Wnba 2014 season long hoops thread- picks, news, stats !

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA

Long Sheet

Friday, August 22

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CHICAGO (15 - 19) at ATLANTA (19 - 15) - 8/22/2014, 7:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) after allowing 75 points or more this season.
ATLANTA is 23-13 ATS (+8.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 18-7 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home games after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 8-6 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 8-6 straight up against ATLANTA 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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LOS ANGELES (16 - 18) at PHOENIX (29 - 5) - 8/22/2014, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 28-43 ATS (-19.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 16-29 ATS (-15.9 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 4-11 ATS (-8.1 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
LOS ANGELES is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 2-8 ATS (-6.8 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game after 15+ games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) versus good offensive teams - scoring 77+ points/game this season.
PHOENIX is 21-13 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) after a division game this season.
PHOENIX is 74-50 ATS (+19.0 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record since 1997.
PHOENIX is 11-3 ATS (+7.7 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games this season.
PHOENIX is 14-29 ATS (-17.9 Units) in August or September games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 9-8 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 9-8 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
10 of 17 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Friday, August 22

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Trend Report
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7:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. ATLANTA
Chicago is 1-4-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 3-8 SU in its last 11 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

10:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. PHOENIX
Los Angeles is 4-8-1 ATS in its last 13 games
Los Angeles is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Phoenix's last 9 games when playing Los Angeles

Saturday, August 23

5:00 PM
INDIANA vs. WASHINGTON
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Indiana's last 25 games on the road
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana

7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SAN ANTONIO
Minnesota is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing San Antonio
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota

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WNBA
Dunkel

Chicago at Atlanta
The Sky head to Atlanta tonight to open up their playoff series against a Dream team that is 0-8 ATS in its last 8 games versus Eastern Conference opponents. Chicago is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Dream favored by only 1 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's WNBA picks

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22

Game 605-606: Chicago at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 108.840; Atlanta 110.371
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 148
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 3 1/2; 155 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (+3 1/2); Under

Game 607-608: Los Angeles at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 111.036; Phoenix 123.664
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 12 1/2; 150
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 10 1/2; 156 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-10 1/2); Under

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WNBA

Friday, August 22


Over tickets cash in first day of playoffs

The WNBA postseason began with the Over posting a perfect 2-0 record Thursday evening.

In the East, the Indiana Fever defeated the Washington Mystics 78-73 to eclipse the closing total of 141 by 10 points. Meanwhile in the West, the closing total of 155.5 didn't stand a chance as the Minnesota Lynx and San Antonio Stars combined for 172 points with the Lynx winning 88-84.


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WNBA

Friday, August 22


Big favorite playing well against large spreads

The Phoenix Mercury have been the top team in the WNBA all season-long and have faced their fair share of uphill battles to cover for bettors. Despite these large spreads, the Mercury are 6-2-1 against the spread when they are favored by 10 or more points this season.

When covering double-digit spreads, the Mercury have averaged a win by 16-points per game.
The other semifinals begin Friday as the Chicago Sky visit the Atlanta Dream with a total of 155, while the Phoenix Mercury host the Los Angeles Sparks with a total of 157.

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, August 22

Game Score Status Pick Amount


Chicago - 7:30 PM ET Chicago +4 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Atlanta - Over 154 500 TRIPLE PLAY


Los Angeles - 10:00 PM ET Los Angeles +10.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Phoenix - Under 156.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

[Udog]

Great start to the playoffs, Bum! Good luck tonight!

[StarDust Bum]

CFL
Dunkel

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Game 293-294: Toronto at Edmonton (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Toronto 110.662; Edmonton 121.882
Dunkel Line: Edmonton by 11; 53
Vegas Line: Edmonton by 8; 48 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Edmonton (-8); Over


SUNDAY, AUGUST 24

Game 295-296: Calgary at Ottawa (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Calgary 120.005; Ottawa 106.237
Dunkel Line: Calgary by 14; 53
Vegas Line: Calgary by 8 1/2; 48
Dunkel Pick: Calgary (-8 1/2); Over

Game 297-298: Saskatchewan at BC (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Saskatchewan 116.826; BC 117.979
Dunkel Line: BC by 1; 55
Vegas Line: BC by 3 1/2; 50 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Saskatchewan (+3 1/2); Over


CFL
Long Sheet

Week 9

Saturday, August 23

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TORONTO (3 - 5) at EDMONTON (6 - 1) - 8/23/2014, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
EDMONTON is 69-97 ATS (-37.7 Units) as a favorite since 1996.
EDMONTON is 27-46 ATS (-23.6 Units) after 2 or more consecutive straight up wins since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
EDMONTON is 3-2 against the spread versus TORONTO over the last 3 seasons
TORONTO is 3-2 straight up against EDMONTON 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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Sunday, August 24

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CALGARY (6 - 1) at OTTAWA (1 - 6) - 8/24/2014, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CALGARY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road lined games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 19-8 ATS (+10.2 Units) in a road game where the total is between 45.5 and 49 since 1996.
CALGARY is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in road games in games played on turf over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
CALGARY is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) in road games in weeks 5 through 9 over the last 3 seasons.

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

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SASKATCHEWAN (5 - 2) at BRITISH COLUMBIA (5 - 3) - 8/24/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SASKATCHEWAN is 68-43 ATS (+20.7 Units) as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 114-74 ATS (+32.6 Units) as an underdog since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 61-40 ATS (+17.0 Units) when playing on a Sunday since 1996.
SASKATCHEWAN is 103-68 ATS (+28.2 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1996.

Head-to-Head Series History
BRITISH COLUMBIA is 5-4 against the spread versus SASKATCHEWAN over the last 3 seasons
SASKATCHEWAN is 5-4 straight up against BRITISH COLUMBIA over the last 3 seasons
7 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CFL
Armadillo's Write-Up

Week 9

Toronto (3-5) @ Edmonton (6-1)-- Argonauts won last three series games by 16-3-12 points;, as underdogs covered five of last seven in series. Toronto scored 42-36-34 points in last three series tilts. Argos lost three of four road games, losing by 24-1-28 points; they're 2-3 as underdogs, 1-1 on road. Edmonton turned ball eight times (-6) in last three games but is still 6-1, 2-1 at home, 1-1 as home favorites, winning by 4-16, losing to Calgary. In two wins since their bye, Eskimos ran ball for 197-181 yards; Argos gave up 167 in their loss to BC last week. Six of seven Eskimo games, five of last six Toronto games stayed under total.

Calgary (6-1) @ Ottawa (1-6)-- Stampeders (-13) led 28-7 at half two weeks ago in a 38-17 home win over Ottawa; Stamps held RedBlacks to 39 rushing yards- they're 3-0 as road favorites, with wins on foreign soil by 19-4-10 points (+5 turnover ratio on road). Ottawa lost its last four games but covered two of three as home underdog, upsetting Toronto, losing by 24-2 points- they lost to Eskimos 10-8 last week, after leading at half for 4th time in seven games- they've averaged 13 ppg in last thee games, after averaging 19.8 ppg in first four. Three of last four games for both sides went over total.

Saskatchewan (5-2) @ BCLions (5-3)-- Lions (+5) upset defending champs 26-13 in Regina back in Week 3, avenging loss from LY's playoffs. Riders' 31-17 (+3) win here LY snapped four-game skid in this building. BC had 186 rushing yards first meeting; Saskatchewan hasn't allowed 100+ on ground since- they're 4-0 since that loss, wnning last two weeks by 6-5 points. Lions won last three games, five of six since 0-2 start; they're 2-2 SU at home, but covered three of last four when favoried. 19 of last 24 series games stayed under total, as have six of eight Lion games, four of last five Roughrider games.


CFL

Week 9

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Trend Report
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Saturday, August 23

4:00 PM
TORONTO vs. EDMONTON
Toronto is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Toronto is 11-5 SU in its last 16 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Edmonton's last 5 games at home
Edmonton is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games at home


Sunday, August 24

3:00 PM
CALGARY vs. OTTAWA
Calgary is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Calgary's last 9 games when playing Ottawa
Ottawa is 4-13 ATS in its last 17 games
Ottawa is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games

7:00 PM
SASKATCHEWAN vs. BRITISH COLUMBIA
Saskatchewan is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against British Columbia
Saskatchewan is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of British Columbia's last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of British Columbia's last 12 games when playing Saskatchewan

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Minnesota at San Antonio
The Stars look to stay alive in the series as they head back to the AT&T Center tonight where they are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games. San Antonio is the pick (+4) according to Dunkel, which has the Stars favored by 4 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+4). Here are all of today's WNBA picks

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23

Game 609-610: Indiana at Washington (5:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 110.035; Washington 111.820
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 2; 148
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 4; 143
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+4); Over

Game 611-612: Minnesota at San Antonio (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 111.249; San Antonio 115.948
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 4 1/2; 160
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 4; 155 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+4); Over




WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 23

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INDIANA (17 - 18) at WASHINGTON (16 - 19) - 8/23/2014, 5:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

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

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MINNESOTA (26 - 9) at SAN ANTONIO (16 - 19) - 8/23/2014, 7:00 PM
There are no Top Trends with records of significance that apply to this game.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 9-6 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
11 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Saturday, August 23

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Trend Report
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5:00 PM
INDIANA vs. WASHINGTON
Indiana is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 18 of Indiana's last 25 games on the road
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
Washington is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana

7:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. SAN ANTONIO
Minnesota is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing San Antonio
Minnesota is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games at home
San Antonio is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota


WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 23

Update

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INDIANA (17 - 18) at WASHINGTON (16 - 19) - 8/23/2014, 5:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 106-138 ATS (-45.8 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 21-13 ATS (+6.7 Units) in all games this season.
INDIANA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in road games this season.
INDIANA is 14-7 ATS (+6.3 Units) after a division game this season.
WASHINGTON is 260-315 ATS (-86.5 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 28-47 ATS (-23.7 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 164-206 ATS (-62.6 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) after a division game this season.

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

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MINNESOTA (26 - 9) at SAN ANTONIO (16 - 19) - 8/23/2014, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 16-8 ATS (+7.2 Units) as an underdog this season.
MINNESOTA is 46-30 ATS (+13.0 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 42-26 ATS (+13.4 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in August or September games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 31-18 ATS (+11.2 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 1-7 ATS (-6.7 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 9-6 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
11 of 15 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Fever (16-18) at Mystics (16-18)

Date: August 23, 2014 5:00 PM EDT


Tamika Catchings has been a force for the Indiana Fever since she returned from missing the first half of the season with a back injury.

After sparking her squad to victory in Game 1, the 35-year-old veteran looks to help the Fever close out this best-of-three first-round series against the Washington Mystics on the road Saturday night.

Catchings averaged a team-best 16.1 points in 16 regular-season games after making her return July 5 and helped Indiana win its final three contests to secure the Eastern Conference's No. 2 seed.

She was even better down the stretch Thursday, scoring 14 of her 22 points in the fourth quarter and finishing with 10 rebounds and seven steals to lead the Fever to a 78-73 win over the Mystics.

'You have to bring more than just scoring. For me starting off the game slow, even though I wasn't hitting my shots, they were good shots,' Catchings said. 'Once I started getting more aggressive, we all started getting more aggressive.'

Catchings matched the WNBA record for steals in a regulation playoff game and also hit all 14 of her free throws. The 2011 league MVP is 21 points away from becoming the league's all-time playoff leading scorer.

She's spent her entire 13-year career with the Fever, who have won a game in a WNBA-record eight straight postseasons, including the 2012 title.

'The thing that's so special about her is that she's so multidimensional,' said coach Lin Dunn, who will retire when Indiana's season ends. 'She's doing something everywhere. She's a once-in-a-lifetime player and I'm privileged and honored that I've gotten to coach her.'

Indiana will look to advance to the East finals for the fourth time in five seasons with another victory over the Mystics, who have lost four of their last five.

Washington shot 42.9 percent from the field in Game 1 as Ivory Latta hit 8 of 15 and scored a team-high 22 points. Emma Meesseman added 17 and six rebounds.

The Fever were a bit too physical for Latta's liking, though.

"We know in the playoffs things are going to get more physical, but some of it is unnecessary," Latta said. "For me personally, I just can't let it get to me. We just have to keep our heads up, get ready for Saturday and we'll be fine."

Coach Mike Thibault noted that Catchings' performance was the difference, and his squad likely will have to do more to slow her down if it wants to keep its season alive.

The Mystics lost both home meetings with the Fever by three points each despite Catchings missing both while still nursing her injury. They know they can play with Indiana, having erased a 10-point deficit to lead by six at halftime in Game 1.

'We've got to give ourselves a chance,' Thibault said. 'If we can win on Saturday at home, who knows what happens on Monday (in a potential Game 3).'

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Aug 21, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS 73 Cover: 0
IND « 78 Over: 151
Tools: Recaps

Aug 8, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS « 74 Cover: 18
IND 61 Under: 135
Tools: Recaps

Jul 2, 2014 Score ATS Results
IND « 80 Cover: 7
WAS 77 Over: 157
Tools: Recaps

Jun 6, 2014 Score ATS Results
IND « 64 Cover: 7
WAS 61 Under: 125
Tools: Recaps

May 23, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS « 79 Cover: 19.5
IND 63 Under: 142
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Lynx-Stars Preview


Minnesota finished nine games ahead of San Antonio in the Western Conference, but the Stars showed in Game 1 of this first-round series that they're not going to back down from the defending champions.

After narrowly surviving at home, the Lynx look to advance to the conference finals by taking Game 2 on Saturday night in San Antonio in what could be Becky Hammon's final game.

Minnesota had a seemingly comfortable 15-point advantage with nine minutes remaining Thursday, but the Stars took a one-point lead less than five minutes later with an 18-2 run, capped by Hammon's three-point play.

But Maya Moore, named league MVP earlier in the day, hit two free throws with 1.3 seconds left to finish with 24 points and lift the Lynx to an 88-84 victory.

"That's what the playoffs are about," Moore said. "It's about Option 3 and Option 4 and who can be more persistent at what they want to get. Becky will keep working until she gets what she wants, and we had to make it tough on her."

Hammon scored 14 of her 17 points in the second half and will be fighting to extend her career in Game 2. The 16-year veteran will retire at the end of San Antonio's season and take an assistant coaching job with the NBA's Spurs.

"She wants to keep playing in a big way," Stars coach Dan Hughes said.

"We know we're going to have to take it away from Minnesota. I don't care if that team doesn't have the best record. We all know that we're going to have to take it away from Minnesota."

Rookie Kayla McBride went 8 of 11 from the field and scored 20 points for the Stars. She had only nine against Minnesota on Aug. 15, but Jia Perkins came off the bench to score a game-high 23 in a resounding 92-76 victory in San Antonio.

Moore knows the Stars are going to come out aggressive on their home floor as they look to send the series to a deciding Game 3 on Monday in Minnesota.

"We won (the first) 40 minutes, and now we move on to the next 40 minutes," Moore said. "A win was definitely nice.

"We're going to have to come in with a heightened sense of focus next game. It was a great first half for us, though, so we have to come in and replicate that first half and bring it with us on the road."

Minnesota has won 18 of the last 21 meetings with the Stars, including postseason.

Whether or not the Stars can stop Moore could be the difference in this contest.

"That's the reason she's the MVP," Hughes said. "She impacts both ends of the court and she's a heck of a player, one heck of a player."


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Playoff Series

Minnesota leads 1-0

Thu 8/21 @MIN 88, SA 84 Recap | Box Score

Aug 23, 2014 MIN @ SA 7:00 PM ET

Aug 25, 2014 SA @ MIN TBD

[StarDust Bum]

2014 WNBA Playoff Results

August 23, 2014


WNBA Playoff Betting Results

Wager Favorites-Underdogs Home-Away

Straight Up 3-1 3-1

Against the Spread 0-3-1 1-2-1

Total
Over-Under 3-1


Conference Semifinals

Thursday, Aug. 21

Away Home Score ATS Result Total Result

Washington Indiana (-5) 78-73 Push Over (140)
San Antonio Minnesota (-10.5) 88-84 Underdog Over (155.5)


Friday, Aug. 22

Away Home Score ATS Result Total Result

Chicago (+3.5, +155) Atlanta 80-77 Underdog Over (154)
Los Angeles Phoenix (-10.5) 75-72 Underdog Under (156.5)


Saturday, Aug. 23

Away Home Score ATS Result Total Result

Indiana Washington - - -
Minnesota San Antonio - - -

[Udog]

7-1 to start the playoffs! WTG, Bum!

[StarDust Bum]

Whoopi.........i love it Dog........sure hope it balanced out those Slams.......

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Saturday, August 23

Game Score Status Pick Amount


Indiana 30 Halftime Indiana +3.5 500

Washington 27 Over 142.5 500


Minnesota - 7:00 PM ET Minnesota -3.5 500

San Antonio - Over 155.5 500

[KazDog]

Nice handicappin' SDB!

[StarDust Bum]

Mahalooooooooooo KAZDOG.......and hope DOG was along for the ride this evening.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dream (19-15) at Sky (15-19)

Date: August 24, 2014 7:00 PM EDT


With the first playoff win in franchise history secured, the Chicago Sky find themselves in a great spot to reach the Eastern Conference finals.

The Atlanta Dream, meanwhile, are fighting for one more game at home.

After stealing home-court advantage with a hard-fought win over the top-seeded Dream, the Sky return home Sunday night with a chance to clinch the best-of-three series.

Chicago went into Friday's opener with a 6-11 road record and had dropped two of three in Atlanta during the regular season, including a 97-59 loss June 7 that was by far its most lopsided defeat of the year.

The Sky played that contest without Sylvia Fowles, while Elena Delle Donne struggled through a 3-for-10 shooting performance in her final game before being sidelined for an extended period by a flareup of Lyme disease.

Both players are finally healthy and were in the starting lineup for Game 1, though it was Courtney Vandersloot who provided the heroics by hitting a tiebreaking jumper with 20 seconds left and later adding a free throw to lift the Sky to an 80-77 victory.

Delle Donne and Fowles did most of the heavy lifting. Delle Donne scored 21 points, while Fowles added 12 points and 14 rebounds. Epiphanny Prince scored 14, Vandersloot had 13 and Tamera Young 12 to put the entire starting five in double figures.

Chicago trailed 35-23 with 4:24 left in the second quarter before settling down and focusing on defense. The Sky forced Atlanta to miss seven of its final eight shots in the quarter and limited the up-tempo Dream to two fast-break points in the game.

"We had 10 deflections in that (second) quarter, and when we get deflections, we're a phenomenal team," said Delle Donne. "I really feel like we slowed down, calmed down and executed. We were a little crazy at first."

Angel McCoughtry scored 24 points but was 8 of 22 from the field for Atlanta, which went ahead 77-75 with 1:40 remaining. Sancho Lyttle had 14 rebounds but shot 3 of 15 and finished with six points. Erika de Souza scored 12.

Now the Dream will have to end a four-game losing streak in Chicago to force a decisive Game 3 at home Tuesday. Atlanta's most recent win in the Windy City came in September 2012.

"I was always told by a former coach of mine, Pat Riley, that championships are won on the road," said coach Michael Cooper, a former guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. "I think the pressure now switches to them to close us out Sunday so we're going to go there and give them a good fight, and try to get this (back) to Atlanta."

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Aug 22, 2014 Score ATS Results

CHI « 80 Cover: 6.5
ATL 77 Over: 157
Tools: Recaps

Aug 10, 2014 Score ATS Results
ATL 69 Under: 149
CHI « 80 Cover: 5
Tools: Recaps

Jul 25, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI « 79 Cover: 13
ATL 75 Under: 154
Tools: Recaps

Jul 13, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI 79 Cover: 5
ATL « 81 Over: 160
Tools: Recaps

Jun 7, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI 59 Under: 156
ATL « 97 Cover: 32
Tools: Recaps

May 24, 2014 Score ATS Results
ATL 73 Over: 160
CHI « 87 Cover: 12
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mercury (29-5) at Sparks (16-18)

Date: August 24, 2014 9:00 PM EDT


Diana Taurasi prides herself on being a distributor in the Phoenix Mercury's up-tempo offense, but the former WNBA scoring champion proved in Game 1 just how dangerous she can be when taking advantage of her own opportunities.

Phoenix looks to advance to the Western Conference finals by closing out this best-of-three series against the Los Angeles Sparks on the road Sunday night.

Taurasi became the first player in league history to lead the league in scoring during one season and assists per game in another by averaging 5.6 during the regular season. But on Friday, Taurasi hit 10 of 15 from the field - 6 of 9 from 3-point range - and scored a playoff career-high 34 points in a 75-72 victory.

"She does what she needs to do for this team to win," coach Sandy Brondello said. "Some days, it's scoring, other days, it's creating, distributing, just getting other people involved."

Taurasi's performance helped the Mercury beat the Sparks for the sixth time this season and came on a night when Brittney Griner went 2 for 11 and scored just six points.

"I think all year that's the way it's been with our team," Taurasi said. "You can't always have a great game, you can't always get the shots you want, especially on a talented team like this. (Friday) was just my day and luckily they went in."

Shots have been falling more for Phoenix than any other team as it set a WNBA record with 29 victories. It has a chance to reach the conference finals for the fifth time in six years after Los Angeles failed to capitalize on its chances late in Game 1.

Candace Parker scored a team-best 22 points, but her pass to Kristi Toliver sailed high and gave the ball back to the Mercury, who hit their free throws to close it out.

Toliver scored 17 points and Nneka Ogwumike added 12 for the Sparks, who led by four with 6:23 remaining.

"Down the stretch, unfortunately, like I told Ms. Parker, 'It doesn't come down to one play, there were a couple more plays before that where we should have gotten the rebound,'" Sparks coach Penny Toler said.

Taurasi praised Phoenix's poise in the fourth quarter of a contest that was closer than many expected after the Mercury finished 13 games ahead of Los Angeles in the West.

"We have a lot of confidence going into games down the stretch, we've actually played in a lot of them this year where they have come down to two or three possessions, especially against L.A.," Taurasi said. "We grinded it out. It was a big grind."

Phoenix has won three of its last four on the road, while Los Angeles has won four of five at home.


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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Aug 22, 2014 Score ATS Results
LOS 72 Cover: 7.5
PHO « 75 Under: 147
Tools: Recaps

Aug 16, 2014 Score ATS Results
LOS 69 Cover: 1.5
PHO « 76 Under: 145
Tools:

Jul 29, 2014 Score ATS Results
LOS 69 Under: 159
PHO « 90 Cover: 9
Tools: Recaps

Jul 24, 2014 Score ATS Results
PHO « 93 Cover: 14.5
LOS 73 Over: 166
Tools: Recaps

Jul 6, 2014 Score ATS Results
PHO « 94 Cover: 3.5
LOS 89 Over: 183
Tools: Recaps

May 18, 2014 Score ATS Results
PHO « 74 Cover: 10.5
LOS 69 Under: 143
Tools: Recaps