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

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Chicago at Atlanta
Chicago heads to Atlanta tonight to face a Dream team that is 16-5 ATS in its last 21 Friday games. Atlanta is the pick (-8 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Dream favored by 10 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-8 1/2). Here are all of today's WNBA picks.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

Game 651-652: Tulsa at Washington (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 105.584; Washington 116.943
Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 11 1/2; 165
Vegas Line & Total: Washington by 4 1/2; 160 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (-4 1/2); Over

Game 653-654: Chicago at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 106.047; Atlanta 116.526
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 10 1/2; 155
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 8 1/2; 159 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-8 1/2); Under

Game 655-656: San Antonio at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 105.379; Minnesota 118.734
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 13 1/2; 166
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 8 1/2; 160
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-8 1/2); Over





WNBA
Long Sheet

Friday, July 25

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TULSA (8 - 16) at WASHINGTON (11 - 13) - 7/25/2014, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULSA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) as an underdog this season.
WASHINGTON is 257-310 ATS (-84.0 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 153-195 ATS (-61.5 Units) after a division game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-2 against the spread versus TULSA over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 4-1 straight up against TULSA 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 (9 - 14) at ATLANTA (15 - 7) - 7/25/2014, 7:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
ATLANTA is 21-11 ATS (+8.9 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) in home games in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 15-2 ATS (+12.8 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.

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

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SAN ANTONIO (12 - 12) at MINNESOTA (18 - 6) - 7/25/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 39-26 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 36-22 ATS (+11.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 26-15 ATS (+9.5 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 22-10 ATS (+11.0 Units) in road games in May, June, or July games over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 9-27 ATS (-20.7 Units) after playing 3 consecutive home games since 1997.

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

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WNBA

Friday, July 25

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
TULSA vs. WASHINGTON
Tulsa is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games when playing Washington
Tulsa is 3-10 SU in its last 13 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 15 of Washington's last 19 games when playing Tulsa
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing Tulsa

7:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. ATLANTA
Chicago is 3-6 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Chicago's last 12 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games when playing at home against Chicago
Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Shock (8-16) at Mystics (11-13)

Date: July 25, 2014 7:00 PM EDT


After struggling from beyond the arc for most of the season, the Washington Mystics have found their touch recently. They'll try to continue that trend against the worst 3-point defending team in the WNBA.

Washington looks for a fifth win in six games when it hosts the struggling Tulsa Shock on Friday night.

The Mystics (11-13) beat Connecticut 89-75 at home Wednesday. After a disappointing All-Star game performance in which she scored two points on 1-of-4 shooting Saturday, Ivory Latta finished two shy of a season high with 23 points.

Washington pulled away with a dominant fourth quarter, outscoring the Sun 30-16 to help coach Mike Thibault defeat the team that fired him in 2012.

"I won't lie. It's fun beating them," Thibault said. "Right now, I don't think about them necessarily. It's just one more team in our way."

The Mystics are shooting a league-worst 30.0 percent from 3-point range but have hit 40.3 percent from behind the arc in their last four victories. They were 8 for 18 against the Sun, with Latta going 5 for 7.

"We're playing better stretches of basketball. We are moving the ball better on offense," Thibault said. "The biggest thing is we're making some of the shots we weren't making earlier in the year."

Tulsa (8-16) owns the worst record in the WNBA and is allowing opponents shoot 38.4 percent on 3s, highest in the league. The Shock have dropped nine of 11 following Tuesday's 95-93 loss at San Antonio - their eighth defeat by three or fewer points.

Odyssey Sims and Skylar Diggins scored career highs of 39 and 34 points, respectively, but Danielle Robinson hit the winning layup with 3.5 seconds remaining. Tulsa called a timeout prior to its final possession but couldn't get a shot off after having the inbounds pass stolen.

Sims was 15 of 20 from the field.

"I just stayed aggressive," she said. "One thing coach was telling me was to stay aggressive from the jump, attack, come off pick-and-rolls, hit outside jumpers and just attack it. I think the lane was open a lot, so I kept taking it in there."

Sims was 3 for 10 with seven points in a 91-74 home loss to Washington on July 12 while Diggins scored 16 on 7-for-20 shooting. Six players had at least 11 points for the Mystics with Latta and Emma Meesseman each scoring 15.

The victory was Washington's ninth in 11 meetings.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 12, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS « 91 Cover: 20.5
TUL 74 Over: 165
Tools: Recaps

Jun 30, 2013 Score ATS Results
TUL 61 Under: 145
WAS « 84 Cover: 19
Tools: Recaps

May 27, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS « 95 Cover: 11.5
TUL 90 Over: 185
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sky (9-14) at Dream (15-7)

Date: July 25, 2014 7:30 PM EDT


The Atlanta Dream nearly pulled off a huge victory on an emotional night.

The Chicago Sky were happy to get a win of any kind after their longest losing streak of the year.

The home team has taken the last five matchups between these teams, including all three this season heading into Friday night's contest in Atlanta.

Atlanta (15-7) fell 112-108 in double-overtime at Minnesota on Tuesday. The contest came one day after the club announced that coach Michael Cooper will be away from the team due to surgery for early stage tongue cancer. Cooper's full recovery is expected.

Assistant coach Karleen Thompson took charge for the rematch of last year's WNBA finals. The Dream closed the fourth quarter on an 18-4 run to force overtime before falling as they nearly overcame Minnesota star Maya Moore's 48 points - the second-highest total in league history.

'As a group, to go through what they're going through and remain focused, and to come in here and play in this type of environment and play so well, I'm really proud of this team,' Thompson said.

Atlanta, which is 10-2 at home, is in good shape to capture the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference with a five-game lead over Indiana and Washington.

Chicago (9-14) was the top seed a year ago but the club has dropped into last place with star forward Elena Delle Donne out due to Lyme disease and point guard Courtney Vandersloot out with a knee injury.

The Sky will try to end a four-game road slide after snapping a six-game losing streak with Tuesday's 60-57 victory over Indiana. They made 16 of 17 foul shots compared to 9 of 20 made by the Fever to overcome their second-lowest scoring effort of the season.

'I told them we had to do the dirty work, rebounding, getting to the free-throw line, staying connected to the defensive message,' coach Pokey Chatman said. 'Maybe it was ugly if you're a fan. It was beautiful for me.'

Sylvia Fowles had 21 points and 10 rebounds for her sixth straight double-double. She will be called upon to help battle a frontcourt that has helped Atlanta post a WNBA-best average rebound margin of plus-2.9.

Fowles was out after hip surgery for the first two meetings with the Dream, an 87-73 win May 24 and a 97-59 defeat June 7 that was Atlanta's most lopsided win in franchise history.

The Dream won 81-79 in overtime in the most recent matchup July 13. Angel McCoughtry matched season highs with 33 points and 10 rebounds while Fowles had 17 and 14 but missed a layup at the regulation buzzer.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

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

Sep 13, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL 82 Cover: 2
CHI « 87 Over: 169
Tools: Recaps

Aug 31, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL 68 Under: 153
CHI « 85 Cover: 10
Tools: Recaps

Aug 24, 2013 Score ATS Results
CHI « 67 Cover: 15
ATL 56 Under: 123
Tools: Recaps

Jun 16, 2013 Score ATS Results
CHI 74 Over: 162
ATL « 88 Cover: 8.5
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Stars-Lynx Preview

Maya Moore continues to enjoy the finest season of her career, helping the Minnesota Lynx flourish despite the absence of Seimone Augustus.

Coming off a performance for the ages, she'll look to lead the Lynx to their eighth straight victory over the visiting San Antonio Stars on Friday night.

Moore scored 48 -- three shy of the highest total in WNBA history -- in a 112-108 double-overtime home victory over Eastern Conference-leading Atlanta on Tuesday, Minnesota's fifth straight win and seventh in eight games. She was 16 of 30 from the field and made a career-high seven 3-pointers on nine attempts.

"We needed every one of them," coach Cheryl Reeve said of Moore's points. "And she had their full attention. That's what's impressive. They're not trying to let her drop 48 points on their heads."

It marked Moore's record-tying 10th game with 30-plus points this season. She also recorded 10 rebounds, four assists and two steals and leads the league with 25.1 points per game.

"I knew the one way I could hurt my team was by thinking too much," Moore said. "If it's my shot and I'm open, shoot the ball. If it's not, pass it to an open teammate. I'm just thankful. Sometimes they go in, sometimes they don't."

Augustus missed her eighth straight game due to left knee bursitis. She's averaging 17.2 points.

Minnesota (18-6) did get a boost from the season debut of three-time All-Star forward Rebekkah Brunson, who had 17 points and 12 rebounds after being sidelined following knee surgery.

San Antonio (12-12) comes off a 95-93 win over Tulsa on Tuesday night. Kayla McBride scored 23 and Danielle Robinson added 21, including the game-winning layup with 3.5 seconds left.

"When (Robinson) gets in the gut, it's just over," said guard Becky Hammon, who announced her intentions to retire after the season on Wednesday. "People have to pick who they want to score at that point because somebody is going to score when she gets in there like that."

Hammon, a six-time All-Star, is the franchise's all-time leader in assists and ranks seventh in league history in points.

"I've been mulling the decision over the past three or four months," Hammon said. "I just decided that it's the right time, the right moment and the right place. I wanted to let some things die down and give myself to mid-July to see where my body's at. I knew the time was right now."


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2014 Regular Season Series
Series starts 5/30

Fri 5/30 @MIN 88, SA 72 Recap | Box Score

Sun 6/1 MIN 87, @ SA 79 Recap | Box Score

Thu 7/3 @MIN 91, SA 84 Recap | Box Score

Jul 25, 2014 SA @ MIN 8:00 PM ET

Aug 15, 2014 MIN @ SA 8:00 PM ET

[StarDust Bum]

Friday, July 25

Game Score Status Pick Amount


Tulsa - 7:00 PM ET Washington -5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Washington - Under 161.5 500 *****


Chicago - 7:30 PM ET Chicago +9 500 *****

Atlanta - Over 159.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY


San Antonio - 8:00 PM ET San Antonio +9 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Minnesota - Over 161.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Indiana at San Antonio
The Fever head to San Antonio tonight and come into the contest with a 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 road games. Indiana is the pick (+1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Fever favored by 1. Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+1 1/2). Here are all of today's WNBA picks.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

Game 601-602: Los Angeles at Seattle (4:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 110.869; Seattle 113.376
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 2 1/2; 142
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 4; 148
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+4); Under

Game 603-604: Indiana at San Antonio (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 113.818; San Antonio 112.715
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 1; 144
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 1 1/2; 151 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+1 1/2); Under

Game 605-606: New York at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 109.587; Phoenix 125.907
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 16 1/2; 164
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 11 1/2; 158 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-11 1/2); Over




WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, July 26

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LOS ANGELES (10 - 14) at SEATTLE (9 - 17) - 7/26/2014, 4:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 24-37 ATS (-16.7 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 12-26 ATS (-16.6 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
SEATTLE is 102-71 ATS (+23.9 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1997.
SEATTLE is 46-28 ATS (+15.2 Units) in home games after a non-conference game since 1997.
SEATTLE is 30-16 ATS (+12.4 Units) after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
SEATTLE is 92-62 ATS (+23.8 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.
SEATTLE is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) after allowing 75 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 8-4 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 10-2 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
9 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (11 - 13) at SAN ANTONIO (12 - 13) - 7/26/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 102-137 ATS (-48.7 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
SAN ANTONIO is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) against Eastern conference opponents this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in non-conference games this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

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

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NEW YORK (10 - 13) at PHOENIX (20 - 3) - 7/26/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
PHOENIX is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) in home games this season.
PHOENIX is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 this season.
PHOENIX is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) in July games this season.
PHOENIX is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) in May, June, or July games this season.
PHOENIX is 11-4 ATS (+6.6 Units) after a division game this season.
PHOENIX is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.
PHOENIX is 9-2 ATS (+6.8 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins this season.
PHOENIX is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games this season.
NEW YORK is 70-47 ATS (+18.3 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents since 1997.
NEW YORK is 70-47 ATS (+18.3 Units) in road games in non-conference games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 17-30 ATS (-16.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.

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

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WNBA

Saturday, July 26

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Trend Report
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4:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. SEATTLE
Los Angeles is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Seattle
Los Angeles is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Seattle is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
Seattle is 15-7 SU in its last 22 games when playing at home against Los Angeles

8:00 PM
INDIANA vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone OVER in 16 of Indiana's last 20 games on the road
Indiana is 7-3 SU in its last 10 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
San Antonio is 1-4 SU in its last 5 games

10:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games
New York is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games
Phoenix is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against New York
Phoenix is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing New York

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sparks (10-14) at Storm (9-17)

Date: July 26, 2014 4:00 PM EDT


It's fair to say that the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm are both at a crossroads heading into Saturday's critical matchup.

These Western Conference rivals are both enduring losing streaks, and the Storm are unsure of veteran guard Sue Bird's status as they look to avoid dropping to 0-4 against the visiting Sparks.

Los Angeles (10-14) has a two-game lead over Seattle for the West's fourth and final playoff spot, and has already captured the tiebreaker by taking the first three meetings.

The Sparks have dropped three straight while the Storm have lost a season-high four in a row as they seek to avoid an 0-4 homestand.

Seattle (9-17) figures to be hard-pressed to win without Bird, who was sidelined by a strained neck for Thursday's 84-80 overtime loss to New York. The All-Star guard is questionable Saturday.

Temeka Johnson started in her place and became the fifth player in WNBA history with a triple-double with 13 points, 11 assists and a career-high 10 rebounds.

'I knew she really played well but I didn't have any idea of the statistics until after the game,' coach Brian Agler said. 'It doesn't really matter how you do that, whenever you can put those kind of numbers together it just shows that you played a very impactful game, and she really did.'

The 5-foot-3 Johnson was a fan favorite when she played for Los Angeles between 2006-08.

"I mean, I'm not going to downplay it, it's a huge accomplishment but aren't I a little small to be doing this?" she told the Storm's official website.

Los Angeles has captured the first three meetings by an average of 11.0 points, building halftime leads of 11 and 18 in its two visits to Seattle.

The Sparks may not be as confident now in the wake of Sunday's dismissal of coach Carol Ross. General manager Penny Toler will coach the remainder of the season, and Los Angeles fell to 0-2 under her with Thursday's 93-73 home defeat to league-leading Phoenix.

Nneka Ogwumike scored 23 points to lead the Sparks, who trailed by 17 after one quarter and 25 at the half.

"I'm actually proud of them because this is a lot of distractions that we have right now and that's recognizing that even as GM,' Toler said. 'We're trying to change some things and go forward, and it may take a minute. Obviously we want things to be instant, but it doesn't work like that.'

Reigning league MVP Candace Parker is averaging 18.3 points in the season series with two double-doubles for Los Angeles.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 3, 2014 Score ATS Results
LOS « 70 Cover: 12
SEA 56 Under: 126
Tools: Recaps

Jun 24, 2014 Score ATS Results
SEA 57 Under: 122
LOS « 65 Cover: 1
Tools: Recaps

May 16, 2014 Score ATS Results
LOS « 80 Cover: 6.5
SEA 69 Push: 149
Tools: Recaps

Aug 20, 2013 Score ATS Results
LOS 57 Under: 134
SEA « 77 Cover: 26
Tools: Recaps

Jul 25, 2013 Score ATS Results
SEA « 73 Cover: 20.5
LOS 66 Under: 139
Tools: Recaps

Jul 20, 2013 Score ATS Results
LOS « 65 Under: 129
SEA 64 Cover: 6.5
Tools: Recaps

May 26, 2013 Score ATS Results
SEA 69 Over: 171
LOS « 102 Cover: 17.5
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Fever-Stars Preview

If the Indiana Fever want to remain in the Eastern Conference playoff picture, they'll need to quickly turn things around on their longest road swing of the season.

After kicking off a five-game trip with a disappointing loss, the Fever continue the stretch Saturday night against the San Antonio Stars.

Indiana (11-13) had won a team record-tying three straight road contests before Tuesday's 60-57 loss to Chicago, which had dropped six in a row.

Marissa Coleman and Tamika Catchings each had 11 points for the Fever, who lost the game at the free-throw line by going 9 for 20 while the Sky were 16 of 17. Indiana trailed by nine at halftime before tying it at 55 with less than 40 seconds left.

"We did everything we needed to do in the second half to come back and win, but when you're on the road and miss 11 free throws you're going to have an awful hard time winning," coach Lin Dunn said.

With only first-place Atlanta above .500 in the East, a strong trip will keep the Fever in the postseason hunt. Only two games separate second and sixth place in the standings, and Indiana can tie Washington for the No. 2 spot with a victory.

The Fever will also face Los Angeles, Seattle and Phoenix on the trip.

Things are currently a bit more clear for San Antonio (12-13) in the West. The Stars enter this contest in third place with a 3 1/2-game lead over the fifth-place Storm.

San Antonio is unlikely to catch second-place Minnesota, which has a seven-game advantage, but the Sparks are nipping at the Stars' heels and trail them by just 1 1/2.

The Stars, kicking off a three-game homestand, fell 88-78 to the Lynx on Friday for their fourth loss in five games overall.

Danielle Robinson scored 15 points for San Antonio, which trailed by 10 in the third before using a 13-6 run to cut the deficit to 52-51 with 5:15 to play in the quarter. Minnesota put the game out of reach with a 12-0 surge in the fourth.

The Stars attempted four free throws compared to 18 by the Lynx.

"That's tough to make up," coach Dan Hughes said. "That's a tough scenario for us to make that differential up in that situation and we had to deal with some foul trouble that we don't normally do."

In their first meeting with Indiana this season, the Stars rallied from a 13-point hole in the final five minutes for a 71-70 win at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on July 5.

A San Antonio victory in this one will even the all-time series 14-all.

[StarDust Bum]

Last 5 Games

Indiana

Jul 22 @CHI Loss 60-57

Jul 17 CHI Win 82-64

Jul 15 LA Loss 86-78

Jul 12 ATL Loss 93-74

Jul 10 CONN Win 72-68


San Antonio

Jul 25 @MIN Loss 88-78

Jul 22 TUL Win 95-93

Jul 17 @TUL Loss 95-90

Jul 13 @PHX Loss 90-61

Jul 11 SEA Loss 88-67

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Liberty (10-13) at Mercury (20-3)

Date: July 26, 2014 10:00 PM EDT


The Phoenix Mercury continue to dominate offensively as they close in on the longest winning streak in WNBA history.

They'll seek a 15th straight victory when they host the improving and stingy New York Liberty on Friday night.

The Mercury (20-3) need four wins to match Los Angeles' record streak in 2001 and one to tie the league's second-longest run, set by Houston in 1998. Phoenix's last loss came by one point at Connecticut on June 12.

Leading the WNBA with 86.0 points per game, the club put together another impressive offensive showing in a 93-73 win over the Sparks on Thursday. DeWanna Bonner scored a season-high 22 while Brittney Griner added 18 on 8-of-9 shooting.

Bonner scored 20 in the first half, helping the Mercury score a season-high 61 points over the first 20 minutes for a 25-point halftime advantage.

"We had a talk recently and I wanted her to be more aggressive on the offensive end," coach Sandy Brondello said of Bonner, averaging a career low-tying 10.7 points. "It was good for her to get going. I just want her to be aggressive. She can put numbers on the board, so I just wanted her to get involved as much as she can."

The Mercury shot 53.8 percent from the field even though Diana Taurasi went 5 for 17. Taurasi still matched her average with 18 points.

Phoenix needs eight wins to equal the single-season league record of 28, achieved most recently by Seattle in 2010.

"I think we worked hard for it," Bonner said of the winning streak. "Nothing came easy. But we don't look ahead. We don't look behind at what we did or what we're doing."

The Liberty (10-13), holding opponents to a league-low 41.6 percent shooting, hope their stout defense can slow Phoenix down. They'll be playing for the third time in four days, though they've won three in a row and six of eight.

"I think that we're getting better. I think we are understanding who we are," coach Bill Laimbeer said. "We've got a long way to go still."

New York comes off an 84-80 overtime win at Seattle on Thursday. Tina Charles put the Liberty ahead on a putback with 23 seconds remaining following a missed shot by Cappie Pondexter.

"I know for sure we want to get the ball to Cappie because she makes a lot of last-second shots at the buzzer, and if it comes off I'm always going to try to crash the boards," said Charles, who had 18 points and 14 rebounds for her 11th double-double. "I went to my hook shot, and it went in."

Phoenix won both meetings with New York last season as Bonner and Candice Dupree each totaled 38 points.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Sep 10, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO « 80 Over: 156
NEW 76 Cover: 2
Tools: Recaps

Jul 2, 2013 Score ATS Results
NEW 87 Cover: 4.5
PHO « 94 Over: 181
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday, July 26

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Los Angeles - 4:00 PM ET Seattle +4 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Seattle - Over 148.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY


Indiana - 8:00 PM ET San Antonio -1 500 DOUBLE PLAY

San Antonio - Over 149 500 DOUBLE PLAY


New York - 10:00 PM ET New York +11.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Phoenix - Over 159 500 TRIPLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

07/26/14 0-*6-*0 0.00% -*3300 Detai


worst day ever in the wnba...............0 - 6..................gezzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Lynx (19-6) at Sun (10-15)

Date: July 27, 2014 3:00 PM EDT


The surging Minnesota Lynx are at full strength after getting Seimone Augustus back.

That doesn't bode well for the slumping Connecticut Sun, who continue to fall in the standings.

On the verge of matching their longest winning streak of the season, the visiting Lynx try to add to Connecticut's woes Sunday.

While Minnesota (19-6) officially clinched a playoff berth after Seattle lost Thursday, it kept its foot on the gas in Friday's 88-78 victory over San Antonio. Augustus posted team highs of 17 points and six assists in her first game back after missing eight with a knee injury, leading the Lynx to their sixth consecutive victory.

"The stuff that Seimone does, she does in her sleep," said coach Cheryl Reeve, whose team opened 7-0. "The behind the back, the crossover, she's been doing it so long it's really not hard, it's like riding a bike you've just to get right back to it."

All five starters scored in double figures as the Lynx shot 54.5 percent. Maya Moore, who went off for 48 points in a 112-108 double-overtime win over Atlanta three nights earlier, finished with 12 while shooting 5 of 14.

"It's good to be able to have the physical presence of all 12 members of our team," said Moore, leading the WNBA with 24.6 points per game. "It's just a matter of putting all those pieces together, and making sure that we are all continuing to focus on what we can bring to the game when it's our turn to go in."

After taking both of last year's meetings by an average of 15.0 points, Minnesota needed overtime to beat the Sun 90-87 on May 18. Moore led the way with 33 points and 12 rebounds while Augustus and Lindsay Whalen scored a combined 35. Star rookie Chiney Ogwumike had a season-high 25 points and 10 boards for Connecticut in her second game.

'They know how to finish games," Ogwumike said afterward.

Sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Sun (10-15) have followed a six-game winning streak by dropping nine of 11. Connecticut went toe-to-toe with Washington before getting outscored 30-16 in the fourth quarter of Wednesday's 89-75 road defeat.

"It was a typical kind of grind-it-out game," coach Anne Donovan said. "They take the lead; we take the lead. Back and forth. Then with six minutes left, they imposed their will, and we didn't respond."

The Sun, who allowed the Mystics to shoot 50.0 percent, saw their bench outscored 24-10. Ogwumike finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds while Kelsey Bone and Alex Bentley scored 15 apiece. Katie Douglas had just eight, though, while shooting 3 of 10.

Connecticut is still one win away from surpassing its total from all of last year.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD


May 18, 2014 Score ATS Results
CONN 87 Cover: 11.5
MIN « 90 Over: 177
Tools: Recaps


Aug 22, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIN « 91 Cover: 4.5
CONN 77 Over: 168
Tools: Recaps


Jun 1, 2013 Score ATS Results
CONN 74 Under: 164
MIN « 90 Cover: 5
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dream (15-8) at Mystics (12-13)

Date: July 27, 2014 4:00 PM EDT


Playing with heavy hearts, the Eastern Conference-leading Atlanta Dream haven't been able to get it together without coach Michael Cooper.

While they've taken care of business against Washington thus far, the surging Mystics may be able to break through this time around.

The Dream try to snap their longest losing streak of the year when they visit Washington, which hopes to avoid a four-game season sweep Sunday.

After suffering a last-second 77-75 defeat at New York on July 16 and a 112-108 double-overtime loss at Minnesota on Tuesday, Atlanta (15-8) again came up just short against Chicago on Friday. The Dream stormed back from 18 down to tie the score with 4:57 to play before falling 79-75 in their second game without Cooper.

Diagnosed with tongue cancer earlier in the week, Cooper remains on medical leave after undergoing surgery Thursday.

"Coop is doing great," said assistant coach Karleen Thompson, who continues to fill in. "Everything went well. He is going to make a full recovery. We're ready for him to come back, of course, and I know him, he's not ever going to not be thinking of his team."

Angel McCoughtry, among the WNBA leaders with 19.7 points per game, was held to 12 while shooting 5 of 17. She also committed a season-high seven of the team's 21 turnovers.

Sitting four games ahead of the Mystics (12-13), Atlanta has taken each of this season's first three meetings by an average of 10.3 points. The Dream won 86-73 on July 5 thanks to a 42-26 edge in the paint.

Another victory could be harder to come by if Washington's recent efforts are any indication. The Mystics had dropped 10 of 13 before winning five of their last six, including a season best-tying three in a row.

While it wasn't pretty, Washington held on to beat Tulsa 82-77 on Friday. The Mystics took a 15-point lead into the fourth quarter before missing their first 12 shots, going 1 of 13 from the field over the final 10 minutes.

"I don't know if I've ever been in a game where (we) won with one field goal in the fourth quarter. Interesting game. You guys ask the questions. I don't even know where to start," coach Mike Thibault said. "Survive and move on. The good part is in 10 days, (looking at the) standings, nobody will remember how or why, just that we survived."

All-Star Ivory Latta scored 17 and Monique Currie set a WNBA record for most points without a field goal, going 16 of 18 from the foul line. Latta is averaging 18.3 points over the last three games, up from her season mark of 12.0.

The Mystics are the East's top defensive team, surrendering 75.2 points per game.


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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 5, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS 73 Over: 159
ATL « 86 Cover: 4.5
Tools: Recaps

Jun 18, 2014 Score ATS Results
WAS 73 Over: 156
ATL « 83 Cover: 2
Tools: Recaps

Jun 15, 2014 Score ATS Results
ATL « 75 Cover: 4.5
WAS 67 Under: 142
Tools: Recaps

Sep 23, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 72 Over: 152
ATL « 80 Cover: 1.5
Tools: Recaps

Sep 21, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL « 63 Cover: 20.5
WAS 45 Under: 108
Tools: Recaps

Sep 19, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS « 71 Cover: 22
ATL 56 Under: 127
Tools: Recaps

Aug 28, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS « 85 Cover: 11.5
ATL 80 Over: 165
Tools: Recaps

Aug 23, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL 64 Under: 138
WAS « 74 Cover: 12.5
Tools: Recaps

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

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Sky (10-14) at Shock (8-17)

Date: July 27, 2014 4:30 PM EDT


Even despite the absence of Elena Delle-Donne, the Chicago Sky appear to be turning things around.

The Tulsa Shock continue to slide further out of the playoff picture.

Chicago aims for a third straight win for the first time in two months Sunday when it visits Tulsa.

The Sky (10-14) have won two in a row after dropping nine of their previous 11, most recently taking down the Eastern Conference's top team with a 79-75 win at Atlanta on Friday.

Delle Donne, the team's leading scorer with 21.2 points per game, was sidelined again - the 15th time she sat out in the last 16 games due to chronic flare ups of her Lyme disease. She doesn't appear likely to play Sunday.

Chicago, which led by 14 at halftime Friday, held on despite a 19-2 run in the fourth quarter by Atlanta.

"We coughed it up at crucial times, but we stuck together," coach Pokey Chatman said. "It was nice to pull it out against a very good Atlanta team."

The Sky haven't won three consecutive games since a four-game winning streak to open the season.

Epiphanny Prince scored a game-high 21 Friday and added seven assists. She made her only 3-point attempt of the game with 4:36 remaining.

"(Epiphanny) is a fifth-year player, someone we trust, and it was nice to see here step up and take that shot, and then get the friendly roll as if we were at home," Chatman said.

Sylvia Fowles also had 12 points and 12 rebounds for her seventh straight double-double.

The Shock (8-17) own the league's worst record, have dropped seven of eight and are allowing an average of 90.3 points over their last six. Opponents are scoring a league-high 84.8 points per game against them on the season.

Even though their struggling defense limited Washington to one fourth-quarter field goal Friday, they still suffered an 82-77 loss.

It marked Tulsa's 10th loss by five points or fewer.

"There are no moral victories on this team, but we're not getting blown out," said Skylar Diggins, who ranks second in the WNBA with 21.4 points per game. "We just got to be professionals, try to get better and get ready for the next opponent."

Tulsa failed to convert a second-chance field goal in the final period despite 10 offensive rebounds.

"We had four or five rebounds there at the end to maybe put us up one or so," coach Fred Williams said.

The Shock won 105-99 in overtime at Chicago on June 22 with Diggins tallying a then-career high 33 points and six steals. Neither Delle Donne nor Fowles played for Chicago. Jessica Breland led the Sky with 26 points on 12-of-16 shooting and Prince scored 24.


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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jun 22, 2014 Score ATS Results
TUL « 105 Cover: 8.5
CHI 99 Over: 204
Tools: Recaps

Jun 20, 2013 Score ATS Results
CHI 74 Under: 157
TUL « 83 Cover: 15
Tools: Recaps

Jun 2, 2013 Score ATS Results
TUL 71 Push: 163
CHI « 92 Cover: 5
Tools: Recaps