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

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, September 6

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Washington - 7:00 PM ET Washington -5 500 POD # 1

Connecticut - Under 147.5 500


Atlanta - 7:30 PM ET New York +4 500 POD # 4

New York - Over 151 500


Los Angeles - 8:00 PM ET Tulsa +6 500 POD # 3

Tulsa - Over 158 500


Indiana - 8:30 PM ET Chicago -7 500 POD # 2

Chicago - Under 145 500


San Antonio - 10:00 PM ET San Antonio +11 500 POD # 5

Phoenix - Under 155 500

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sun (8-22) at Fever (14-16)

Date: September 07, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


It's been an up-and-down season for the Indiana Fever, but they are on the verge of getting the opportunity to defend their first WNBA title.

The Fever can clinch a ninth straight playoff berth Saturday night at home if they beat the short-handed Connecticut Sun.

Indiana (14-16) has found that defending the crown hasn't been easy with Katie Douglas, Erin Phillips, Jeanette Pohlen and rookie Layshia Clarendon all missing time due to injuries during the team's 1-7 start.

The Fever remain without Douglas (bulging disc) and Phillips has an eye injury that caused her to miss Friday's 82-77 victory at Chicago. Indiana, however, could be building momentum after improving to 3-1 against the Sky by snapping the regular-season Eastern Conference champions' seven-game win streak.

Briann January scored a career-high 23 points and Erlana Larkins added 13 and 12 rebounds as all five starters scored in double figures. The Fever won for the third time in five games and moved into a tie for third place with Washington.

"It's just one more win closer to clinching a spot in the playoffs and that's all I'm concerned with," January said.

January made a career-high five 3-pointers after missing the Fever's previous game with an illness. She was seen icing her knee afterward.

"It's just maintenance," she said. "I'll be fine tomorrow."

Another reason Indiana has struggled this year is its 1-2 record against league-worst Connecticut, but there's reason to believe it can even the season series Saturday.

The Sun (8-22) announced Friday they would be without reigning MVP Tina Charles for the remainder of the season. Charles, out with a knee injury, averaged 18.0 points and 10.1 rebounds and had 17 double-doubles.

Connecticut is already without starters Kelly Faris, Kara Lawson and Allie Hightower.

Charles averaged 22.0 points on 56.9 percent shooting along with 9.3 rebounds per game against Indiana.

The Sun had eight available players but still ended a seven-game slide Friday with a 77-70 home win over the Mystics. Tan White matched her career high with 26 points and added six assists.

"I'm so proud of that effort from those eight,' coach Anne Donovan said. "They just played so well and so hard, followed the game plan and just hustled from beginning to end."

Kelsey Griffin added 17 points, and Mistie Bass had eight points and 10 rebounds for Connecticut, suffering through the worst season in franchise history.

"We have nothing to lose,' Bass said. "This group is not the type to lay down and die. The season happened the way that it did, but it doesn't mean we have to end that way."

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WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Aug 1, 2013 Score ATS Results
IND 64 Under: 134
CONN « 70 Cover: 1.5
Tools: Recaps

Jul 6, 2013 Score ATS Results
CONN 66 Under: 144
IND « 78 Cover: 7.5
Tools: Recaps

Jun 12, 2013 Score ATS Results
CONN « 73 Cover: 15.5
IND 61 Under: 134
Tools: Recaps

Oct 11, 2012 Score ATS Results
IND « 87 Cover: 20.5
CONN 71 Over: 158
Tools: Recaps

Oct 8, 2012 Score ATS Results
CONN 76 Cover: 3
IND « 78 Over: 154
Tools: Recaps

Oct 5, 2012 Score ATS Results
IND 64 Under: 140
CONN « 76 Cover: 8
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Lynx (23-7) at Storm (15-15)

Date: September 07, 2013 10:00 PM EDT


With four regular-season games remaining, the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx are already in playoff mode.

They could be preparing to face the Seattle Storm in the first round for a second straight season.

The Lynx try for a sixth consecutive victory in the first of two straight road games against the playoff-bound Storm on Saturday night.

Though Minnesota (23-7) appears in good position to earn home-court advantage throughout the Western Conference playoffs, it's not about to coast into the postseason.

"We want to win games," coach Cheryl Reeve told the Lynx's official website. "(The media is) going to talk to them about standings watching and all that kind of stuff. I told them not to listen to (the media)."

The Lynx have won their last five games by an average of 15.8 points, and made a major statement Wednesday when they shot 50.8 percent en route to an 83-74 win over second-place Los Angeles. Seimone Augustus scored 23 points, Maya Moore had 20, Rebekkah Brunson added 11 with 11 rebounds and Lindsay Whalen recorded a career-high 14 assists.

"If you don't turn it up now, I don't know when you're going to turn it up," Augustus said. "We have all been there. We have all experienced the playoffs except for a few rookies we have. I'm going to do what I have to, to make sure we get back in position of winning the championship."

Whalen also has played a key role, and she was rewarded with a multiyear contract extension Friday. The 10-year veteran and Minnesota native is averaging a career-high 14.7 points and 6.0 assists.

Whalen and Augustus each totaled 34 points while Moore had 46 as Minnesota won both previous home meetings with Seattle (15-15) by a combined 41 points last month. Behind 30 points from Moore, the Lynx shot 57.7 percent and made a season-high 41 field goals during a 97-74 rout of the Storm last Saturday.

"Minnesota's the best team in the league,' Seattle coach Brian Agler said. "There's no question.'

Though the Storm have dropped nine straight regular-season and playoff games in Minneapolis, they won the teams' most recent meeting in Seattle, 86-79 in Game 2 of the first round last year.

Seattle, which has clinched its 10th straight playoff berth, is fourth in the West and could face the Lynx once again to open the postseason. Despite dropping their most recent contest last Saturday, the Storm have won five of seven overall and three straight at home.

"Their goal was to make the playoffs. Now we will reset our goals," Agler told the Storm's official website.

Playing in her last WNBA season, 38-year-old Tina Thompson tied a season high with five 3-pointers and finished with 18 points at Minnesota last weekend. She's averaged 21.0 points while going 11 for 19 from beyond the arc in the last three games.

These teams meet again in Seattle on Tuesday.

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WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Aug 31, 2013 Score ATS Results
SEA 74 Over: 171
MIN « 97 Cover: 11.5
Tools: Recaps

Aug 4, 2013 Score ATS Results
SEA 72 Over: 162
MIN « 90 Cover: 5
Tools: Recaps

Oct 2, 2012 Score ATS Results
SEA 72 Cover: 9.5
MIN « 73 Under: 145
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Minnesota at Seattle
The Storm look to bounce back from their 97-74 loss to the Lynx last Saturday and build on their 7-1 ATS record in their last 8 games following an ATS defeat. Seattle is the pick (+7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Storm favored by 4. Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+7 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Game 651-652: Connecticut at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 101.038; Indiana 115.219
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 14; 135
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 11 1/2; 139 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-11 1/2); Under

Game 653-654: Minnesota at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 113.395; Seattle 117.177
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 4; 154
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 7 1/2; 148 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+7 1/2); Over




WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, September 7

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CONNECTICUT (8 - 22) at INDIANA (14 - 16) - 9/7/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.
INDIANA is 41-27 ATS (+11.3 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games when playing on back-to-back days since 1997.

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

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MINNESOTA (23 - 7) at SEATTLE (15 - 15) - 9/7/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 66-48 ATS (+13.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 18-10 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a favorite this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 8-5 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 10-3 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Saturday, September 7

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. INDIANA
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Connecticut's last 14 games on the road
Connecticut is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Indiana is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 6 games at home

10:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SEATTLE
Minnesota is 7-2 SU in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing Minnesota
Seattle is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday, September 7

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Connecticut - 7:00 PM ET Indiana -11.5 500 POD # 3


Indiana - Under 139.5 500 POD # 4



Minnesota - 10:00 PM ET Seattle +6.5 500 POD # 1


Seattle - Under 148.5 500 POD # 2

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mercury (16-13) at Dream (17-13)

Date: September 08, 2013 3:00 PM EDT


Having recovered from their mid-season slumps, the Atlanta Dream and Phoenix Mercury are aiming to lock down playoff seeds.

The Dream can clinch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with their fourth straight victory Sunday while the visiting Mercury look to sweep this season series for the second time in three years.

This contest also features the WNBA's top two scorers in Atlanta's Angel McCoughtry (21.7 ppg) and Phoenix's Diana Taurasi (20.8).

Atlanta (17-13) leads Washington and Indiana by three games with four remaining in the fight for home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. Since the Dream won the season series with both of those teams, they can wrap up second place with a win or losses by both the Mystics and Fever.

"It's really important to finish up strong, just to get that momentum for the playoffs and keep the No. 2 spot," McCoughtry said. "We just want to get that confidence going in."

Phoenix (16-13) sits in third place in the West and has a 1 1/2-game lead over fourth-place Seattle with a game in hand. Avoiding the No. 4 seed likely means the Mercury wouldn't have to face league-best Minnesota in the opening round. They've lost all five meetings with the Lynx and have a 2-1 season series lead over current No. 2 seed Los Angeles.

Following a stretch in which they dropped seven of nine, Phoenix has regrouped with a 6-2 record under interim coach Russ Pennell after eliminating San Antonio in Friday's 83-80 victory.

"But we can't relax because now at this point we are competing for the third or fourth seed," said Candice Dupree, who had 18 points and is averaging 19.3 over her last four games. "We got to stay on it."

Taurasi scored 21, going 5 for 10 from the field, after totaling 26 on 6-of-20 shooting in the previous two games.

Brittney Griner had 12 of her 16 points in the second half and grabbed a season-high 14 rebounds. The No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft had averaged 10.7 points in August - her lowest-scoring month of the season.

Griner was held to nine points in an 82-76 victory over visiting Atlanta on Aug. 3 as Taurasi led the way with 28 points and DeWanna Bonner added 23.

McCoughtry had 33 points that day despite missing 18 of 30 attempts and added eight assists. The All-Star was limited to 16 points for the second time in three games Friday and shot 5 for 17, but the Dream won 70-57 at New York.

Erika de Souza had her second straight double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. She's averaging 18.7 and 11.7, respectively, over her last three games.

Injuries derailed the Dream during a 4-12 stretch in July and August, but they've gotten back on track with three straight wins this month. Armintie Herrington and Tiffany Hayes appear to have recovered from their injuries, though Sancho Lyttle might not be back until the postseason after undergoing foot surgery in July.

This is the Dream's final home game before wrapping up the regular season with three straight on the road, where they've lost nine of 10.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sky (21-9) at Mystics (14-16)

Date: September 08, 2013 4:00 PM EDT


While the Chicago Sky have secured the top seed in the Eastern Conference, the Washington Mystics have some work to do if they hope to qualify for the WNBA playoffs.

They'll might have to find a way to contain Sylvia Fowles to make that happen.

The Mystics will try to deal the Sky consecutive losses for the first time in more than a month Sunday while clinching a trip to the postseason against the team they could play in the opening round.

Washington (14-16) looks to bounce back by beating the Sky (21-9) for the third time in 15 meetings after failing to secure its first Eastern Conference playoff berth since 2010 in a 77-70 loss at league-worst Connecticut on Friday.

"I think we didn't look by (Connecticut) at all because we knew that we had a chance to clinch a playoff spot,' said coach Mike Thibault, whose squad leads fifth-place New York by 3 1/2 games.

Although they're tied for third in the East with Indiana, the Mystics can miss the postseason with four straight losses and three consecutive wins by the Liberty. Should they end up with the fourth seed, the Mystics would play Chicago in the first round of the playoffs.

That could be a quick exit unless they figure out a way to slow Fowles, who has averaged 23.8 points and 14.3 boards while helping Chicago win three of four against Washington. The All-Star recorded a season-high 32 points and 15 rebounds in a 85-78 win on Aug. 2.

Star rookie Elena Delle Donne missed that contest because of a concussion, but returned after missing two games with a sprained foot to score a team-high 24 in a 79-73 win in the nation's capital on Aug. 20.

Fowles had a team-high 23 points and eight rebounds Friday against Indiana, but Delle Donne was held to 14 points as the Sky had their season-high six-game winning streak snapped in an 82-77 loss.

Chicago played without starting guard Courtney Vandersloot, who suffered an ankle injury before pregame warmups. Her status is uncertain as the Sky attempt to avoid consecutive losses for the first time since Aug. 3-6.

"We missed her a lot,' Fowles said. "But even though Sloot wasn't out there, I don't think that's an excuse for us to not get the job done.'

Washington's Ivory Latta was held to 12 points on 3-of-10 shooting in the most recent meeting with the Sky, but she keyed the Mystics' lone win in this series with 18 points and a season-high 13 assists in an 82-78 home victory July 24.

Teammate Crystal Langhorne seeks her third straight double-double after finishing with 16 points and 11 boards Friday. She's averaged 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds, however, in her last three games versus the Sky.

Reserve guard Tayler Hill has given the Mystics a lift lately, totaling 30 points while shooting 5 of 11 from beyond the arc in her last two games.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Shock (10-21) at Silver Stars (11-20)

Date: September 08, 2013 4:30 PM EDT


Although their postseason hopes have been dashed, the banged-up San Antonio Silver Stars hope to finish strong.

A date with the Western Conference-worst Tulsa Shock may help that cause.

The Silver Stars look to beat the Shock for the 15th time in 18 meetings Sunday when they wrap up the season series in San Antonio.

Trailing by 18 points in the second half at Phoenix on Friday, the Silver Stars (11-20) pulled within two in the final minute before an 83-80 loss eliminated them from the playoffs for the first time since 2006. Danielle Adams had a game-high 26 points while Jia Perkins and Shenise Johnson each added 14.

"I thought we played well in the second half but obviously time ran out on us," said coach Dan Hughes, whose injury-ravaged club has dropped five of seven to fall out of postseason contention.

Sophia Young and Becky Hammon have played one game combined because of knee injuries, while fellow All-Star Danielle Robinson hasn't played since Aug. 21 due to her knee problem. Making matters worse, Davellyn Whyte recently went down for the season with a partially torn Achilles.

Perkins has tried to carry the load, averaging 19.3 points over the last three games and 4.0 steals over the past five. She's averaged 18.5 points in two wins over Tulsa this year and was held to six on 2-of-11 shooting in the Silver Stars' only loss in the season series.

Though San Antonio is 14-3 against the Shock (10-21) over the past four seasons, this year's three meetings have been decided by an average of 6.3 points.

Tulsa's Glory Johnson has averaged 16.7 points and 9.0 rebounds in the season series.

She led the way Friday with 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting, but the Shock hit 34.8 percent from the field in a 74-70 loss to Los Angeles.

"I'm proud of their effort," said coach Gary Kloppenburg, whose squad has lost 12 of 16. "I felt they fought and battled, even though we struggled at the offensive end. The margin for our team is very slim, and we have to shoot the ball at a decent percentage."

The Shock might get some better looks against the Silver Stars, who have allowed opponents to shoot a league-worst 45.3 percent from the field. Tulsa, however, is expected to be without center Liz Cambage for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

Guard Riquna Williams has provided a spark for Tulsa lately, averaging 18.8 points over her last four games. She led the Shock with 18 points in the most recent meeting with the Silver Stars, a 74-65 home loss Aug. 30.

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Phoenix at Atlanta
The Mercury look to build on their 4-0 ATS record in their last 4 games against a team with a winning SU record. Phoenix is the pick (+5 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+5 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

Game 601-602: Phoenix at Atlanta (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 112.262; Atlanta 112.712
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 166
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 5 1/2; 160 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (+5 1/2); Over

Game 603-604: Chicago at Washington (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 117.154; Washington 111.441
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 5 1/2; 148
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 2 1/2; 153
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-2 1/2); Under

Game 605-606: Tulsa at San Antonio (4:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 108.060; San Antonio 113.120
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 5; 142
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 1 1/2; 147 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-1 1/2); Under




WNBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, September 8

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PHOENIX (16 - 13) at ATLANTA (17 - 13) - 9/8/2013, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 21-41 ATS (-24.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-18 ATS (-12.8 Units) in August or September games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 13-26 ATS (-15.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 17-34 ATS (-20.4 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) in home games this season.
ATLANTA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 this season.
ATLANTA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 3-2 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 3-2 straight up against ATLANTA 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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CHICAGO (21 - 9) at WASHINGTON (14 - 16) - 9/8/2013, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 19-11 ATS (+6.9 Units) in all games this season.
CHICAGO is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 10-3 ATS (+6.7 Units) in August or September games this season.
WASHINGTON is 241-295 ATS (-83.5 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 152-194 ATS (-61.4 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 150-192 ATS (-61.2 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 146-183 ATS (-55.3 Units) after a division game since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 10-23 ATS (-15.3 Units) in home games off a upset loss as a favorite since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 7-5 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 10-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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TULSA (10 - 21) at SAN ANTONIO (11 - 20) - 9/8/2013, 4:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
TULSA is 15-8 ATS (+6.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 31-50 ATS (-24.0 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 10-2 against the spread versus TULSA over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 10-2 straight up against TULSA 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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WNBA

Sunday, September 8

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Trend Report
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3:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. ATLANTA
Phoenix is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
Phoenix is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta's last 5 games when playing at home against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games at home

4:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. WASHINGTON
Chicago is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against Washington
Washington is 5-9-1 ATS in its last 15 games when playing Chicago
Washington is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Chicago

4:30 PM
TULSA vs. SAN ANTONIO
Tulsa is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Tulsa is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Tulsa
San Antonio is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games

[StarDust Bum]

Sunday, September 8

Game Score Status Pick Amount


Phoenix - 3:00 PM ET Phoenix +5 500 POD # 1

Atlanta - Under 160.5 500


Chicago - 4:00 PM ET Chicago -2.5 500 POD # 2

Washington - Under 153 500


Tulsa - 4:30 PM ET San Antonio -1.5 500 POD # 3

San Antonio - Over 148 500

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mercury (17-13) at Liberty (11-20)

Date: September 10, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


The New York Liberty stand on the cusp of elimination. A loss to the Phoenix Mercury at home Tuesday night would make it official.

The Liberty could also be eliminated regardless of what they do against the Mercury, and they'll be hoping to still be in the hunt at the end the night when they meet Phoenix for the second and final time this season.

Trailing fourth-place Washington by three games, the Liberty (11-20) need the Mystics to lose their next two while New York beats Phoenix and Indiana on Friday. That would set up a decisive showdown between the teams in their season finale Sunday.

"Mathematically we're still in it, but at the same time our straws are running rather thin right now," coach Bill Laimbeer said.

Laimbeer's club isn't playing well at all as it attempts to make that unlikely scenario a reality, losing a season-high four straight by 64.8 points per game.

They've lost five in a row at the Prudential Center, where they'll likely play their last game Tuesday before moving back to Madison Square Garden in 2014.

The latest of those came against Atlanta on Friday, 70-57. New York, which has made the playoffs the last three seasons, trailed by seven at the break but surrendered 12 straight points to begin the second half.

"It's always the third quarter," forward Kara Braxton said. "Every time we come out, we come out a little slow. So we're still trying to work on that with the last three games and hopefully we'll correct it and make a playoff push."

The Mercury (17-13) outscored the Liberty by 10 in the third en route to a 94-87 victory July 2.

Phoenix has no such concerns, having clinched a spot in the postseason and going 7-2 under interim coach Russ Pennell - the best start by a coach in team history. The Mercury beat Atlanta 79-71 on Sunday behind Diana Taurasi's 25 points, nine rebounds and six assists for their third straight win.

"It's not necessarily the best team over the summer, but the team that gets hot at the right time," Taurasi said. "Today was a little step for us to go forward."

Second in the WNBA with 20.9 points per game, Taurasi has averaged 7.9 assists over her last eight, though that's not necessarily what Pennell is looking for.

"I think sometimes she gets in the mode where she's not looking for her shot, and so we've tried to encourage her," Pennell said. "We want her to be a little more aggressive offensively, and I think she did that (Sunday)."

How much the Liberty can expect from leading scorer Cappie Pondexter is uncertain. The guard sustained an apparent right knee injury Friday and though she returned, she finished with a season-worst two points on 1-of-8 shooting.

The Mercury are giving up 72.8 points per game under Pennell after allowing 84.7 under former coach Corey Gaines.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Lynx (24-7) at Storm (15-16)

Date: September 10, 2013 10:00 PM EDT


This matchup between the Minnesota Lynx and the Seattle Storm may well serve as a preview of the postseason.

The Lynx visit the Storm on Tuesday night for the second time in four days, and if the current standings hold up, the teams will meet again in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Minnesota (24-7) can secure its third straight outright conference championship with one win in its final three games or a loss by second-place Los Angeles. The Lynx clinched at least a share of the title with their 75-60 victory over the Storm on Saturday.

"Every little victory is celebrated," forward Maya Moore said. "We definitely know we're a step closer, and we're going to use that as momentum to give us that much more motivation for this next game."

The Storm (15-16) are 2 1/2 games back of third-place Phoenix and appear likely to finish in fourth, which would probably result in a trip to Minneapolis to open the playoffs.

That was also the case last year when No. 1 seed Minnesota met Seattle in a tight semifinal series. The Storm forced a third game with a double-overtime victory at home, and the Lynx advanced only after Seattle's Lauren Jackson missed a turnaround jumper in the final seconds of Game 3.

Minnesota has had Seattle's number lately, winning 10 of the past 12 matchups including that first-round series. The Lynx could secure their first regular-season sweep of the Storm since 2001 with a win Tuesday.

"I don't know if we really played the way we have to play to beat this team," Storm coach Brian Agler said after Saturday's loss. "Minnesota has proven to be the best team in the league right now. So we're going to have to keep getting better."

Moore was held to 11 points Saturday a week after scoring 30 in a 97-74 home win over Seattle. She's averaging 20.7 points during the Lynx's current six-game winning streak.

"We're not thinking about any streaks," said Rebekkah Brunson, who scored a team-high 19 points Saturday. "I didn't even realize that we had won six in a row. We're just trying to fine-tune ourselves and get ready for the playoffs. We're getting better, fixing the small things we need to, and we're in a pretty good place."

Seattle is fourth in the WNBA in 3-point shooting at 33.8 percent but has gone 10 for 40 in the past two meetings with Minnesota. The Storm have taken 67 3-point shots in the season series compared to 26 by the Lynx.

"Seattle is particularly good at yanking 3s, and at our place (Aug. 31), we were caught in rotation constantly," Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said Saturday. "They made extra passes and got any 3-ball they wanted, so I thought tonight, we had a better focus on trying to keep their penetration under control so we could get our rotations."

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Phoenix at New York
The Liberty look to build on their 4-0 ATS record in their last 4 games against Phoenix. New York is the pick (+4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Mercury favored by only 2 1/2. Dunkel Pick: New York (+4 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Game 651-652: Phoenix at New York (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 110.982; New York 108.278
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 2 1/2; 159
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 4 1/2; 153
Dunkel Pick: New York (+4 1/2); Over

Game 653-654: Washington at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 107.664; Indiana 116.346
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 8 1/2; 138
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 6; 142 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (-6); Under

Game 655-656: Minnesota at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 113.807; Seattle 115.798
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 2; 152
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 8 1/2; 147 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+8 1/2); Overr




WNBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, September 10

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PHOENIX (17 - 13) at NEW YORK (11 - 20) - 9/10/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 22-41 ATS (-23.1 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 6-13 ATS (-8.3 Units) as a favorite this season.
PHOENIX is 8-18 ATS (-11.8 Units) in August or September games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-24 ATS (-19.4 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games this season.
PHOENIX is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 82-56 ATS (+20.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1997.
NEW YORK is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 this season.
NEW YORK is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 4-1 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 3-2 straight up against PHOENIX 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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WASHINGTON (14 - 17) at INDIANA (15 - 16) - 9/10/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 241-296 ATS (-84.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 152-195 ATS (-62.5 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 76-103 ATS (-37.3 Units) in August or September games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 150-193 ATS (-62.3 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 146-184 ATS (-56.4 Units) after a division game since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 66-93 ATS (-36.3 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 9-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 10-2 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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MINNESOTA (24 - 7) at SEATTLE (15 - 16) - 9/10/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 32-19 ATS (+11.1 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 22-11 ATS (+9.9 Units) in home games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 67-48 ATS (+14.2 Units) in all games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 9-5 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 11-3 straight up against SEATTLE 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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WNBA

Tuesday, September 10

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. INDIANA
Washington is 6-19 SU in its last 25 games on the road
Washington is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Indiana's last 8 games
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Indiana's last 23 games at home

7:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. NEW YORK
Phoenix is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing New York
Phoenix is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New York
New York is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 7 games when playing Phoenix
See more trends!

10:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SEATTLE
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
Minnesota is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 5-15 ATS in its last 20 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 6 games

[StarDust Bum]

Tuesday, September 10

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Phoenix - 7:00 PM ET Phoenix -4 500 POD # 3

New York - Over 155.5 500 POD # 4

Washington - 7:00 PM ET Indiana -5.5 500 POD # 1

Indiana - Under 142 500 POD # 5

Minnesota - 10:00 PM ET Minnesota -8.5 500 POD # 2

Seattle - Over 147 500 POD # 6

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dream (17-14) at Sun (8-23)

Date: September 11, 2013 7:00 PM EDT


The Atlanta Dream are trying to build some momentum heading into the playoffs by improving their play on the road during the final week of the regular season.

Looking to bounce back from a defeat, the Dream try to win consecutive road games for the first time in more than three months Wednesday night against the lowly Sun.

Atlanta (17-14) is second in the Eastern Conference with three games remaining, but all are on the road, where the club is 4-10. Though the Dream's three-game overall winning streak ended with a 79-71 home loss to Phoenix on Sunday, they won 70-57 at New York on Friday and can take two straight on the road for the first time since winning their first two May 31-June 2.

If that is to happen, the Dream likely must shoot better than they did against the Mercury. Angel McCoughtry scored 25 points, but went 8 of 21 from the field as Atlanta made 32.1 percent.

"Looking at the stat sheet, we had 78 shots and 25 made,' coach Fred Williams said. "Usually you get more of those made.'

McCoughtry is averaging a league-leading 21.8 points despite shooting 40.9 percent. However, she's averaged 29.8 and 49.4 as Atlanta has won three of the first four meetings with a Connecticut team that owns the worst record in the WNBA at 8-23.

Three of McCoughtry's six 30-point games this season have come against the Sun.

Though Connecticut beat the Dream 88-86 at home Aug. 14 on Tan White's jumper with 0.5 seconds left, it's lost eight of nine since.

Kelsey Griffin had 14 points with seven rebounds and White scored 13 on Saturday, but the Sun went 2 of 16 from 3-point range and committed 18 turnovers in a 69-60 loss at Indiana.

Connecticut kept it close for three quarters until the Fever went on an 8-2 run in the fourth to take a 58-48 lead.

"Indiana had better focus in the fourth quarter,' Connecticut coach Anne Donovan said. "The fourth quarter, the backboard hurt us."

The Sun continues to play without star Tina Charles (18.0 ppg, 10.1 rpg), who was shut down for the final five games.

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WNBA HEAD TO HEAD

Aug 16, 2013 Score ATS Results
CONN 57 Under: 145
ATL « 88 Cover: 22
Tools: Recaps

Aug 14, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL 86 Over: 174
CONN « 88 Cover: 5.5
Tools: Recaps

Jul 24, 2013 Score ATS Results
CONN 65 Cover: 0.5
ATL « 74 Under: 139
Tools: Recaps

Jun 23, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL « 78 Over: 155
CONN 77 Cover: 3.5
Tools: Recaps