The Bum's WNBA August Best Bets + Pod's

[StarDust Bum]

Shock-Silver Stars Preview

Posted Aug 03 2013 4:36PM

Since sweeping San Antonio to win the 2008 WNBA title, the Shock franchise has rarely gotten the better of the Silver Stars.

But with Tulsa playing well recently and short-handed San Antonio still scuffling without its two stars, the Shock could flip that trend.

Tulsa travels to San Antonio on Sunday for the first of the teams' four meetings this season.

The then-Detroit Shock won the league championship five years ago after sweeping San Antonio in the Finals. But the Silver Stars have won 13 of 16 meetings since then, including four of five last year.

Both currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, but things appear to be looking up for Tulsa (7-14), which has won four of five.

The Shock are coming off a 96-89 home win over Los Angeles on Friday, establishing a season high for points scored in regulation. Liz Cambage scored a career-high 28 points on 9-of-11 shooting while going 10 for 11 from the free-throw line after averaging 12.4 points over her previous nine games.

"I didn't care about the points. I'm just happy that we won," she said. "Teams think the way to stop me is to foul me but I'm working hard on my free throws."

Cambage combined with Candice Wiggins for 24 points in the fourth quarter and the Shock pulled away after the Sparks got within three points with 3:34 left. Wiggins matched a season high with 18 points.

"I was really proud of the way we withstood their run," coach Gary Kloppenburg said. "It's good for us to be able to beat a good team like that. We're going to have to beat some of the elite teams like Los Angeles in order to get to the playoffs."

The Silver Stars (6-13), without former All-Stars Becky Hammon and Sophia Young all season due to injuries, try to bounce back from an 85-63 loss at Minnesota on Friday.

San Antonio had won its previous two games but its talent disparity was evident as the club was held to 34.2 percent shooting against the league's best team. Coach Dan Hughes' team was outscored 17-9 in the third quarter.

"It was that kind of quarter," Hughes said. "They did a good job defensively and we didn't make some shots that I think we are used to making."

San Antonio's lone All-Star, Danielle Robinson, tallied 12 points and seven assists in her first game since appearing in last Saturday's All-Star game.

The Silver Stars are averaging 64.6 points in their last five games, and their 39.6 percent field-goal shooting ranks near the bottom of the WNBA.

Tulsa, which is just 2-8 on the road, is opening a four-game trip.

[StarDust Bum]

Storm-Lynx Preview

Posted Aug 03 2013 5:30PM

The Minnesota Lynx are one victory away from tying the second-longest home win streak in WNBA history.

Standing in their way are the Seattle Storm, owners of the mark the Lynx will try to match.

Minnesota looks for its 18th straight regular-season win at Target Center on Sunday night against Seattle.

In addition to holding the league's best record, the Lynx (15-3) are the Western Conference's only undefeated team at home this season with a 9-0 mark. Their regular-season win streak in Minneapolis dates back to July 12, 2012.

Los Angeles' 28 straight victories from 2000-02 is the best home run in WNBA history, while Seattle's 18-game stretch from 2010-11 is the second-longest.

Minnesota won five of seven against the Storm last year - including a 2-1 edge in the West semifinals - and has won five straight regular-season meetings at home since a 73-71 loss on July 17, 2010.

Minnesota won its eighth straight overall Friday in an 85-63 victory over San Antonio, nine days after its previous contest before the All-Star break. The Lynx haven't lost since July 2 at Los Angeles.

Seimone Augustus tallied 18 points on 9-of-14 shooting and is 23 for 35 over her last three games. Her 52.3 field-goal percentage is one of the best in the league.

The Lynx's 45.7 field-goal percentage is also one of the WNBA's best.

"Just offensive flow, taking what the defense gives me," Augustus told the team's official website. "Most of my shots were probably layups. I maybe had two or three jumpers if I remember clearly. Just the offensive flow has been great."

Seattle (8-10) enters seven games back of Minnesota but has notched back to-back wins, including an 88-79 home victory over Phoenix on Thursday.

The resurgent Tina Thompson finished with 16 points and hit two 3-pointers as the Storm were 11 for 26 from beyond the arc. Thompson scored 23 in a 73-66 win at Los Angeles on July 25 and her 12.5 scoring average is her best in three seasons.

"I've played better in my career, that's for sure," said Thompson, who plans to retire at the end of the year after being the only player to appear in all 17 WNBA seasons. "But I guess I'm playing good for a 38-year-old. But, no, I'm not coming back for another year. No second thoughts."

Seattle has lost four of its last six on the road.

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Seattle at Minnesota
The Storm look to build on their 10-1 ATS record in their last 11 games versus teams with a winning SU record. Seattle is the pick (+14 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Lynx favored by only 12. Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+14 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 4

Game 601-602: Los Angeles at Washington (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 108.911; Washington 112.251
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 3 1/2; 162
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 3 1/2; 158 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3 1/2); Over

Game 603-604: Tulsa at San Antonio (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 110.500; San Antonio 107.483
Dunkel Line & Total: Tulsa by 3; 146
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 2; 151 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+2); Under

Game 605-606: Seattle at Minnesota (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 109.806; Minnesota 121.889
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 12; 142
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 14 1/2; 146 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+14 1/2); Under




WNBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, August 4

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LOS ANGELES (12 - 7) at WASHINGTON (9 - 11) - 8/4/2013, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) off a upset loss as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in road games after allowing 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 236-290 ATS (-83.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 148-190 ATS (-61.0 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 71-97 ATS (-35.7 Units) in August or September games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 142-179 ATS (-54.9 Units) after a division game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 3-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 4-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TULSA (7 - 14) at SAN ANTONIO (6 - 13) - 8/4/2013, 4:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 35-20 ATS (+13.0 Units) in home games after a loss by 10 points or more since 1997.
TULSA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 7-2 against the spread versus TULSA over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 8-1 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SEATTLE (8 - 10) at MINNESOTA (15 - 3) - 8/4/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 25-43 ATS (-22.3 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 33-19 ATS (+12.1 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) on Sunday games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-5 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 8-3 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Sunday, August 4

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Trend Report
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4:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. WASHINGTON
Los Angeles is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing Washington
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games at home

4:30 PM
TULSA vs. SAN ANTONIO
Tulsa is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tulsa's last 6 games when playing San Antonio
San Antonio is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing Tulsa
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Tulsa

7:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. MINNESOTA
Seattle is 2-7 SU in its last 9 games when playing Minnesota
Seattle is 5-12 ATS in its last 17 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, August 4

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Los Angeles - 4:00 PM ET Washington +4 500 POD # 1

Washington - Over 158 500 POD # 4

Tulsa - 4:30 PM ET Tulsa +1 500 POD # 2

San Antonio - Over 150 500 POD # 3

Seattle - 7:00 PM ET Seattle +13.5 500 POD # 6

Minnesota - Under 146.5 500 POD # 5

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Seattle at Phoenix
The Storm look to build on their 8-1 ATS record in their last 9 games in Phoenix. Seattle is the pick (+9 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Mercury favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+9 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6

Game 651-652: Washington at New York (11:00 a.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 111.047; New York 107.510
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 3 1/2; 144
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 3 1/2; 148 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3 1/2); Under

Game 653-654: Los Angeles at Connecticut (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 114.146; Connecticut 107.637
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 6 1/2; 159
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 4; 153 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-4); Over

Game 655-656: Minnesota at San Antonio (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 120.164; San Antonio 107.483
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 12 1/2; 149
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 10; 153
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-10); Under

Game 657-658: Indiana at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 114.059; Chicago 115.279
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 150
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 6; 145 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+6); Over

Game 659-660: Seattle at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 109.806; Phoenix 110.470
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 1; 162
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 9 1/2; 156
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+9 1/2); Over




WNBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, August 6

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WASHINGTON (9 - 12) at NEW YORK (8 - 12) - 8/6/2013, 11:05 AM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 236-291 ATS (-84.1 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 148-191 ATS (-62.1 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 71-98 ATS (-36.8 Units) in August or September games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 146-188 ATS (-60.8 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 66-91 ATS (-34.1 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1997.
NEW YORK is 79-54 ATS (+19.6 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 7-3 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 7-3 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LOS ANGELES (13 - 7) at CONNECTICUT (6 - 12) - 8/6/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 29-47 ATS (-22.7 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after a win by 10 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 3-1 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 2-2 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (16 - 3) at SAN ANTONIO (7 - 13) - 8/6/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 8-27 ATS (-21.7 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 60-43 ATS (+12.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
MINNESOTA is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 25-44 ATS (-23.4 Units) on Tuesday since 1997.
SAN ANTONIO is 11-25 ATS (-16.5 Units) in home games off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 8-7 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 12-3 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (9 - 10) at CHICAGO (13 - 6) - 8/6/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 89-126 ATS (-49.6 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 34-53 ATS (-24.3 Units) as a road underdog of 3.5 to 6 points since 1997.
INDIANA is 62-88 ATS (-34.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 8-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 9-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SEATTLE (8 - 11) at PHOENIX (10 - 10) - 8/6/2013, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 57-81 ATS (-32.1 Units) in road games after a division game since 1997.
SEATTLE is 78-53 ATS (+19.7 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.
PHOENIX is 19-35 ATS (-19.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-19 ATS (-13.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in August or September games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 11-24 ATS (-15.4 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 14-24 ATS (-12.4 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 6-18 ATS (-13.8 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 1-10 ATS (-10.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 10-3 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 10-4 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
11 of 14 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Tuesday, August 6

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Trend Report
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11:00 AM
WASHINGTON vs. NEW YORK
Washington is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing New York
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games on the road
New York is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home
New York is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Washington

7:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. CONNECTICUT
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing Connecticut
Los Angeles is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Connecticut is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
Connecticut is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games when playing at home against Los Angeles

8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. CHICAGO
Indiana is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games when playing Chicago
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Indiana's last 9 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Indiana
Chicago is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Minnesota's last 8 games on the road
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 9 games when playing at home against Minnesota

10:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. PHOENIX
Seattle is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games
Seattle is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Phoenix
Phoenix is 5-17 SU in its last 22 games at home
Phoenix is 4-17 ATS in its last 21 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sparks (13-7) at Sun (6-12)

Date: August 06, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


Candace Parker played a major role in the Los Angeles Sparks' sweep of the Connecticut Sun last season, but her status is unknown for the first meeting of 2013.

If Parker has to miss a third consecutive game, the Sparks will try to pick up the slack once again while ending the Sun's only win streak this season.

Parker averaged 28.0 points on 58.8 percent shooting (20 of 34) and 13.0 rebounds in last season's two wins over the Sun. She had 33 points and 16 rebounds in Los Angeles' only visit to Connecticut in 2012, an 87-81 victory June 13.

Parker, however, is currently day-to-day because of a wrist injury and has missed the first two of her team's season-high five straight road games. The Sparks (13-7) opened the trip with a 96-89 loss to Tulsa on Friday but bounced back with a 75-57 rout of Washington two days later.

Nneka Ogwumike had 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Lindsey Harding contributed a career-high 14 assists, two shy of matching the league record.

"I think that the idea of this team is we want to be able to win a man down," Harding said. "Whether it's me, whether it's Kristi (Toliver), or whether it's Candace. And also know that with her in, how good we will be and how good we can be."

With Parker healthy in last season's series, Los Angeles swept a team that finished with the best record in the East. The Sun (6-12) enter the first of this season's two meetings in last place in the conference but have recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

After beating Indiana 70-64 on Thursday, Connecticut followed with an 88-66 drubbing of New York on Saturday.

Renee Montgomery had nine of her season-high 18 points in the third quarter, and Tina Charles recorded her fourth straight double-double - one shy of matching her season-best streak - with 21 points and 14 rebounds.

"She's much more confident,' Connecticut coach Anne Donovan said. "I think it speaks to her maturity. She's getting doubled and tripled and still puts up a double-double. She has that grindstone mentality that she's going to tough it out. That's an MVP kind of mindset for sure.'

Charles also topped 20 points in the win over Indiana, and Connecticut is averaging 79.0 in its last two games after scoring 58.3 per game during a string of three consecutive defeats.

Charles averaged 20.0 points and 13.0 rebounds last season against Los Angeles, and she scored a team-best 19 points in last season's home matchup despite missing 18 of a career-high 26 shot attempts.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Lynx (16-3) at Silver Stars (7-13)
Date: August 06, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


The Minnesota Lynx have received plenty of attention for their lengthy home win streak, but it really hasn't mattered where they've played lately.

The Lynx will try for a 10th consecutive victory Tuesday night when they face the San Antonio Silver Stars for the second time in five days.

Minnesota (16-3) won its 18th straight at home Sunday by handling Seattle 90-72. Lindsay Whalen led the way with 22 points on 11-of-20 shooting, her fifth game with 20 or more points in the past month.

"I'm just glad that we are winning," forward Rebekkah Brunson said. "We've been playing really, really well."

The Lynx will next seek a fifth straight road win as they go for the season sweep over San Antonio (7-13). Minnesota's only streak longer than five was a 10-gamer Aug. 18, 2011-June 15, 2012.

The Lynx have won 10 straight overall twice in the prior two seasons and had a record 13-game run Sept. 4, 2011-June 15, 2012.

Minnesota has won this season's three meetings with the Silver Stars by an average of 17.7 points, and Seimone Augustus' 18 points led the way in an 85-63 home rout of the Silver Stars on Friday. Whalen had a team-best 21 points in an 87-71 win in San Antonio on July 19, the only other matchup at the AT&T Center this season.

San Antonio has won all three home games since last month's loss to Minnesota and last week's road defeat to the Lynx is its only one in the last four overall contests.

The Silver Stars bounced back from that defeat with a 69-65 victory over Tulsa on Sunday. Jayne Appel hit a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 3:47 remaining, and Danielle Robinson had seven of her team-best 19 points in the final 2:07.

"It was a win that we needed to get so we really had to buckle down," said Robinson, who also had nine assists. "I'm proud of our effort, proud of the way we played defensively, got stops, rebounded and executed offensively at the end."

Appel also had a team-leading 13 rebounds in the win over the Shock and has averaged 13.3 in her last four games. She had nine boards and six points in last week's loss to Minnesota. Robinson (12 points) and Shameka Christon (15) were San Antonio's only players to score in double figures.

The Silver Stars were outshot 53.5 to 34.2 percent and outrebounded 43-29 in that defeat.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Fever (9-10) at Sky (13-6)
Date: August 06, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


Without Elena Delle Donne, the Chicago Sky scored their fewest points in nearly two years the last time they took the court.

The club hopes her return to the starting lineup will allow it to avert a similar performance Tuesday night, when Chicago returns home trying to avoid a second loss to the Indiana Fever in four days.

Delle Donne missed her second straight game with a concussion as Chicago (13-6) fell 79-58 at Indiana on Saturday. However, the rookie, who also had to sit out the All-Star game due to the injury, is set to start against the Fever.

"Everything's back to normal and I'm finally able to play,' she said. ``It was pretty frustrating since you don't know exactly when you're going to be able to come back. If you don't pass the tests, you get pushed back a day. But I'm glad to be cleared and healthy.'

Ranking fourth in the league with 18.2 points per game, Delle Donne was hurt going for a loose ball in an 82-78 loss at Washington on July 24. Chicago managed an 85-78 home win over the Mystics without her Friday as Sylvia Fowles scored a season-high 32 points.

The Sky, though, shot 32.8 percent Saturday on the way to their lowest scoring total since a 69-58 defeat to Connecticut on Aug. 9, 2011.

"Tough loss for us," said guard Courtney Vandersloot, who matched a season worst with five turnovers while recording one assist. "They outhustled us and outworked us. It really showed in our shots and on the scoreboard and throughout the game."

The Fever (9-10) can reach the .500 mark for the first time since splitting their first two games. Indiana's victory Saturday was its eighth in 11 contests.

Tamika Catchings finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and four blocks as the Fever scored 16 points off of 15 Sky turnovers.

Catchings is averaging a career-best 3.2 steals and her 1.2 blocks per game are her most since averaging 1.3 as a rookie in 2002.

"I thought we did a really good job as a team of just continuing to push forward no matter what," Catchings said. "Offensively we were able to go off of our defense. That's the kind of defense that we need consistently."

Indiana also got seven points in 16 minutes from reserve Jeanette Pohlen in her first game since tearing her right ACL in Game 2 of the WNBA finals last year.

"Obviously, the nerves kicked in a little bit when I first went out there," Pohlen told the team's official website. "But I'm just so blessed, so grateful to have everybody here supporting me. I was ready. It's been a while."

The Sky won the season's first meeting 71-61 at Indiana on June 22 after having lost 14 of 15 in the series.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Storm (8-11) at Mercury (10-10)
Date: August 06, 2013 10:00 PM EDT


The Phoenix Mercury are hoping Brittney Griner can have a bigger role in this matchup with Seattle after playing limited minutes in her return from injury last week against the Storm.

Of course, if Diana Taurasi again gets frustrated by Seattle's defense and the Mercury can't defend the perimeter, Griner's presence might not make much difference.

The Mercury try to avenge last week's defeat and avoid a fourth straight loss to the Storm on Tuesday night in Phoenix.

After missing five games due to a sprained left knee, Griner returned Thursday in Seattle but was limited to about four minutes per quarter. She ended up playing 18 and finished with 11 points, four rebounds and four blocks in an 88-79 loss.

Her minutes were bumped up to 30 on Sunday in an 82-76 win over Atlanta, Phoenix's first in four games.

"I'm excited to be back on the court," said Griner, who had nine points, four rebounds and three blocked shots. "I'm happy to be in front of the home crowd. I am just happy to play."

Diana Taurasi had a team-high 28 points and DeWanna Bonner added 23 for the Mercury (10-10), who snapped a three-game home skid in the opener of a season-high five-game homestand.

"It is always good to protect home court, especially in the second half of the season," Griner said. "To get this win, we just want to build from it now."

To win consecutive games at home for the first time in a month, the Mercury will need to end their struggles against Seattle.

The Storm (8-11) have won 14 of 16 in the series and have used strong perimeter shooting and tough defense on Taurasi to take both meetings this season.

Seattle shot 11 for 26 on 3-pointers in last week's meeting and made eight of 19 from beyond the arc in a 75-72 home win June 2. Shekinna Stricklen is 5 of 12 on 3s and Temeka Johnson 4 of 8 in the two games against Phoenix - the second-worst team in the league at defending the 3-pointer at 34.7 percent.

Taurasi is the league's leading scorer at 22.1 points per game, but she has struggled mightily against the Storm. The All-Star finished with 10 points and shot 3 of 10 before fouling out with 2:59 remaining last week, and had 10 points and five fouls in the first meeting.

The Storm are coming off a disappointing showing in a 90-72 loss to Minnesota on Sunday. They turned the ball over 21 times and trailed by as many as 31.

Stricklen had a career-high 24 points and went 10 of 17 from the field but the rest of the starters scored 35 and shot 11 of 31.

"I feel like we can do better,' forward Tina Thompson said. "Not to take anything away from Minnesota, but I just think our intensity at times and just kind of how we were attacking their offense and getting away from our game plan at times put us in a position that we weren't effective.'

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday, August 6

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Los Angeles - 7:00 PM ET Los Angeles -3.5 500 POD # 2
Connecticut - Under 155 500 POD # 7


Minnesota - 8:00 PM ET San Antonio +10.5 500 POD # 4

San Antonio - Under 154 500 POD # 5

Indiana - 8:00 PM ET Chicago -5.5 500 POD # 3


Chicago - Under 145.5 500 POD # 6



Seattle - 10:00 PM ET Seattle +9.5 500 POD # 1


Phoenix - Under 155.5 500 POD # 8

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Washington at Minnesota
The Lynx look to build on their 6-0 ATS record in their last 6 games against teams with a losing SU record. Minnesota is the pick (-15) according to Dunkel, which has the Lynx favored by 19. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-15). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 8

Game 601-602: Los Angeles at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 111.547; Indiana 112.440
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 1; 149
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 3; 144 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (+3); Over

Game 603-604: Washington at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 105.184; Minnesota 124.127
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 19; 155
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 15; 160
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-15); Under




WNBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 8

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LOS ANGELES (14 - 7) at INDIANA (10 - 10) - 8/8/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 17-29 ATS (-14.9 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 63-88 ATS (-33.8 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 3-1 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 3-1 straight up against INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WASHINGTON (9 - 13) at MINNESOTA (17 - 3) - 8/8/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 236-292 ATS (-85.2 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 148-192 ATS (-63.2 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games in August or September games over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 142-180 ATS (-56.0 Units) after a division game since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 61-43 ATS (+13.7 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) as a favorite this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 26-14 ATS (+10.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in home games in August or September games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-14 ATS (+12.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 31-16 ATS (+13.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-2 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 4-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Thursday, August 8

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. INDIANA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Los Angeles's last 9 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 9 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Indiana's last 10 games at home

8:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. MINNESOTA
Washington is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 12 of Minnesota's last 17 games when playing Washington
Minnesota is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing Washington

[StarDust Bum]

Sparks-Fever Preview

Posted Aug 07 2013 3:19PM

While the Los Angeles Sparks would love to get MVP candidate Candace Parker back on the court, Kristi Toliver appears more than capable of leading the way for the time being.

Parker is uncertain to be available again as Toliver and the Sparks continue a five-game road trip against the Indiana Fever, who try to avoid a fourth consecutive loss in the series Thursday night.

Averaging a team-leading 18.1 points and 9.2 rebounds, Parker (wrist) has missed each of Los Angeles' three contests since scoring a WNBA-record 23 points in the All-Star game July 27. While her absence was felt in a 96-89 loss to Tulsa on Friday, the Sparks cruised to a 75-57 win over Washington on Sunday before getting by Connecticut 74-72 on Tuesday.

Toliver was at her best against the Sun, scoring 19 points and shooting 8 of 16 and while grabbing a season-high nine rebounds. She had 23 points and went 8 of 15 from the field versus the Shock, and scored 21 in the All-Star game.

"She's got a real skill set offensively. But because she plays behind Parker, it's not always on display. But she's been big. She's stepped in to a starting role and really has done a great job with it," coach Carol Ross said.

"She's got a lot of confidence and moxie. It doesn't matter what happens in the first 38 minutes of the game. When things are on the line and tough, she wants the ball. We want her to have the ball."

Toliver came up especially big down the stretch, making a pair of difficult jumpers in the last two minutes.

"That's where I thrive and enjoy the most," she said. "I shoot the ball better with a hand in my face. I think I need more heat on (me)."

Toliver averaged 20.0 points as Los Angeles (14-7) swept last season's two-game set against Indiana (10-10), including a 77-74 road win last July 12.

The Fever, winners of nine of 12 following a seven-game losing streak, are coming off a home-and-home sweep of Chicago. Tamika Catchings had 18 points and eight rebounds and Shavonte Zellous scored 14 in a 64-58 road victory Tuesday.

Indiana shot 36.5 percent but held the Sky to 36.7.

"We're starting to play really, really good defense," said coach Lin Dunn, whose team forced 18 turnovers and surrendered two fast-break points. "That's how you win when you're not shooting the ball well."

The Fever now return home, where they have taken five of seven. Indiana ranks last in the league with 69.5 points per game, but is holding opponents to a WNBA-low 67.8.

Los Angeles opened 0-4 on the road before winning five of its last six there.

[StarDust Bum]

Mystics-Lynx Preview

Posted Aug 07 2013 2:46PM

The struggling Washington Mystics are one of two teams to beat the league-best Minnesota Lynx, but now have the daunting challenge of visiting the Target Center.

The Lynx have a chance to tie the WNBA's second-longest home win streak and their longest overall streak in one season in Thursday night's rematch with the Mystics.

Washington fended off Minnesota 85-80 at home June 8, and the Lynx (17-3) have lost only two games in Los Angeles since then. Their current 10-game win streak is one shy of matching an 11-game run from July 10-Sept. 9, 2012.

Minnesota won a franchise-record 13 straight Sept. 4, 2011-June 15, 2012.

The Lynx are also one victory away from matching Los Angeles' 19-game home win streak, which ended July 18. The Sparks won a league-record 28 consecutive home games from 2000-02.

Minnesota would appear poised to accomplish that feat as it's won its past four games by an average of 15.3 points. With a season high-tying 26 points, Maya Moore was one of three Minnesota players with 20 or more in Tuesday's 93-80 victory at San Antonio. The Lynx shot a season-best 57.4 percent and outscored the Silver Stars 40-26 in the paint.

"I just thought it was a really great game," coach Cheryl Reeve said. "We had some really great offensive performances. I think our defense was pretty solid. ... I just think it was really fun to watch. There was just some great individual play."

The Lynx also had three players score more than 20 against the Mystics in June, led by Moore's 22, but they were also outshot 49.2 to 38.5 percent. Ivory Latta scored 17 of her 24 points in the second half and Monique Currie contributed a season-high 23 for Washington.

The Mystics (9-13) enter having lost four straight - one shy of matching their season-high skid June 18-28 - and blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter of a 93-88 defeat at New York on Tuesday. Crystal Langhorne had a game-high 24 points but no other teammate scored more than 13.

"I've been coaching for 40-something years and I never saw that many bad plays in a short period of time," coach Mike Thibault said. "I'm at my limit right now. We went a whole year last year in Connecticut without losing two in a row. I'm not used to this. It's all mind boggling to me."

Minnesota will seek a third consecutive home win over Washington. The Lynx's 98-69 victory in the most recent matchup at the Target Center on Aug. 17 was the most lopsided in the series.

The status of Minnesota's starting center Janel McCarville is questionable due to a head injury.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sparks (14-7) at Fever (10-10)

Date: August 08, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


While the Los Angeles Sparks would love to get MVP candidate Candace Parker back on the court, Kristi Toliver appears more than capable of leading the way for the time being.

Parker is uncertain to be available again as Toliver and the Sparks continue a five-game road trip against the Indiana Fever, who try to avoid a fourth consecutive loss in the series Thursday night.

Averaging a team-leading 18.1 points and 9.2 rebounds, Parker (wrist) has missed each of Los Angeles' three contests since scoring a WNBA-record 23 points in the All-Star game July 27. While her absence was felt in a 96-89 loss to Tulsa on Friday, the Sparks cruised to a 75-57 win over Washington on Sunday before getting by Connecticut 74-72 on Tuesday.

Toliver was at her best against the Sun, scoring 19 points and shooting 8 of 16 and while grabbing a season-high nine rebounds. She had 23 points and went 8 of 15 from the field versus the Shock, and scored 21 in the All-Star game.

"She's got a real skill set offensively. But because she plays behind Parker, it's not always on display. But she's been big. She's stepped in to a starting role and really has done a great job with it," coach Carol Ross said.

"She's got a lot of confidence and moxie. It doesn't matter what happens in the first 38 minutes of the game. When things are on the line and tough, she wants the ball. We want her to have the ball."

Toliver came up especially big down the stretch, making a pair of difficult jumpers in the last two minutes.

"That's where I thrive and enjoy the most," she said. "I shoot the ball better with a hand in my face. I think I need more heat on (me)."

Toliver averaged 20.0 points as Los Angeles (14-7) swept last season's two-game set against Indiana (10-10), including a 77-74 road win last July 12.

The Fever, winners of nine of 12 following a seven-game losing streak, are coming off a home-and-home sweep of Chicago. Tamika Catchings had 18 points and eight rebounds and Shavonte Zellous scored 14 in a 64-58 road victory Tuesday.

Indiana shot 36.5 percent but held the Sky to 36.7.

"We're starting to play really, really good defense," said coach Lin Dunn, whose team forced 18 turnovers and surrendered two fast-break points. "That's how you win when you're not shooting the ball well."

The Fever now return home, where they have taken five of seven. Indiana ranks last in the league with 69.5 points per game, but is holding opponents to a WNBA-low 67.8.

Los Angeles opened 0-4 on the road before winning five of its last six there.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mystics (9-13) at Lynx (17-3)

Date: August 08, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


The struggling Washington Mystics are one of two teams to beat the league-best Minnesota Lynx, but now have the daunting challenge of visiting the Target Center.

The Lynx have a chance to tie the WNBA's second-longest home win streak and their longest overall streak in one season in Thursday night's rematch with the Mystics.

Washington fended off Minnesota 85-80 at home June 8, and the Lynx (17-3) have lost only two games in Los Angeles since then. Their current 10-game win streak is one shy of matching an 11-game run from July 10-Sept. 9, 2012.

Minnesota won a franchise-record 13 straight Sept. 4, 2011-June 15, 2012.

The Lynx are also one victory away from matching Los Angeles' 19-game home win streak, which ended July 18. The Sparks won a league-record 28 consecutive home games from 2000-02.

Minnesota would appear poised to accomplish that feat as it's won its past four games by an average of 15.3 points. With a season high-tying 26 points, Maya Moore was one of three Minnesota players with 20 or more in Tuesday's 93-80 victory at San Antonio. The Lynx shot a season-best 57.4 percent and outscored the Silver Stars 40-26 in the paint.

"I just thought it was a really great game," coach Cheryl Reeve said. "We had some really great offensive performances. I think our defense was pretty solid. ... I just think it was really fun to watch. There was just some great individual play."

The Lynx also had three players score more than 20 against the Mystics in June, led by Moore's 22, but they were also outshot 49.2 to 38.5 percent. Ivory Latta scored 17 of her 24 points in the second half and Monique Currie contributed a season-high 23 for Washington.

The Mystics (9-13) enter having lost four straight - one shy of matching their season-high skid June 18-28 - and blew a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter of a 93-88 defeat at New York on Tuesday. Crystal Langhorne had a game-high 24 points but no other teammate scored more than 13.

"I've been coaching for 40-something years and I never saw that many bad plays in a short period of time," coach Mike Thibault said. "I'm at my limit right now. We went a whole year last year in Connecticut without losing two in a row. I'm not used to this. It's all mind boggling to me."

Minnesota will seek a third consecutive home win over Washington. The Lynx's 98-69 victory in the most recent matchup at the Target Center on Aug. 17 was the most lopsided in the series.

The status of Minnesota's starting center Janel McCarville is questionable due to a head injury.