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

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Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

05/17/14 4-*4-*0 50.00% -*200 Detail
05/16/14 5-*5-*0 50.00% -*250 Detail

Totals 9-*9-*0 50.00% -*450


Sunday, May 18

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Connecticut - 5:00 PM ET Minnesota -15 500

Minnesota - Under 155.5 500


Phoenix - 9:00 PM ET Phoenix +9 500

Los Angeles - Over 161 500

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WNBA Betting Recap - 5/16-5/18

May 19, 2014


League Betting Notes (from Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18)

-- Favorites went 8-3 straight up
-- Underdogs went 7-4 against the spread (ATS)
-- Road teams posted a 6-5 SU record
-- Road teams posted a 8-3 ATS record
-- The 'over/under' went 5-5-1

Team Betting Notes

-- Minnesota (2-0) has won each of its first two games, covering on the road and failing to cover at home. One thing which has been consistent are high scores, as the Lynx have averaged 89.5 PPG through the first two outings. The 'over' has cashed in each of their first two contests.

-- Tulsa (0-1) was tripped up on the road in its opener at San Antonio (1-1). However, the Shock was able to cover, and they will likely be big underdogs against the visiting Lynx Friday in their home opener.

-- After an impressive win on the road to kick off the season, Los Angeles (1-1) returned home and were dropped by Phoenix (2-0) Sunday. The Sparks have seen the 'under' go 1-0-1 in its first two.

-- The Mercury have covered each of their first two, and both have been low-scoring affairs, at least for their opponents. Brittney Griner and company are allowing just 66.5 PPG through their first two dates.

-- Connecticut (0-2) has stumbled out of the chute, losing each of their first two contests straight-up. They haven't been much at the defensive end, either, giving up 82.5 PPG.

-- Elena Della Donne and the Chicago (2-0) Sky are off to an impressive start so far, winning and covering each of its first two battles. The Sky are averaging 76.5 PPG offensively, while allowing just 68.0 PPG. They'll meet the Sun at home Wednesday before a visit from Atlanta (2-0) Saturday.

-- Speaking of the Dream, while they are unbeaten to kick off their 2014 campaign, Atlanta has been a nightmare against the spread, going 0-2 ATS so far.

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WNBA
Dunkel

Connecticut at Chicago
The Sun head to Chicago today following a 90-87 OT loss to Minnesota on Sunday and come into the contest with a 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games following a SU defeat. Connecticut is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sun favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+6 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 21

Game 651-652: Connecticut at Chicago (12:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 112.095; Chicago 105.387
Dunkel Line & Total: Connecticut by 6 1/2; 154
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 6 1/2; 148 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+6 1/2); Over




WNBA

Wednesday, May 21

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Trend Report
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12:30 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Connecticut's last 7 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Connecticut is 4-8 SU in its last 12 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 11-4 SU in its last 15 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing at home against Connecticut

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WNBA
Dunkel

Seattle at Connecticut
The Storm head to Connecticut tonight to face a Sun team that is 0-4 ATS in the last 4 meetings between the two teams. Seattle is the pick (+2 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Storm favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+2 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, MAY 23

Game 601-602: Washington at Indiana (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 110.195; Indiana 107.896
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 2 1/2; 153 1/2
Vegas Line & Total: Indiana by 4; 146
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+4); Over

Game 603-604: Seattle at Connecticut (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 106.956; Connecticut 106.005
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 1; 138
Vegas Line & Total: Connecticut by 2 1/2; 143
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+2 1/2); Under

Game 605-606: Minnesota at Tulsa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 120.654; Tulsa 112.288
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 8 1/2; 153
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 6; 161
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-6); Under

Game 607-608: San Antonio at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 112.047; Phoenix 116.102
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 4; 161
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 10; 156 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (+10); Over




WNBA

Friday, May 23

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 5 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Washington is 2-5 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Indiana
Indiana is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing at home against Washington

7:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. CONNECTICUT
Seattle is 2-9 SU in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Connecticut
Seattle is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Connecticut's last 9 games when playing Seattle
Connecticut is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Seattle

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TULSA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing Tulsa
The total has gone OVER in 10 of Minnesota's last 14 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Tulsa's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Tulsa's last 5 games at home

10:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. PHOENIX
San Antonio is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
San Antonio is 4-10 SU in its last 14 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Phoenix's last 12 games when playing at home against San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 12 of Phoenix's last 14 games at home

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Preview: Mystics (0-1) at Fever (0-2)

Date: May 23, 2014 7:00 PM EDT


With Tamika Catchings missing the start of the season because of a back injury, rookie forward Natasha Howard has proved to be plenty capable of filling the spotlight for the Indiana Fever.

The All-Star forward's status remains uncertain, so the Fever could again look to their top draft choice for guidance as they host the Washington Mystics on Friday night with both teams looking for their first victory.

In their home opener on Saturday, the Fever (0-2) fell 90-88 in double overtime to Atlanta for their second one-possession loss in as many nights.

Howard, the fifth pick in the draft, went 10 for 13 from the field for a team-high 21 points with six rebounds.

"For my first home game, it was good, and we fought to the end," said Howard, who is averaging 18.5 points, eight rebounds and four blocks in her first two games. "We're like sisters on this team, and we're still getting to know each other and play with each other."

Howard and center Erlana Larkins, who had 17 points and 13 rebounds, have been an effective offensive pair with Catchings sidelined.

"Larkins is a good reader," Howard told the team's official website. "She knows where to find me, and I know where to pass the ball to her."

They could also benefit from some improved free-throw shooting and guard play after a 10-for-19 night at the stripe and 22 turnovers, seven of which were from guard Shavonte Zellous.

"We lost it at the free-throw line," coach Lin Dunn said. "We did not take the opportunity to win this game. We need to take better care of the basketball."

Indiana is trying to avoid another substantial early hole after starting 1-7 last season before reaching the Eastern Conference finals. One of those early losses came to Washington, though the Fever recovered to win two of the next three meetings to split the season series.

The Mystics also wasted a strong individual performance in their season debut. Point guard Ivory Latta scored a team-high 25 points and hit 7 of 9 from 3-point range in Friday's 89-77 home loss to defending WNBA champion Minnesota.

Washington led early in the fourth before a 12-1 Lynx run, but coach Mike Thibault was at least happy with the play of his bench. Mystics reserves outscored the Lynx 33-6, led by 17 from Tierra Ruffin-Pratt.

"We made our own mistakes, but the effort particularly that second group in the first half that got us back in the game and brought some order out of the chaos was good," Thibault said.

Washington forward Jelena Milovanovic suffered a right knee strain in the second quarter of her first WNBA game. Her status Friday is unknown.

Indiana guard Layshia Clarendon has missed the start of the season with a concussion.

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Preview: Storm (0-2) at Sun (0-3)

Date: May 23, 2014 7:00 PM EDT


An overhaul to the Connecticut Sun's roster has the top of the team's stat sheet looking considerably different than a season ago.

Their spot in the standings, however, hasn't changed after a franchise-worst 0-3 start to the season.

The Sun will try to put it behind them Friday night when they host the Seattle Storm with each team looking to break into the win column by overcoming their offensive struggles.

Three of Connecticut's top four scorers were not on the 2013 team that finished 10-24 and landed the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft. The Sun used that pick on Chiney Ogwumike, who has made an immediate impact with 18.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.

Fellow rookie Alyssa Thomas (9.0 points per game) and veteran newcomer Katie Douglas (10.7) have also contributed while Allison Hightower (10.0) has been the leading carryover from 2013.

After a 21-point home loss in their opener against New York last Friday, the Sun (0-3) have seen some improvement against a pair of tough opponents on the road. They lost 90-87 in Minnesota on Sunday and fell 78-68 in Chicago on Wednesday after digging a deep early hole.

Ogwumike scored 18 points against the Sky and has led the Sun in scoring in each game, though the forward said the team's frontcourt play needs to be more consistent after a 35.3 percent shooting night.

"It just took a while for our inside game to get going," Ogwumike said. "It's really unfortunate. If we had that going a little earlier, maybe we wouldn't have gotten in that big of a hole."

The Sun and Storm (0-2) are tied with a league-worst 37.9 percent shooting, which has translated to Seattle's league-low 66.5 points per game. Connecticut hasn't been much better at 69.7.

The Storm last lost three straight to start a season in 2003, something they will try to avoid as they continue a five-game road stretch with four games against the Eastern Conference.

"Every time a team goes on the road you usually become closer and tighter just because you're around each other so much," coach Brian Agler told the team's official website. "We'll improve in some areas, there's no question about it on this trip."

After Saturday's 81-64 loss in Phoenix, improvement might need to be vast. Camille Little had 14 points and seven rebounds but was the only Storm player to score in double figures as the team shot 33.9 percent and watched the Mercury knock down 55.9 percent.

"I think that to (get out of the hole), you just have to narrow your focus and not worry about what's going on around you," Agler said. "Just worry about where you have to improve and just try to get better."

Seattle went 2-0 against Connecticut in 2013. Little averaged 16.5 points in those meetings.

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Preview: Lynx (2-0) at Shock (0-1)

Date: May 23, 2014 8:00 PM EDT


With three key players sidelined, the Minnesota Lynx are likely to have the depth of their short-handed roster tested during a busy portion of the schedule.

Minnesota's three stars, however, should help make things a lot easier on the defending champs.

As they begin a stretch of three games in four days, the Lynx try for their 11th straight win - including last year's playoff run - Friday night in the home opener for the Tulsa Shock.

Minnesota (2-0) has begun defense of its second title in three years without Rebekkah Brunson - who started 33 games in 2013 - and reserves Monica Wright and Devereaux Peters after all three had knee surgery.

Brunson isn't expected back until July, while Wright and Peters hope to return sometime next month. There is no injured reserve list in the WNBA, so the trio continues to occupy roster spots.

Damiris Dantas has shown promise, averaging 8.0 points and 10.5 rebounds in two starts. The Brazilian rookie finished with 10 points and nine boards while making all four of her shots in Sundays' 90-87 overtime win over visiting Connecticut.

Maya Moore led the way with 33 points, Seimone Augustus had 18 - including the game-tying basket with 2.3 seconds left in regulation - and Lindsay Whalen scored 10 of her 17 in overtime.

Minnesota, which only used eight players, suffered a scare when Janel McCarville went down late with a sprained ankle. The center, though, participated in practice Thursday and is set to play against the Shock (0-1).

"McCarville knows what she's doing and just getting her help is good," coach Cheryl Reeve told the team's official website. "It's a group that, we're finding different line-up combinations so we've been able to work on a lot of different things."

The Lynx seek their eighth straight victory in Tulsa before returning home to face New York on Saturday night and traveling to Chicago on Monday. Including its perfect run through the postseason, Minnesota hasn't lost since Sept. 12 at Los Angeles.

Moore has scored 33.5 per game and Augustus is averaging 21.0 so far this season, though Whalen has shot just 39.1 percent with a 13.5 scoring average.

Augustus (20.7), Whalen (18.5) and Moore (17.0) played key roles in leading the Lynx to three wins in four meetings with the Shock in 2013. Augustus missed an 86-75 road win July 13 due to a sprained left ankle.

Following a rookie season in which she averaged 8.5 points, Tulsa's Skyler Diggins had a promising 2014 debut with 20 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in an 80-76 loss in San Antonio on Saturday.

Glory Johnson added 15 points and Courtney Paris had 13 points and 14 rebounds for the Shock, who committed 15 turnovers and shot 32 percent in the fourth quarter.

Johnson totaled 46 points and 17 boards in two matchups against Minnesota last season before missing the last two because of neck and head injuries.

The Shock, who haven't won a home opener since 2009, ended a 14-game losing streak in the series with an 83-77 victory in Minneapolis on Aug. 16.

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Preview: Silver Stars (1-1) at Mercury (2-0)

Date: May 23, 2014 10:00 PM EDT


Following an inconsistent rookie season, Brittney Griner has gotten off to an impressive start while helping the Phoenix Mercury open 2-0 for the first time since their 2009 championship season.

Now Griner and the Mercury are hoping to build on a big road win as they return home looking to equal the best start in franchise history Friday night against the San Antonio Stars.

Griner, the first overall pick in the 2013 draft, has totaled 32 points on 14-of-21 shooting to go along with 14 rebounds and nine blocks in a pair of victories to open her second WNBA season.

The 6-foot-8 center fell just shy of the franchise record for most field goals without a miss Saturday, shooting 8 for 9 in an 81-64 home victory over Seattle. She overcame a slow start Sunday to score 11 of her 13 points in the second half in a 74-69 road win over a talented Los Angeles team which was 15-2 at home last season.

"I mean, I came in with more confidence, I came in with more poise," Griner told the team's official website.

Griner certainly seems to have raised her game following a rookie season in which she averaged 12.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.0 blocks while missing seven games due to injury. She'll try to continue her strong start against the Stars as Phoenix tries to match the 1998 team as the only ones to start 3-0 in franchise history.

The All-Star played a major role in last season's five-game series with San Antonio. She averaged 18.3 points, including a career-high 26 in the first meeting, and 8.7 rebounds while shooting 62.9 percent in Phoenix's three wins. Griner missed one of the Mercury's losses with a sprained knee and was held to 11 points on 4-of-11 shooting with four boards in the other.

Teammate Diana Taurasi, who finished with 23 points Sunday, scored at least 20 in four of the five meetings.

Coming off Saturday's 80-76 home win over Tulsa, San Antonio (1-1) will try to accomplish something it did only twice last season by recording a second straight victory.

Jia Perkins hit all four of her 3-point attempts and finished with 20 points Saturday, while Danielle Robinson added 17. Becky Hammon, who played one game in 2013 because of a broken finger and torn ACL, missed her second game because of a sprained ankle and is uncertain for this contest.

"We have a lot of work to do," coach Dan Hughes said. "We need to get Becky back on the court and I think that will be good for them."

Robinson, who has totaled 40 points on 15-of-22 shooting through two games, averaged 16.0 points and 9.0 assists in three versus Phoenix in 2013.

Danielle Adams, who had 18 points in the season opener but was held to four Saturday, scored 18.2 per game in last season's series.

The Stars have dropped three of four in Phoenix.

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Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

05/18/14 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
05/17/14 4-*4-*0 50.00% -*200 Detail
05/16/14 5-*5-*0 50.00% -*250 Detail

Totals 10-*12-*0 45.45% -*1600


Friday, May 23

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Seattle - 7:00 PM ET Seattle +2 500

Connecticut - Under 143 500

Washington - 7:00 PM ET Washington +4.5 500

Indiana - Over 146.5 500

Minnesota - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota -7 500

Tulsa - Under 160.5 500

San Antonio - 10:00 PM ET San Antonio +9 500

Phoenix - Under 154.5 500

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WNBA
Dunkel

Atlanta at Chicago
The Sky play host to an Atlanta team that is 5-15 ATS in its last 20 road games. Chicago is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sky favored by 4. Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-1 1/2). Here are all of today's WNBA picks.

SATURDAY, MAY 24

Game 651-652: Seattle at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 104.107; Washington 113.333
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 9; 148
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 3 1/2; 143
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-3 1/2); Over

Game 653-654: New York at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 114.131; Minnesota 121.715
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 7 1/2; 148
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 10 1/2; 152 1/2
Dunkel Pick: New York (+7 1/2); Under

Game 655-656: Atlanta at Chicago (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 110.914; Chicago 110.945
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 4; 147
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 1 1/2; 153
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-1 1/2); Under




WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, May 24

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SEATTLE (0 - 3) at WASHINGTON (1 - 1) - 5/24/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 0-7 ATS (-7.7 Units) in May games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 246-299 ATS (-82.9 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 40-60 ATS (-26.0 Units) off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.

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

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NEW YORK (1 - 1) at MINNESOTA (3 - 0) - 5/24/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) on Saturday games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 29-15 ATS (+12.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-13 ATS (+13.7 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 16-6 ATS (+9.4 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 15-4 ATS (+10.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 67-45 ATS (+17.5 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents since 1997.
NEW YORK is 67-45 ATS (+17.5 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
NEW YORK is 83-56 ATS (+21.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 4-0 against the spread versus NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 4-0 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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ATLANTA (2 - 0) at CHICAGO (3 - 0) - 5/24/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 5-4 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 5-4 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Saturday, May 24

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. WASHINGTON
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of Washington's last 9 games at home
Washington is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games when playing Seattle

8:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. MINNESOTA
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New York's last 10 games when playing Minnesota
New York is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing at home against New York

8:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. CHICAGO
Atlanta is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
Chicago is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Chicago is 17-4 SU in its last 21 games at home

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Preview: Storm (0-3) at Mystics (1-1)

Date: May 24, 2014 7:00 PM EDT


With one star recovering from injury and another retired, the Seattle Storm acquired Crystal Langhorne from the Washington Mystics to try to help fill the void.

The two-time All-Star, however, hasn't kept the Storm from closing in on one of the worst starts in franchise history.

When she returns to Washington on Saturday night, Langhorne will look to help her team avoid falling to 0-4 for the first time since its inaugural season.

Seattle continues to play without three-time MVP Lauren Jackson, who is recovering from knee and Achilles tendon surgery. That has magnified the absence of the retired Tina Thompson, the league's all-time leading scorer.

Acquired from Washington on draft day April 14, Langhorne averaged 12.9 points and 7.1 rebounds in her six seasons with the Mystics but had gotten off to a slow start with the Storm. She averaged 7.5 points and 5.0 rebounds in the first two games before an improved performance Friday at Connecticut, as she scored 15 points to go with seven rebounds, but none of her teammates reached double figures in a 71-59 loss.

Seattle shot 37.3 percent and has lost all three games by double digits.

The Storm started 0-4 in 2000 en route to a league-worst 6-26 finish.

The Mystics bounced back from an 89-77 defeat to defending champion Minnesota in the season opener May 16 by winning 79-63 at Indiana on Friday.

Bria Hartley, part of the trade for Langhorne, led the way with 15 points and added five assists in her first career start. She had four points and shot 1 of 5 while recording four assists and three turnovers in 18 minutes against Minnesota.

Hartley replaced Ivory Latta in the starting lineup. Latta had made 35 consecutive starts since joining the Mystics (1-1) at the beginning of last season, but scored 25 points and made a career-best seven 3-pointers against the Lynx.

"She has been playing great, she has been good," coach Mike Thibault said of Hartley. "Between her, Kara (Lawson) and Ivory we can rotate three pretty good guards."

Seattle coach Brian Agler is well aware of that fact, and he'd like to prevent a repeat performance by Latta.

"You want to take the 3-point shot opportunity away," he told the team's official website. "There's no question that (Latta) will be the shooter and they'll put her in a lot of pick and rolls so we want to shorten those."

The Mystics and Storm split two meetings in 2013 with each winning at home. Langhorne averaged a team-best 17.5 points and 6.0 rebounds for Washington in those games.

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Preview: Liberty (1-1) at Lynx (3-0)

Date: May 24, 2014 8:00 PM EDT


With a trio of high-scoring efforts, Maya Moore is leading the short-handed Minnesota Lynx during another strong start.

Moore will try to build on the best performance of her career as the Lynx look to improve to 4-0 by extending their dominance over the New York Liberty on Saturday night.

Seeking a third championship in four years, Minnesota will have to overcome some absences in the early going. Starting forward Rebekkah Brunson along with reserves Devereaux Peters and Monica Wright are recovering from knee surgeries.

That means the team's stars - Moore, Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen - will have to shoulder an even bigger load for the first couple of months. Brunson is not expected to return until July while Peters and Wright could be back sometime in June.

Moore has done her part to help make up for the absences, averaging 35.0 points, 11.3 rebounds and 54.5 percent shooting.

'It's just being another year older, having another year of experience,' said Moore, who is in her third season. 'And my offseason training, just continuing to be efficient and sharp, just keeping my body in the best shape that I can, on the court and with my nutrition. I'm constantly looking to be aggressive."

She had a career-high 38 points and 13 boards as Minnesota held on for a 94-93 win in Tulsa on Friday. Moore made the two winning free throws with 11.8 seconds left.

The Lynx (3-0) led by 11 in the final seconds of the third quarter but gave up the last bit of that lead with 3:51 to go, then scored six of the game's final eight points. Augustus scored 23 and is averaging 21.7 and 56.3 percent from the field.

Minnesota will try to secure its third-best start in 16 seasons Saturday. The Lynx had a league-record 10-0 start in 2012 and began 5-0 in 2008.

They'll face a team they've beaten five straight times by an average of 25.0 points. Minnesota won the two meetings with New York last year by a combined 57.

The Liberty (1-1) got 15 points and 12 rebounds from Tina Charles last Saturday, but they shot 36.2 percent overall in a 79-65 home loss to Chicago.

Coach Bill Laimbeer said that his full roster had only one practice together before that game. Charles and Cappie Pondexter were overseas during the preseason.

Laimbeer's team might be more cohesive on the court Saturday after having six days off between games to jell.

"I think you'll see a much better ballclub going down to Minnesota," Pondexter said. "We've worked on a lot. We have a lot to show. ... I'm looking forward to Saturday.

"I think if we continue to work hard and get used to each other, I think we'll be fine."

Charles averaged 22.0 points and 11.0 rebounds in two games against Minnesota while with Connecticut last season, while Moore averaged 19.5 points and 7.5 boards in two meetings with New York in 2013.

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Preview: Dream (2-0) at Sky (3-0)

Date: May 24, 2014 8:00 PM EDT


The Chicago Sky knew what they were getting when they drafted Elena Delle Donne second overall, and the high-scoring forward justified the pick by winning rookie of the year honors in 2013.

She's showing no signs of slowing down early in her second WNBA season.

Delle Donne will try to help the Sky improve to 4-0 as they play their second on a five-game homestand Saturday night against an Atlanta Dream squad that will have had a one-week layoff by the opening tip.

Delle Donne scored 18.1 points per game in 2013 to help Chicago to its first winning season and playoff appearance. She's averaging 22.3 points this year and will be called on to continue that type of production with Sylvia Fowles and Epiphanny Prince not likely to return for several weeks.

Fowles is recovering from hip surgery and Prince cited exhaustion in taking an extended break after playing overseas during the last few WNBA offseasons.

Delle Donne scored 21 points Wednesday to lead the Sky to a 78-68 victory over Connecticut after a pair of 23-point efforts in wins over Indiana and New York. Her versatility was evident against the Sun during a late 6-0 run in which she had an assist, hit a runner in the lane and started a fast break with a block.

"(I'm) not even looking for my shots," Delle Donne said. "But just kind of somehow playing through me where the defense shifts. It's just kind of figuring out how to attack in a smart way."

Courtney Vandersloot added 18 points, while Jessica Breland had 14 points and a career-best 15 rebounds for Chicago, which shot 51.7 percent (31 for 60).

"I like the fact how so much is predicated off of Elena, which opens stuff up for other people," coach Pokey Chatman said.

Chicago won three of four meetings last season with Atlanta (2-0), which hasn't played since outlasting the Fever 90-88 in double-overtime last Saturday.

Angel McCoughtry hit a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 8.8 seconds remaining in the second OT to lift the Dream and cap her 27-point performance.

Rookie guard Shoni Schimmel had 17 points and 10 assists, Erika de Souza also scored 17 and Sancho Lyttle had 10 points and 21 rebounds.

"What a basketball game!" coach Michael Cooper said. "Both teams played hard. Our training camp was good, and our conditioning paid off."

Atlanta forward Swin Cash makes her return to Chicago after the Sky traded her earlier this month for guard Courtney Clements. The deal also included a swap of 2015 draft picks.

The 34-year-old Cash started all 68 games in her two seasons for the Sky and averaged 9.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists last year.

The two-time Olympic gold medal winner has had a quiet pair of games for the Dream, playing just 19 minutes, after entering her 13th WNBA season with career averages of 12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

05/23/14 4-*4-*0 50.00% -*200 Detail
05/18/14 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
05/17/14 4-*4-*0 50.00% -*200 Detail
05/16/14 5-*5-*0 50.00% -*250 Detail

Totals 14-*16-*0 46.67% -*1800


Saturday, May 24

Game Score Status Pick Amount


Seattle - 7:00 PM ET Seattle +4 500

Washington - Under 143.5 500 *****


New York - 8:00 PM ET New York +11 500

Minnesota - Over 152.5 500 *****


Atlanta - 8:00 PM ET Chicago -2.5 500 *****

Chicago - Under 152 500 *****

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA Trends - Season to Date

Straight Up Trends (Won Loss)

Category Record Percent

Away Teams 9-7 56.25%

Home Teams 7-9 43.75%

Favorites 10-6 62.50%

Dogs 6-10 37.50%

Away Favorites 4-1 80.00%

Away Dogs 5-6 45.45%

Home Favorites 6-5 54.55%

Home Dogs 1-4 20.00%


Against The Spread Trends (ATS)

Category Record Percent

Away Teams 10-6-0 62.50%

Home Teams 6-10-0 37.50%

Favorites 5-11-0 31.25%

Dogs 11-5-0 68.75%

Away Favorites 2-3-0 40.00%

Away Dogs 8-3-0 72.73%

Home Favorites 3-8-0 27.27%

Home Dogs 3-2-0 60.00%


Over vs. Under Trends

Category Overs Percent Unders Percent

Overtime Games 2 100.00% 0 0.00%

Non-Overtime Games 4 28.57% 10 71.43%

All Games 6 37.50% 10 62.50%