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

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Los Angeles at Seattle
The Sparks look to build on their 7-3 ATS record in their last 10 games versus the Storm. Los Angeles is the pick (-5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sparks favored by 9. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-5 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20

Game 601-602: Minnesota at Atlanta (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 120.127; Atlanta 109.800
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 10 1/2; 151
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 3; 156 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-3); Under

Game 603-604: Chicago at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 114.774; Washington 109.184
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 5 1/2; 157
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 154
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-1 1/2); Over

Game 605-606: Phoenix at Tulsa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 107.495; Tulsa 114.500
Dunkel Line & Total: Tulsa by 7; 158
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 2 1/2; 153 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+2 1/2); Over

Game 607-608: Los Angeles at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 116.541; Seattle 107.492
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 9; 143
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 5 1/2; 147
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-5 1/2); Under




WNBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, August 20

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MINNESOTA (18 - 6) at ATLANTA (13 - 9) - 8/20/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 6-1 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 8-0 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CHICAGO (17 - 8) at WASHINGTON (12 - 14) - 8/20/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 239-293 ATS (-83.3 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 150-193 ATS (-62.3 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 148-190 ATS (-61.0 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 144-181 ATS (-55.1 Units) after a division game since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 15-35 ATS (-23.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 66-92 ATS (-35.2 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 6-5 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 9-2 straight up against WASHINGTON 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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PHOENIX (13 - 12) at TULSA (8 - 17) - 8/20/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 21-37 ATS (-19.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 15-27 ATS (-14.7 Units) in August or September games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 13-23 ATS (-12.3 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 17-31 ATS (-17.1 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 2-12 ATS (-11.2 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
TULSA is 6-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 9-2 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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LOS ANGELES (18 - 7) at SEATTLE (11 - 13) - 8/20/2013, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 22-39 ATS (-20.9 Units) in road games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 10-21 ATS (-13.1 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 30-48 ATS (-22.8 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 23-11 ATS (+10.9 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.

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

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WNBA

Tuesday, August 20

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Minnesota's last 21 games
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Atlanta is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota

7:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. WASHINGTON
Chicago is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games on the road
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games
Washington is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
See more trends!

8:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. TULSA
Phoenix is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
Phoenix is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
Tulsa is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Tulsa's last 11 games when playing Phoenix
See more trends!

10:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. SEATTLE
Los Angeles is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Los Angeles's last 17 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Seattle's last 8 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
Seattle is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games when playing Los Angele


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WNBA

Tuesday, August 20

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Hot under the radar bet: Chicago Sky on ATS streak
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The Chicago Sky of the WNBA are tops in the Eastern Conference and are a hot bet against the spread of late.

The Sky are 5-0 ATS in their last five overall and are 4-1 straight up over that stretch. The hot ATS streak puts the Sky on top of the league's ATS standings with a record of 14-9-2.

In their four victories, the Sky have dispatched their opponents with relative ease, winning by double digits in three games and an average margin of victory of 12 points.

The Washington Mystics will host the Sky Tuesday. Chicago is currently a 2.5-point road fave.

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday, August 20

Game Score Status Pick Amount

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

Washington - Under 153.5 500 POD # 2

Minnesota - 7:00 PM ET Minnesota -3.5 500 POD # 3

Atlanta - Under 157.5 500 POD # 8

Phoenix - 8:00 PM ET Tulsa +3.5 500 POD # 4

Tulsa - Over 152.5 500 POD # 6

Los Angeles - 10:00 PM ET Seattle +5.5 500 POD # 5

Seattle - Under 146.5 500 POD # 7

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Silver Stars (9-15) at Fever (11-14)

Date: August 21, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


Bouncing back from a disappointing road trip could prove difficult for the Indiana Fever if they're again without one of their top players.

Shavonte Zellous' status is uncertain as Indiana hosts the San Antonio Silver Stars on Wednesday night.

The Fever (11-14) went 0-3 on their trip, falling to fourth place in the Eastern Conference and leading New York by a game for the final playoff spot. They went 22-12 last season to earn the No. 2 seed on the way to their first championship.

Indiana was without Zellous, who is suffering from plantar fasciitis, for a fourth straight game in a 77-70 loss to Seattle on Sunday. She is averaging 15.0 points.

The Fever did get Karima Christmas back after she left Thursday's 94-72 defeat to Los Angeles with a hip injury, though she scored seven points and shot 3 of 11. Tamika Catchings had 21 points but was 4 for 14 from the field as Indiana shot 37.5 percent.

The club averages a league-low 69.4 points.

"Yeah, it's been a tough road trip," said guard Briann January, who scored 17 points. "I think though every game we've gotten better as a team. Tonight, I think a lot of fatigue played a part, but every team has to play through it."

The Silver Stars (9-15), losers of four of five on the road, hope Danielle Robinson can improve upon a poor performance in a 79-64 home loss to Indiana in the teams' season opener May 24. Catchings and Zellous each scored 19 while Robinson was held to four points. She recorded nine assists but committed four turnovers.

Robinson has been named to her first All-Star team and is averaging 11.5 points and a league-leading 7.0 assists. She averaged 9.9 and 4.3 in her second NBA season last year.

She scored 20 points and added eight assists while going 10 for 11 from the free-throw line in an 88-82 home win over Phoenix on Saturday.

"(Robinson is) just evolving into a player this year with the loss of Becky (Hammon) and Sophia (Young) where we have got to play through her," coach Dan Hughes said. "And playing through her takes different forms. It takes scoring, but it also takes her ability to set up people and that arc that she is working on was really important today."

A win by San Antonio would give the teams a split of the season series for the fourth time in five years.

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

San Antonio at Indiana
The Fever look to take advantage of a San Antonio team that is coming off an 88-82 win over Phoenix and is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games following an ATS victory. Indiana is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Fever favored by 10 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-8 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21

Game 651-652: San Antonio at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 106.790; Indiana 117.248
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 10 1/2; 136
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 8 1/2; 140 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-8 1/2); Under




WNBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, August 21

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SAN ANTONIO (9 - 15) at INDIANA (11 - 14) - 8/21/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games against Eastern conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 17-5 ATS (+11.5 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
INDIANA is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 3-1 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 4-1 straight up against SAN ANTONIO 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

Wednesday, August 21

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. INDIANA
San Antonio is 7-14 SU in its last 21 games
San Antonio is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Indiana's last 12 games at home

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

08/20/13 6-*2-*0 75.00% +*1900 Detail
08/18/13 4-*2-*0 66.67% +*900 Detail
08/17/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
08/16/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*850 Detail
08/15/13 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
08/14/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
08/13/13 1-*1-*0 50.00% -*50 Detail
08/11/13 6-*4-*0 60.00% +*800 Detail
08/10/13 3-*0-*1 100.00% +*1500 Detail
08/09/13 2-*4-*0 33.33% -*1200 Detail
08/08/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
08/06/13 4-*4-*0 50.00% -*200 Detail
08/04/13 0-*6-*0 0.00% -*3300 Detail
08/03/13 2-*4-*0 33.33% -*1200 Detail
08/02/13 2-*4-*0 33.33% -*1200 Detail
08/01/13 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*950 Detail

Totals 44-*43-*1 50.57% -*1650



Wednesday, August 21

Game Score Status Pick Amount


San Antonio - 7:00 PM ET San Antonio +8.5 500 POD # 2


Indiana - Under 140.5 500 POD # 1

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Lynx (18-7) at Sun (7-17)
Date: August 22, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


The Minnesota Lynx still cling to the WNBA's top record despite a recent slump.

Perhaps facing the owner of the league's worst mark will help them get back on track.

Minnesota visits the Connecticut Sun on Thursday night looking to sweep the season series.

Losers of four of five, the Lynx (18-7) still sit atop the league, though Los Angeles trails them by only a half-game in the Western Conference. Their potent offense - which averages a league-best 83.2 points - is sputtering somewhat, averaging 78.8 points in regulation over the last five.

Minnesota suffered its second straight road loss Tuesday in an 88-75 final at Atlanta. The Lynx outscored the Dream 29-14 in the third, but went nearly eight minutes without a field goal in the final period while being outscored 22-5.

Maya Moore, who finished with 23 points, was held scoreless in the fourth as Minnesota committed eight of its 18 turnovers.

"They did a good job of finishing," Moore said. "Our bad offense gave them transition points and against Atlanta you can't afford to turn the ball over as many times as we did, because they're really good at exploiting that."

Moore doesn't appear to be very culpable for the team's recent struggles. She's averaging 21.6 points on 53.3 percent shooting over the last five games, including a 51.4 percent clip from 3-point range.

She's averaging a career-high 17.8 points on the season while knocking down 44.4 percent of her attempts from beyond the arc. She scored 26 in a season-opening 90-74 home win over Connecticut on June 1.

Having lost five of six, the Sun (7-17) continue to fade out of the East playoff picture.

After being without Allison Hightower the last three games due to a strained right knee, the Sun announced Tuesday they would be without the All-Star guard for the rest of the season. Hightower was the team's third-leading scorer with 12.8 points per game.

Connecticut opened with a 15-0 lead at Chicago on Sunday but still wound up with an 89-78 loss.

The Sun held the Elena Delle Donne-less Sky to 29.4 percent field-goal shooting in the first half before being outscored 62-35 in the final 20 minutes.

"Extremely frustrated," coach Anne Donovan said. "We had a great 20 minutes in the first half playing good defense, scoring off of our defense. And in the second half - give credit to Chicago, they came out ran better offense, got more aggressive offensively. And 62 points in a half is pretty amazing."

Reigning league MVP Tina Charles had yet another inefficient game, scoring 11 points on 5-of-16 shooting. She's averaging 13.6 points on 34.6 percent shooting during a 1-4 stretch for Connecticut. Charles is making a career-low 39.8 percent of her shots this year.

The Sun got 22 points each from Charles and Kara Lawson in the loss at Minnesota, though they were a combined 17 of 41 from the field.

Connecticut had won seven straight meetings at home until an 85-72 loss last year. A victory Thursday would mark the fifth straight season series split.

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Minnesota at Connecticut
The Sun look to take advantage of a Minnesota team that is 1-3 ATS in its last 4 road games. Connecticut is the pick (+8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Lynx favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (+8 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 22

Game 601-602: Minnesota at Connecticut (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 112.736; Connecticut 111.823
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 1; 158
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 8 1/2; 154 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+8 1/2); Over




WNBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 22

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MINNESOTA (18 - 7) at CONNECTICUT (7 - 17) - 8/22/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 92-61 ATS (+24.9 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 29-16 ATS (+11.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home games against Western conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after allowing 75 points or more this season.
CONNECTICUT is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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WNBA

Thursday, August 22

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CONNECTICUT
Minnesota is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Connecticut
Connecticut is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Minnesota
Connecticut is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday, August 22

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Minnesota - 7:00 PM ET Connecticut +8 500 POD # 1


Connecticut - Over 154.5 500 POD # 2

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dream (14-9) at Mystics (12-15)

Date: August 23, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


Having already provided a big boost since returning from knee surgery, Tiffany Hayes will try to help the Atlanta Dream avoid a franchise-worst road losing streak with another high-scoring effort against the Washington Mystics.

The Dream will also seek a fourth straight win and their ninth in a row over Washington on Friday night.

Hayes missed seven games after injuring her knee and returned Aug. 11 but failed to score in double figures in her first three games back in action. She made up for it in the past two contests, tying a career high with 23 points in a 76-58 rout of Washington on Sunday and scoring another 23 on Tuesday in an 88-75 victory over Minnesota.

The Dream went 1-6 without Hayes, among the league's top-scoring reserves at 11.7 points per game, as their bench averaged 13.9. In Hayes' 16 games, Atlanta's bench is averaging 24.4 points.

"I'm feeling good just to know that I can come off the bench and be a spark for my team," said Hayes, 14 for 20 from the field over the past two games. "Go out there and help defensively then turn around and make it happen on offense as well."

Hayes now looks to help the Dream (14-9) halt a seven-game slide on the road. All but one of those defeats came without Hayes, though she's averaging just 8.4 points away from home.

The Dream, however, have won their last three visits to Washington (12-15) and eight straight overall in the series. They have claimed three matchups this season by an average of 13.0 points, including a 73-63 win at the Verizon Center on June 2.

While Atlanta sits second in the Eastern Conference, the Mystics are fourth and only one game ahead of New York for the final playoff spot. Washington also visits Atlanta on Wednesday.

"We've got a tough stretch down at the end (of the season)," guard Ivory Latta said. "We've just got to do the little things that will get us over the hump."

Latta led the Mystics with 12 points in Sunday's loss to Atlanta and scored 12 again Tuesday but was 3 for 10 from the field in a 79-73 defeat to East-leading Chicago. Washington shot below 35 percent in both losses.

The Mystics had an eight-point lead late in the second quarter Tuesday, but they missed 15 of 16 shots in third and didn't connect on 15 straight attempts in one stretch during the second half.

"Didn't shoot the ball well in the third," Latta said. "Got to deal with it and be ready for Friday."

Kia Vaughn had a season-high 21 points but is averaging 6.1 this season. She's scored a combined 14 in the three losses to Atlanta.

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WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Aug 18, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 58 Under: 134
ATL « 76 Cover: 10.5
Tools: Recaps

Jun 28, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 75 Over: 161
ATL « 86 Cover: 1
Tools: Recaps

Jun 2, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL « 73 Cover: 4.5
WAS 63 Under: 136
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Silver Stars (9-16) at Shock (8-18)

Date: August 23, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


The San Antonio Silver Stars and Tulsa Shock are running out of time to begin a playoff push.

A loss in Friday's matchup at Tulsa could devastate the little postseason hope that remains for both teams.

The clubs sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, with San Antonio (9-16) three games behind Seattle for the final playoff spot and Tulsa (8-18) 1 1/2 games back of the Silver Stars.

San Antonio is in danger of missing the postseason for the first time since 2006, while Tulsa appears headed for its fourth straight year without a playoff appearance.

The Silver Stars are 3-10 on the road with losses in five of their last six away from home, though they've split their last 10 overall. They took an 80-63 loss at Indiana on Wednesday, facing an uphill climb after a 41-25 halftime deficit.

"I think we came out flat," said Jia Perkins, who was 5 of 10 for 12 points. "It was a tough loss for us."

Perhaps more damaging was the loss of WNBA assists leader Danielle Robinson, who reportedly left with a knee injury. Robinson, whose status is uncertain, was averaging 12.3 points and 8.0 assists over six games prior to Wednesday.

Tulsa lost for the fourth time in five games with Tuesday's 89-86 home defeat to Phoenix despite 23 points from Riquna Williams and 21 points and 13 rebounds by Liz Cambage. The Shock managed to trim a 13-point deficit to three with 16 seconds left after being outscored 27-15 in the third.

"We came out a little lethargic in the third quarter,' coach Gary Kloppenburg said. "Sometimes that happens. I am not sure I can explain it."

Cambage is averaging 20.8 points over her last eight contests while shooting 64.3 percent from the field.

Skylar Diggins was held to seven points and one assist after a three-game run in which she averaged 14.0 points and 3.7 assists. The rookie guard was scoreless in 17 minutes of a 69-65 loss at San Antonio on Aug. 4, recording five assists with four turnovers.

Though the Silver Stars are one of the league's worst free-throw shooting teams at 74.0 percent, they were 16 for 20 from the line while Tulsa went 13 for 25.

Robinson had 19 points and nine assists while Perkins scored 18 and Williams was out for Tulsa due to injury.

The Shock can even the all-time series at 21 wins a piece with a victory.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Liberty (10-15) at Sky (18-8)

Date: August 23, 2013 8:30 PM EDT


After seven consecutive losing seasons, the Eastern Conference-leading Chicago Sky find themselves on the verge of the first playoff berth in team history.

The Sky can lock up a postseason spot with a win over the visiting New York Liberty, who could be without Cappie Pondexter as they try to avoid a five-game season sweep Friday night.

A winner in five of six, Chicago (18-8) reduced its magic number to one with a 79-73 victory at Washington on Tuesday. Star rookie Elena Della Donne returned from injury to score 24 points while Courtney Vandersloot added a season-high 19 to go along with seven assists.

Sylvia Fowles scored 16 points and grabbed 15 rebounds.

"We want to make history," said Delle Donne, who missed the previous two games with a sprained left foot. "I think adrenaline takes over and you don't feel any pain anymore. I was happy to see that I wasn't favoring my foot or anything like that."

The Sky, who joined the WNBA in 2006, had never previously finished with more than 16 wins.

"Obviously for the franchise, the fans, these players, it's huge," coach Pokey Chatman said. "I won't try to minimize it, (but) it won't change how we approach things (against the Liberty) ... It's huge and we just have to make sure we get it the next time out."

The Sky have dominated the Liberty (10-15) this season, taking all four matchups by an average of 18.3 points. Chicago most recently swept a home-and-home set, winning 75-55 at New York on July 18 and 80-69 two days later.

"I know in the course of a season just by experience, every team has their number on a team," Pondexter said after scoring 22 in the second of those defeats. "It happens. This is how basketball is."

New York is hoping to avoid a season high-tying third consecutive loss after getting blown out 88-57 at Minnesota on Sunday. Katie Smith and Alex Montgomery each scored a team-high 11 points for the Liberty, who were limited to 31.3 percent from the field with Pondexter out due to a bruised left heel.

"Overall we competed to a point," said coach Bill Laimbeer, whose team dropped one game behind Washington for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East.

Laimbeer was fined an undisclosed amount Thursday after criticizing the Lynx for keeping Maya Moore in the game late in the fourth quarter with her team comfortably ahead.

Pondexter is averaging 18.7 points to rank third in the league, just ahead of Delle Donne's 18.5.

Fowles has averaged 21.0 points in her last five games, 4.3 above her season mark. Fowles leads the WNBA in field-goal percentage (58.1) and rebounds (11.9).

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WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 20, 2013 Score ATS Results
NEW 69 Cover: 0.5
CHI « 80 Under: 149
Tools: Recaps

Jul 18, 2013 Score ATS Results
CHI « 75 Cover: 15
NEW 55 Under: 130
Tools: Recaps

Jul 7, 2013 Score ATS Results
CHI « 93 Cover: 26.5
NEW 64 Over: 157
Tools: Recaps

Jun 26, 2013 Score ATS Results
NEW 74 Over: 161
CHI « 87 Cover: 4
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Storm (12-13) at Mercury (14-12)

Date: August 23, 2013 10:00 PM EDT


Diana Taurasi and the surging Phoenix Mercury have shown tremendous improvement on the defensive end under interim coach Russ Pennell.

They haven't been able to slow down the Seattle Storm this year.

Seeking a fifth win in six games, the Mercury try to avoid a four-game season sweep to the visiting Storm on Friday night.

While Phoenix (14-12) is allowing 82.0 points per game to rank last in the league, it has surrendered an average of 69.8 in winning four of five with Pennell at the helm. The Mercury weren't as stifling Tuesday but still managed to pull out an 89-86 win at Tulsa.

"We play best when our defense is good because it fuels our offense," Pennell told the team's official website. "As I told the ladies in there, when you win a basketball game sometimes you will have to win it a little ugly at the end.

"If we can learn to play for longer stretches on the defensive end, I think this team has a chance to go a long way."

The Mercury could certainly afford to pick up the pace against the Storm (12-13), who have taken 10 of 12 regular-season matchups in the series dating to 2011. Seattle has averaged 81.0 points in three meetings this season, most recently cruising to an 80-65 victory in Phoenix on Aug. 6 behind 19 points apiece from Tina Thompson and Tanisha Wright.

Seattle held Taurasi to nine points on 2-of-11 shooting in that game. Taurasi, averaging 21.4 points to rank second in the league, has been limited to a combined 29 against the Storm this year.

"Our concentration, first, primarily, is Diana," Thompson said after the matchup earlier this month. "She's just that much of a weapon just for her team. We kind of concentrate on her and not let her get comfortable."

Taurasi is coming off one of her better all-around efforts, posting 28 points and 10 assists Tuesday.

"She does things so quietly then you look at the stat sheet and see that she has 28 points," Pennell said. "Male or female, I have never been around a competitor like her. Diana is fiery but she is all about the team. She is just a phenomenal player."

Candice Dupree also came up big against the Shock with 20 points and 10 rebounds, while star rookie Brittney Griner added 15 and 10.

The Storm are seeking a season high-tying third consecutive win after blowing out Los Angeles 77-57 on Tuesday. Temeka Johnson had 18 points and Thompson added 17 and 10 boards for Seattle, which is fourth in the Western Conference and 1 1/2 games behind Phoenix.

"It's playoff time," Johnson said. "Our mindset has changed."

The Storm have won five of their last seven against teams in the playoff picture.

"The playoff teams, we match up very well against them," Thompson said. "Our personnel is very similar to those teams (with winning records), and I really think it's the matchups more than anything."

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WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Aug 6, 2013 Score ATS Results
SEA « 80 Cover: 25
PHO 65 Under: 145
Tools: Recaps

Aug 1, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO 79 Over: 167
SEA « 88 Cover: 13.5
Tools: Recaps

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

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

San Antonio at Tulsa
The Shock look to build on their 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 home games. Tulsa is the pick (-6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Shock favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-6 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 23

Game 651-652: Atlanta at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 113.835; Washington 111.575
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 2 1/2; 158
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 1; 153 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+1); Over

Game 653-654: San Antonio at Tulsa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 104.827; Tulsa 113.313
Dunkel Line & Total: Tulsa by 8 1/2; 147
Vegas Line & Total: Tulsa by 6 1/2; 151 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (-6 1/2); Under

Game 655-656: New York at Chicago (8:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 106.296; Chicago 116.641
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 10 1/2; 153
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 12 1/2; 149 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (+12 1/2); Over

Game 657-658: Seattle at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 107.492; Phoenix 116.174
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 4; 148
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 8 1/2; 150 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+8 1/2); Under




WNBA
Long Sheet

Friday, August 23

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ATLANTA (14 - 9) at WASHINGTON (12 - 15) - 8/23/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
ATLANTA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 24-10 ATS (+13.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 239-294 ATS (-84.4 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 150-194 ATS (-63.4 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 74-101 ATS (-37.1 Units) in August or September games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 43-67 ATS (-30.7 Units) when playing with 2 days rest since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 148-191 ATS (-62.1 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 144-182 ATS (-56.2 Units) after a division game since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 15-36 ATS (-24.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 8-4 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 10-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (9 - 16) at TULSA (8 - 18) - 8/23/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULSA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 16-4 ATS (+11.6 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 8-2 against the spread versus TULSA over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 9-1 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 10 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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NEW YORK (10 - 15) at CHICAGO (18 - 8) - 8/23/2013, 8:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 37-21 ATS (+13.9 Units) in road games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
NEW YORK is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more this season.
NEW YORK is 52-32 ATS (+16.8 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-6 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-5 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SEATTLE (12 - 13) at PHOENIX (14 - 12) - 8/23/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 25-45 ATS (-24.5 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.
SEATTLE is 80-54 ATS (+20.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.
PHOENIX is 21-38 ATS (-20.8 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 9-20 ATS (-13.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) in August or September games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 12-27 ATS (-17.7 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 17-32 ATS (-18.2 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-21 ATS (-16.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 2-13 ATS (-12.3 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 11-3 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 11-4 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
12 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Friday, August 23

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. WASHINGTON
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Atlanta is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
Washington is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Washington is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta

8:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. TULSA
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 6 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
Tulsa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against San Antonio
Tulsa is 1-6 ATS in its last 7 games when playing San Antonio

8:30 PM
NEW YORK vs. CHICAGO
New York is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
New York is 4-11 SU in its last 15 games on the road
Chicago is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
Chicago is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against New York
See more trends!

10:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. PHOENIX
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Seattle's last 17 games
Phoenix is 1-7 ATS in its last 8 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, August 23

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Atlanta - 7:00 PM ET Washington +2.5 500 POD # 4

Washington - Over 153.5 500 POD # 5


San Antonio - 8:00 PM ET Tulsa -6.5 500 POD # 8

Tulsa - Under 150.5 500 POD # 3


New York - 8:30 PM ET Chicago -11.5 500 POD # 2

Chicago - Under 149 500 POD # 6


Seattle - 10:00 PM ET Seattle +8.5 500 POD # 1

Phoenix - Over 149.5 500 POD # 7

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Fever (12-14) at Lynx (19-7)
Date: August 24, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


While the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx recently took a step back, they are hoping a key win last time out will help get them going again.

Shavonte Zellous and the reigning champion Indiana Fever also appear to be back on track.

Minnesota tries for a two-game season sweep of the Fever on Saturday night as these teams meet at the Target Center for the first time since last year's WNBA Finals.

The Lynx (19-7) had won 10 in a row before dropping a season-high three straight and four of five, but they bounced back with a 91-77 victory at Connecticut on Thursday. Rebekkah Brunson had a season-high 24 points and pulled down 11 of Minnesota's 26 rebounds.

"Connecticut definitely got our best effort, which we haven't been putting forth lately," said Brunson, averaging a team-leading 9.2 boards. "We knew we had to change our mentality with the way we've been playing."

Seimone Augustus contributed 18 points and Maya Moore added 17 for the Lynx, who saw each starter score at least 11. Minnesota shot 57.6 percent and outscored the Sun 50-34 in the paint.

"Give Minnesota a lot of credit. Their starters, are, in particular, very skilled offensively, very confident," Sun coach Anne Donovan said.

The Lynx will try to carry that confidence into the matchup with the Fever (12-14), whom they beat 69-62 on July 11 behind a combined 45 points from Lindsay Whalen and Monica Wright. While Minnesota has taken four consecutive regular-season meetings in the series, Indiana got the best of coach Cheryl Reeve's team in the WNBA Finals last year.

The Fever endured an 0-3 road trip before regrouping with an 80-63 rout of San Antonio on Wednesday. Zellous (plantar fasciitis) returned from a four-game absence to score 11 of her 20 points in the fourth quarter and Tamika Catchings finished with 19.

Indiana scored 28 points off the Silver Stars' 21 turnovers and held a 34-24 edge in the paint.

"Thank God," Catchings said of Zellous' return. "Every game I've been asking her, `Are you playing? Are you playing? Is today the day?'"

"I think for us, we just have to keep building off of what we already have done, what we know we're capable of doing. Just got to make the playoffs."

Indiana finds itself in a three-team race with Washington and New York for the final two playoff berths in the Eastern Conference. The Fever are seeking their ninth consecutive postseason appearance.

"If you wanna get in the playoffs, you have to win right now," coach Lin Dunn said. "We've got this cluster of three teams trying to get those spots, and we like the fact that we have a history of being in the playoffs."

Indiana hasn't dropped four straight on the road since a five-game losing streak in 2008.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 11, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIN « 69 Cover: 3
IND 62 Under: 131
Tools: Recaps

Oct 24, 2012 Score ATS Results
IND 0 Over: 0
MIN « 0 Cover: 0
Tools:

Oct 21, 2012 Score ATS Results
MIN 78 Over: 165
IND « 87 Cover: 11
Tools: Recaps

Oct 19, 2012 Score ATS Results
MIN 59 Under: 135
IND « 76 Cover: 20.5
Tools: Recaps

Score ATS Results
IND 71 Over: 154
MIN « 83 Cover: 4.5
Tools: Recaps

Oct 14, 2012 Score ATS Results
IND « 76 Cover: 14
MIN 70 Under: 146
Tools: Recaps