy now sort of being the leader in a lot of ways on our team," coach Brian Agler said. "She came back in a lot better shape this year than she was a year ago. I was happy. Inside, I think she was looking forward to coming back and playing one last time."

Thompson scored just seven points in Seattle's only matchup with the Mercury this season, but she also grabbed a team-best six rebounds in a 75-72 win June 2. Tanisha Wright led the way with 20 points as Seattle rallied from an early 11-point deficit.

Griner scored 17 but also drew a technical foul for spiking the ball late in the game and a flagrant one in the third quarter. Candice Dupree led the Mercury with 18 points while league scoring leader Diana Taurasi (22.4 ppg) had one of her worst games, fouling out with 10 points.

Taurasi will be back after serving a one-game suspension last Wednesday for picking up her seventh technical foul.

These teams meet again Tuesday in Phoenix.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jun 2, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO 72 Under: 147
SEA « 75 Cover: 13
Tools: Recaps

Sep 23, 2012 Score ATS Results
SEA « 71 Cover: 6.5
PHO 57 Under: 128
Tools: Recaps

Aug 30, 2012 Score ATS Results
PHO « 75 Cover: 21.5
SEA 68 Under: 143
Tools: Recaps

Aug 16, 2012 Score ATS Results
PHO 58 Under: 130
SEA « 72 Cover: 5
Tools: Recaps

Jul 13, 2012 Score ATS Results
SEA « 83 Cover: 12
PHO 64 Under: 147
Tools: Recaps

Jul 8, 2012 Score ATS Results
PHO 68 Over: 151
SEA « 83 Cover: 8
Tools: Recaps

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2013, 11:00 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

Indiana at Connecticut
The Fever look to take advantage of a Connecticut team that is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 Thursday games. Indiana is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Fever favored by 5. Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-1 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 1

Game 651-652: Indiana at Connecticut (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 112.764; Connecticut 107.637
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 5; 137
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 1 1/2; 141
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-1 1/2); Under

Game 653-654: Phoenix at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 109.394; Seattle 112.154
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 3; 157
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 2; 153
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+2); Over

WNBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 1

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INDIANA (8 - 9) at CONNECTICUT (4 - 12) - 8/1/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 89-125 ATS (-48.5 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 23-10 ATS (+12.0 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 88-58 ATS (+24.2 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
INDIANA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) after a division game this season.
CONNECTICUT is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 7-6 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 7-7 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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PHOENIX (9 - 9) at SEATTLE (7 - 10) - 8/1/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 18-34 ATS (-19.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 12-24 ATS (-14.4 Units) in August or September games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 6-21 ATS (-17.1 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 11-23 ATS (-14.3 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 6-17 ATS (-12.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 77-53 ATS (+18.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.
SEATTLE is 24-43 ATS (-23.3 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 9-3 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 9-4 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
11 of 13 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Thursday, August 1

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Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

7:00 PM
INDIANA vs. CONNECTICUT
Indiana is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Connecticut
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Indiana's last 8 games when playing on the road against Connecticut
Connecticut is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Connecticut's last 7 games when playing Indiana

10:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. SEATTLE
Phoenix is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Phoenix is 2-6-1 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Seattle's last 10 games when playing at home against Phoenix
Seattle is 9-2 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Phoenix

**StarDust Bum** · 08-01-2013, 11:02 AM

Thursday, August 1

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Indiana - 7:00 PM ET Indiana -2 500 POD # 4

Connecticut - Under 141.5 500 POD # 3

Phoenix - 10:00 PM ET Seattle +2 500 POD # 1

Seattle - Over 153 500 POD # 2

**StarDust Bum** · 08-02-2013, 11:05 AM

Preview: Sparks (12-6) at Shock (6-14)
Date: August 02, 2013 8:00 PM EDT

Candace Parker and Kristi Toliver both turned in impressive All-Star debuts.

The Los Angeles Sparks hope for similar performances from their duo as they begin the season's second half Friday night on the road against the Tulsa Shock.

Parker, averaging a team-high 18.1 points on 48.2 percent shooting, shot 29.6 percent from the field while averaging 15.5 points as the Sparks (12-6) split four games heading into the break.

But she won MVP honors in Saturday's exhibition after finishing with a record 23 points along with 11 rebounds while leading the West to a 102-98 victory.

Parker, the league's fourth-leading rebounder at 9.2 per game, was playing in her first All-Star game. She was also voted in as a starter in 2011, but didn't play due to injury.

"I hadn't been to one, and this was really special," Parker said. "Being with all these great players and sharing stories, that's what I'll remember from this All-Star game more than what happened on the court."

Toliver also had 21 points in her first All-Star game and helped secure the victory by hitting two free throws with less than 15 seconds left for the final margin.

"Being here this weekend was a lot of joy," said Toliver, who is averaging 14.7 points and 3.3 assists. "It was humbling to be here but I feel like I belong."

The Sparks have averaged 73.0 points during a 2-2 stretch after scoring 85.8 points while starting the season 10-4. They shot a season-low 31.1 percent from the field in a 73-66 home loss to Seattle on July 25, their lowest home scoring output since an 82-65 loss to San Antonio on Sept 6, 2011.

"We have to figure out, through this break, I hope, that we're not always going to be able to hit those shots and teams are going to make adjustments on us and we have to do the same," Parker said.

Tulsa (6-14) will try to limit its turnovers after suffering a 71-60 home loss to Indiana last Thursday, which snapped a season-best three-game winning streak. The Shock committed 19 turnovers, converted into 24 points by the Fever.

"The big number for us today was the turnovers," coach Gary Kloppenburg said. "When they get that many points off that many turnovers, it's hard to overcome."

Glory Johnson, who was held to 11 points and five rebounds, scored two points in nine minutes of action in Saturday's All-Star game.

Los Angeles has won 12 of the teams' last 15 meetings since 2010, including two earlier this season. Parker averaged 23.5 points on 61.8 percent shooting with 10.5 rebounds in those contests while Toliver averaged 23.0 points and 2.0 steals.

-------------------------------------------------------

WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 11, 2013 Score ATS Results
LOS « 94 Cover: 8.5
TUL 78 Over: 172
Tools: Recaps

Jun 8, 2013 Score ATS Results
TUL 69 Cover: 11
LOS « 76 Under: 145
Tools: Recaps

**StarDust Bum** · 08-02-2013, 11:07 AM

Preview: Silver Stars (6-12) at Lynx (14-3)
Date: August 02, 2013 8:00 PM EDT

The Minnesota Lynx headed into the All-Star break with a league-best win streak and their franchise-record run at home still intact, but they remain far from content entering the second half of the season.

The Lynx will seek an eighth consecutive victory and their 17th in a row at home in Friday night's matchup with the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Minnesota's 14-3 record to end the first half topped its 13-4 mark from each of the past two seasons. The Lynx wrapped up those campaigns with 27 wins, one shy of the league record, and reached the WNBA finals both times.

"I've got a group that's been here before," coach Cheryl Reeve told the team's website. "We understand that it's simply the halfway point in the season. We haven't done anything. Our goals are intact."

With a victory Friday, Minnesota will grab sole possession of the third-longest home win streak in league history. Los Angeles won 28 straight from 2000-02, and Seattle took 18 in a row from 2010-11.

The Lynx also can secure the fourth-longest overall win streak in franchise history. They've had runs of nine, 11 and 13 consecutive victories over the previous two seasons.

"We've got ourselves off to a good start," said forward Maya Moore, one of Minnesota's four All-Stars. "We need to go out every night knowing that we are going to get every team's best shot and this season is far from over."

Moore's team now goes for a third win in as many meetings with the Silver Stars this season and seventh straight against them at home.

While the Lynx have the WNBA's best record, San Antonio (6-12) is fifth in the Western Conference and outside the playoff picture. The Silver Stars have struggled for much of this season with stars Becky Hammon and Sophia Young injured, but they enter Friday seeking a season-high third straight win.

"It's pleasing for me to see that we put a couple of games together to end this (season's first half); now we have got to build on that," coach Dan Hughes said after earning his 200th win with a 65-53 victory over New York last Thursday.

Hughes' club has given up 53 points or fewer in each of its past two wins - both at home - after allowing 80 or more in 11 of 12 contests. That 12-game stretch began with an 87-72 loss in Minnesota on June 11 and ended with an 87-71 home defeat to the Lynx on July 19.

Lindsay Whalen led Minnesota in scoring in both matchups, averaging 22.0 points on 60.0 percent shooting. The All-Star guard is averaging 19.4 points in her last 10 games overall, and her 16.2 per game this season trails Moore's 16.4 for the team lead.

San Antonio, which hosts the Lynx on Tuesday, is 2-7 on the road.

---------------------------------------------------------

WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 19, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIN « 87 Cover: 6
SA 71 Under: 158
Tools: Recaps

Jun 11, 2013 Score ATS Results
SA 72 Under: 159
MIN « 87 Cover: 1
Tools: Recaps

**StarDust Bum** · 08-02-2013, 11:09 AM

Preview: Mystics (9-10) at Sky (12-5)
Date: August 02, 2013 8:30 PM EDT

The Chicago Sky can gain a measure of revenge for their loss right before the All-Star break, but those hopes could depend on whether rookie sensation Elena Delle Donne is available.

It's unclear whether Delle Donne will return from a concussion for the Sky as they try for a seventh straight home win over the Washington Mystics on Friday night.

Chicago (12-5) went into the break after an 82-78 loss at Washington (9-10) last Wednesday. Delle Donne's concussion forced her out in the third quarter.

Delle Donne, averaging 18.2 points a game, was the first rookie to lead All-Star voting but had to miss Saturday's contest. WNBA rules will help determine whether she takes the court Friday.

"Now, I am feeling better and am taking my recovery day by day," Delle Donne posted on her blog on the league's official site. "I am doing everything that the doctors and trainers ask of me so that I can get back on the court with my teammates for the next part of the season."

Chicago had its five-game win streak snapped in last week's meeting, blowing a 21-point lead. The Mystics realize the Sky will be motivated.

"We were able to get Chicago before the break and of course they're going to come out extra at their place so we just have to be prepared," Washington guard Matee Ajavon said.

The Sky have won 10 of the last 12 meetings, and six straight at home. Chicago won 89-85 at home July 10 in the first 2013 matchup.

If Delle Donne doesn't play, the Sky could try to get the ball more to Sylvia Fowles, averaging 23.5 points and 13.5 rebounds against Washington this year. Fowles leads the league in rebounding at 11.7 per game.

Fowles figures to present a bad matchup for a Washington team that was outrebounded 43-34 and outscored 56-26 in the paint in its first game since the break, Wednesday's 88-78 home defeat to New York.

"I thought tonight we saw some of the symptoms of the past a little bit,' coach Mike Thibault said. "Hopefully that's not true, but I thought we got out-physicaled tonight.'

Ajavon had a season-high 20 points and All-Star guard Ivory Latta added 11. Mystics starting center Michelle Snow missed 7 of 8 shots for two points while the Liberty got 22 points from starting center Kara Braxton.

Snow has totaled 11 points and eight fouls in her first two matchups against Fowles.

"We gotta find a way to get it done," said Latta, who had 18 points and a season-high 13 assists in last week's win over the Sky. "This game is over, we got a great team (next), we gotta go play Chicago in Chicago."

--------------------------------------------------------

WNBA HEAD TO HEAD
Jul 24, 2013 Score ATS Results
CHI 78 Over: 160
WAS « 82 Cover: 8.5
Tools: Recaps

Jul 10, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 85 Cover: 5.5
CHI « 89 Over: 174
Tools: Recaps

**StarDust Bum** · 08-02-2013, 11:10 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

Washington at Chicago
The Mystics look to build on their 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 games against Chicago. Washington is the pick (+7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sky favored by only 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Washington (+7 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 2

Game 601-602: Los Angeles at Tulsa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 118.019; Tulsa 106.690
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 11 1/2; 166
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 8 1/2; 160 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-8 1/2); Over

Game 603-604: San Antonio at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 103.483; Minnesota 122.642
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 19; 152
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 14; 156 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-14); Under

Game 605-606: Washington at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 111.678; Chicago 117.146
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 5 1/2; 155
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 7 1/2; 161 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+7 1/2); Under

WNBA
Long Sheet

Friday, August 2

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LOS ANGELES (12 - 6) at TULSA (6 - 14) - 8/2/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 12-25 ATS (-15.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 22-38 ATS (-19.8 Units) in road games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TULSA is 8-1 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 8-3 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (6 - 12) at MINNESOTA (14 - 3) - 8/2/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 7-7 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 11-3 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (9 - 10) at CHICAGO (12 - 5) - 8/2/2013, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 236-289 ATS (-81.9 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 148-189 ATS (-59.9 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 30-55 ATS (-30.5 Units) in road games in August or September games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 146-187 ATS (-59.7 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 32-52 ATS (-25.2 Units) in road games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-5 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WNBA

Friday, August 2

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. MINNESOTA
San Antonio is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
San Antonio is 5-9-1 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games at home

8:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. TULSA
Los Angeles is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
Los Angeles is 1-11-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Tulsa
Tulsa is 11-1-2 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Los Angeles
Tulsa is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Los Angeles

8:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHICAGO
Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Washington

**StarDust Bum** · 08-02-2013, 03:44 PM

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

08/01/13 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*950 Detail

Totals 3-*1-*0 75.00% +950

Friday, August 2

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Los Angeles - 8:00 PM ET Los Angeles -9.5 500 POD # 2

Tulsa - Under 159.5 500 POD # 3

San Antonio - 8:00 PM ET San Antonio +14 500 POD # 6

Minnesota - Under 156.5 500 POD # 5

Washington - 8:30 PM ET Washington +7.5 500 POD # 1
Chicago - Under 158 500 POD # 4

**StarDust Bum** · 08-03-2013, 11:54 AM

WNBA
Dunkel

Atlanta at Phoenix
The Mercury look to take advantage of an Atlanta team that is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 road games. Phoenix is the pick (-3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Mercury favored by 5 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 3

Game 651-652: Connecticut at New York (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 103.637; New York 111.481
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 8; 139
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 4; 143
Dunkel Pick: New York (-4); Under

Game 653-654: Chicago at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 114.592; Indiana 118.062
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 3 1/2; 149
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 145
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+1); Over

Game 655-656: Atlanta at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 109.064; Phoenix 114.394
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 5 1/2; 163
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 3 1/2; 166 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-3 1/2); Under

WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 3

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CONNECTICUT (5 - 12) at NEW YORK (8 - 11) - 8/3/2013, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 89-58 ATS (+25.2 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 9-4 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 10-3 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (12 - 5) at INDIANA (8 - 10) - 8/3/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 89-126 ATS (-49.6 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 61-88 ATS (-35.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 7-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 8-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATLANTA (11 - 5) at PHOENIX (9 - 10) - 8/3/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 18-35 ATS (-20.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 6-19 ATS (-14.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in August or September games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games against Eastern conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 16-30 ATS (-17.0 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 2-2 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 2-2 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WNBA

Saturday, August 3

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. NEW YORK
Connecticut is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Connecticut's last 7 games when playing New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 6 games when playing at home against Connecticut
New York is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games

7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. INDIANA
Chicago is 2-13 SU in its last 15 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 8 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indiana's last 8 games when playing Chicago

10:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. PHOENIX
Atlanta is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 7 games on the road
Phoenix is 4-17 SU in its last 21 games at home
Phoenix is 8-17 ATS in its last 25 games

**StarDust Bum** · 08-03-2013, 11:59 AM

Sun-Liberty Preview

Posted Aug 02 2013 1:23PM

The New York Liberty and Connecticut Sun entered the All-Star break out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference.

Both have come out of the break with big victories against teams in front of them.

They'll seek to build on those wins Saturday night when the Liberty try to hand the Sun a sixth straight road loss.

Connecticut (5-12) swept a first-round series from New York (8-11) last year and both have work to do to get back to the postseason.

The Liberty and Sun are the East's worst teams, but are well within striking distance of Washington and Indiana for the conference's last two postseason spots.

Connecticut resumed play after the break by rallying from a 16-point deficit in the second half in Thursday's 70-64 victory over the Fever.

"It's a new season," Sun center Mistie Bass said. "We came into the second half with a new mindset that we have a chance to get in the playoffs and it's got to start today. And all of the sudden, you look up at the scoreboard and it's 50-34.

"All you can do is say, 'not again.' You've got to dig deep somewhere inside yourself and find a way as an individual to do as much as you can, and I thought like everyone did that and we came together."

Tina Charles had 22 points and 12 rebounds for her third straight double-double. Bass added 12 points.

One night before the Sun's big victory, the Liberty tightened up the playoff picture with an 88-78 road win over the Mystics that featured a 56-26 advantage in points in the paint. Center Kara Braxton had a season-high 22 points on 11-of-14 shooting and her backup, rookie Kelsey Bone, made 7 of 9 shots for 15 points and added a season-best 11 rebounds as the Liberty dominated inside.

"That's by far (Kara's) best game of the year along with Kelsey," coach Bill Laimbeer said. "Both of those players really stood up for us today in a game that was very important to us."

How the Liberty centers match up with Charles will factor into Saturday's contest. New York has limited the All-Star to 26.3 percent shooting in two 2013 meetings.

Charles, who averages 18.5 points and 10.7 rebounds overall, had 19 and 13 in an 81-69 season-opening victory over New York on May 25 before being limited to seven points on 3-of-17 shooting with four rebounds in a 78-68 road defeat June 14.

Both meetings have featured strong second halves by the victorious home teams. Connecticut outscored New York by 14 after halftime in May and the Liberty came back from a nine-point halftime deficit the next month.

Cappie Pondexter is averaging 21.5 points in the season series to lead New York, which has dropped four of its last five at home.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-03-2013, 12:01 PM

Sky-Fever Preview

Posted Aug 03 2013 1:17AM

When Jeanette Pohlen last saw the court, the Indiana Fever were playing in the WNBA Finals.

The defending champions will be glad to have the sharpshooter back behind the arc as they host the Chicago Sky on Saturday night.

Pohlen, who tore her right ACL in Game 2 of last year's WNBA Finals, has made 44 percent of her three-point tries over her two-year career.

"I feel good," Pohlen told the team's official site. "I'm starting to feel back to normal really. I think it will just be getting that kind of game-like situation and endurance and everything back to normal. It's just going to take time and it's going to take that experience every day."

After becoming the first rookie to lead the league from behind the arc with her 46.8 percent clip in 2011, she made 42.1 percent - good for 11th - last year.

"Being back here just gets me excited and ready to go for the season. Once I get back, hopefully I can bring something to the team," Pohlen said. "This is my first major injury. It has been an adjustment. I think it's taught me patience."

Whether or not the Fever (8-10) need her is another question. They've won seven of 10 despite the notable absence of the injured trio of Erin Phillips, Katie Douglas and Jessica Davenport.

The Fever could have made it eight of 10, but squandered a 16-point lead in the final 11:35 of their 70-64 loss to the Connecticut Sun on Thursday, getting outscored 34-12 in that stretch.

"We just didn't execute when the game was on the line," said Shavonte Zellous, who led the team with 20 points. "Crunch time, I think we turned the ball over a couple of times. Then on defense, we didn't pay attention to our defensive assignments and it led to a couple of open shots and offensive rebounds. That's the ball game."

The contributions of players usually left out of the spotlight like Zellous and Jessica Breland have helped the Fever stay afloat. Breland, who scored just 22 points in five July contests, had 17 on Thursday to go along with seven rebounds.

Indiana could use Pohlen's scoring touch, however. The Fever rank last in the league with 69.2 points per game.

The Sky (13-5), on the other hand, have won 9 of 11 behind a high-scoring offense averaging 83.3 points over its last seven.

Even with leading scorer and rookie All-Star Elena Delle Donne out, the Sky haven't missed a beat. Sylvia Fowles reached double digits for the 10th straight time in Chicago's 85-78 victory over Washington on Friday night, scoring a season-high 32 points.

"You know, she's a beast," Chicago coach Pokey Chatman said. "Look at her toenail polish when you go in there (to the locker room). She's got that Incredible Hulk Green on."

Fowles, who made 10 of 14 at home against Washington, has made 70 of her last 111 shots from the field (63.1 percent) and ranks second in the league in field-goal percentage (57.4). She is also leads the league in rebounds per game at 11.7 after recording 15 on Friday night.

"She's one of the best in the world," Chatman said. "She's powerful, she's quick, she's fast. That's what we need her to be to have success."

Delle Donne, the second overall pick, is currently day-to-day with a concussion.

Saturday night marks the first time Chicago has played back-to-back games this season. The Sky went 2-2 in the tail end of back-to-back games in 2012.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-03-2013, 12:02 PM

Dream-Mercury Preview

Posted Aug 02 2013 5:54PM

Although Angel McCoughtry is one of the WNBA's top scorers, the Atlanta Dream still need others to step up with two other key players out.

They hope Alex Bentley can provide that lift moving forward.

Short-handed Atlanta tries to snap a four-game road skid against Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday night.

The Dream (11-5) looked like the class of the league with a 10-1 start. But Tiffany Hayes (10.8 ppg) and Sancho Lyttle (14.3 ppg) suffered injuries and haven't played since June 30 and July 9, respectively, and will still be out Saturday.

Atlanta dropped four in a row from July 9-July 21 - all on the road - including losses at Minnesota and Tulsa by a combined 49 points.

However, the Dream entered the All-Star break feeling slightly better with a 74-65 home win over Connecticut on July 24. McCoughtry - the league's second-leading scorer at 20.3 points per game - put together a typical performance with 22 points, but Bentley, who entered averaging 7.7 points, stepped up by matching a season high with 17.

"Alex is really helping our team with Sancho and Tiffany being out, so she's going to get better and better," McCoughtry said of the rookie from Penn State. "She's young and she's learning the game, but she's done well so far."

The break seemed to come at a good time for Phoenix (9-10), which came in with losses in five of six. But even with Griner back after missing five games with a sprained left knee - albeit in limited minutes - the Mercury opened the season's second half with an 88-79 loss at Seattle on Thursday.

Griner finished with 11 points, four rebounds and four blocks in 18 minutes as she played for the first time since July 7.

"She could only play four minutes a quarter," coach Corey Gaines said.

DeWanna Bonner had 19 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while Diana Taurasi was 3 of 10 for 10 points - more than 11 below her league-leading average - and fouled out with 2:59 left.

One of the league's highest scoring teams at 82.8 points per game, the Mercury have been slowed recently, averaging 75.0 points while losing three in a row.

Atlanta has the league's second-best defense, limiting opponents to 72.8 points per game. The Dream's 11.3 steals lead the league, with McCoughtry and Armintie Herrington first and third at 3.3 and 2.6, respectively.

Each team has five wins in the all-time series, though Atlanta won both meetings last season. Bonner averaged 24.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and 4.5 steals for the Mercury.

**StarDust Bum** · 08-03-2013, 12:08 PM

Saturday, August 3

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Connecticut - 6:00 PM ET New York -4.5 500 POD # 3

New York - Over 142.5 500 POD # 5

Chicago - 7:00 PM ET Chicago -1 500 POD # 2

Indiana - Over 144.5 500 POD # 4

Atlanta - 10:00 PM ET Phoenix -4 500 POD # 1

Phoenix - Over 168 500 POD # 6

**StarDust Bum** · 08-04-2013, 04:49 AM

Sparks-Mystics Preview

Posted Aug 03 2013 7:55PM

Playing without an injured Candace Parker, the Los Angeles Sparks dropped the opener of a season-high five-game road trip.

While they were still able to get their offense going, her absence left a big hole defensively.

With Parker's status uncertain, the Sparks try to shore up their defensive issues when they face the struggling Washington Mystics on Sunday.

Parker was named All-Star game MVP after scoring 23 points in last Saturday's exhibition, but an injured right wrist prevented her from taking the court in Los Angeles' first game after the break. All-Star Kristi Toliver had 23 points and Nneka Ogwumike scored 17, but the Sparks (12-7) couldn't keep up with Tulsa in Friday's 96-89 loss.

Los Angeles allowed the Shock to shoot 53.2 percent and make 7 of 13 3-pointers as Tulsa came within one point of matching the highest output allowed by the Sparks this season.

"We battled. It's hard to find a way to replace someone like Candace,'' Los Angeles coach Carol Ross said.

Parker had 20 points, seven rebounds and four blocks in a 79-69 home win over Mystics on June 23, but it was Lindsey Harding who led the way. Harding, who averages 11.8 points, scored a season-high 22 and had seven assists and four steals to guide the Sparks to a third straight victory in the series.

Even if Parker can't go, Los Angeles might have better luck against a Washington team that has had both trouble offensively and in the interior.

The Mystics (9-11) have dropped four of five, averaging 69.5 points in the losses. In a pair of defeats since the break, Washington has been outrebounded 76-65 and outscored 92-54 in the paint.

The Mystics also couldn't take advantage of facing a Chicago team playing without leading scorer Elena Delle Donne, Carolyn Swords and Sharnee Zoll-Norman, falling 85-78 on Friday.

Matee Ajavon had a team-high 19 points but also turned the ball over six times for Washington, which committed 13 of its 19 turnovers after halftime.

"We took care of the ball in the first half,'' Mystics coach Mike Thibault said. "We didn't turn it over much. ... But in the second half, we had some major turnovers and, apparently, we foul a lot. I don't know what the difference is, but apparently we must.''

Washington turned the ball over 20 times at Staples Center in June, with Monique Currie responsible for five and Ajavon four. All-Star guard Ivory Latta only had one turnover but was limited to a season-low five points on 2-of-8 shooting.

She was 3 of 10 from the field for seven points Friday.

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