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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Mercury (22-3) at Lynx (20-6)

Date: July 31, 2014 8:00 PM EDT


Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury are closing in on one of the greatest records in WNBA history, the Los Angeles Sparks' 18-game winning streak.

To equal that mark, the Mercury need to win two more games, starting with defending champion Minnesota on Thursday night.

The Lynx have dominated Phoenix recently, winning 14 straight over the Mercury from 2011-13.

Phoenix finally was able to end that skid this year, taking the first two games from the defending champions, which started off this current 16-game run.

Still, that Lynx team wasn't at 100 percent yet with stars Rebekkah Brunson and Seimone Augustus missing the games because of injuries.

'Everyone keeps bringing it up,' said Griner, whose offseason playing experience this past winter in China was documented in a video - Lifesize - by ESPN as part of the network's IX for IX series that debuted Wednesday morning.

'They weren't at their full strength, they are now. It's a good test for us against a very good team in this league.'

Griner is well aware of winning streaks and how they don't mean much if the end result isn't a championship. When she was in college her Baylor Lady Bears went 40-0 en route to the school's second national championship.

'Who cares about a streak if you don't win a championship,' Griner said. 'It's all about championships. If we do win one, this streak will just be icing on the cake.'

While the Mercury aren't focused on the current streak, other teams and the league have taken notice of their success. The game on Thursday, which wasn't originally scheduled to be national televised will be on NBA TV now.

'They are one of the best offensive teams I've seen in this league,' Washington coach Mike Thibault said. 'They can score from so many different positions, but also play really solid defense now as well.'

Thibault said that what made some of the dominant teams special in the past was that they were able to win championships.

Los Angeles went on to win the 2001 title and then were champions again in 2002. The Houston Comets won the WNBA's first four titles.

Here are five comparisons of the two teams during their streaks:

FRONTRUNNERS: The Mercury have led games for nearly 83 percent of the time during their streak with the biggest deficit only being 13 points. Phoenix has only trailed for just over nine minutes in the fourth quarter of those games. Los Angeles led for 73 percent of the time during its run, the WNBA said according to information provided by the Elias Sports Bureau.

STAR POWER: Lisa Leslie averaged 19.5 points and 9.6 rebounds to earn the league's MVP award. She also was the All-Star MVP and postseason MVP to become the first female player to win all three awards in the same season. Taurasi and Griner are putting up MVP-type numbers this year, but neither was the All-Star MVP with that award going to Atlanta rookie Shoni Schimmel.

HOME COOKING: The Sparks went 16-0 at home that season to become the first team to go unbeaten at home. Seattle accomplished the feat in 2010. Phoenix has been nearly as good, winning 12 of its 13 games at home this season.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Of the Sparks' 18 wins, six came away from home during their run. If the Mercury can beat Minnesota they'll have won eight road games. While Los Angeles had to play one game in Washington, Phoenix hasn't had to come to the East Coast during its streak. After playing the Lynx, the Mercury return home to face the Indiana Fever before taking on Atlanta in a potential record-breaking game on Tuesday night.

LEAGUE SIZE: Not to diminish the Sparks' streak at all, but the league had 16 teams in 2001, now there are just 12 in the WNBA meaning that each team's talent pool has increased.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jun 18, 2014 Score ATS Results
MIN 79 Over: 171
PHO « 92 Cover: 8.5
Tools: Recaps

Jun 15, 2014 Score ATS Results
PHO « 80 Cover: 13.5
MIN 72 Under: 152
Tools: Recaps

Sep 29, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIN « 72 Cover: 3.5
PHO 65 Under: 137
Tools: Recaps

Sep 26, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO 62 Under: 147
MIN « 85 Cover: 15.5
Tools: Recaps

Jul 24, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO 69 Cover: 3.5
MIN « 81 Under: 150
Tools: Recaps

Jul 21, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIN « 82 Under: 159
PHO 77 Cover: 2
Tools: Recaps

Jul 7, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO 59 Under: 150
MIN « 91 Cover: 25.5
Tools: Recaps

Jun 19, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIN « 80 Cover: 7.5
PHO 69 Under: 149
Tools: Recaps

Jun 6, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO 79 Over: 178
MIN « 99 Cover: 9.5
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Dream (16-9) at Shock (10-17)

Date: July 31, 2014 8:00 PM EDT


With Angel McCoughtry out of her shooting slump, the Atlanta Dream will try to continue their push to wrap up first place in the Eastern Conference.

Having snapped a season-high losing streak their last time out, the Dream look to end a three-game road skid Thursday night against the Tulsa Shock.

McCoughtry shot 34.7 percent during Atlanta's four consecutive defeats before breaking out in an 89-80 win over Connecticut on Tuesday. The All-Star forward had a team-best 25 points and went 10 of 16 from the field, while Tiffany Hayes matched a career high with 23 points.

The win pushed the Dream (16-9) four games in front of Washington in the East and was their first without coach Michael Cooper, who began a leave of absence July 21 after being diagnosed with early stage tongue cancer.

"We're professionals and no matter who we have on the bench, we still know how to play the game and sometimes coach ourselves," McCoughtry said. "Sometimes, Coach Cooper mostly sits on the sidelines and lets us figure it out anyway."

With assistant coach Karleen Thompson leading the way, Atlanta plays five of its next six on the road, starting that stretch against a club that's trying to match its longest home win streak of the season.

The Shock, who won four straight at home June 6-15, are also looking to bolster their playoff hopes.

Glory Johnson's league-best 15th double-double - 19 points, 13 rebounds - helped Tulsa (10-17) beat Seattle 80-74 on Tuesday and move within two games of Los Angeles for the final playoff spot in the West.

"I guess I have to start calling her Ms. Double-Double," coach Fred Williams said. "She's a cross between Dennis Rodman and Charles Barkley."

Odyssey Sims had a team-leading 21 points and shot 8 of 12 after scoring 24 in a 79-69 win over Chicago on Sunday. She's averaged 24.5 points and 58.1 percent shooting in the last four games.

The Shock won even though leading scorer Skylar Diggins had 11 points - her lowest total in 22 games - while going 4 of 12 for the second straight contest.

Heading into their first matchup of the season, Atlanta has won nine of the last 12 meetings with the Shock after the teams split two last season.

The Dream won in their first three visits to Tulsa before a 90-63 drubbing last July 21.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 21, 2013 Score ATS Results

ATL 63 Under: 153
TUL « 90 Cover: 32.5
Tools: Recaps

May 25, 2013 Score ATS Results
TUL 81 Over: 179
ATL « 98 Cover: 8.5
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Liberty (11-14) at Sky (10-16)

Date: July 31, 2014 8:00 PM EDT


Elena Delle Donne's absence has taken a toll on the Chicago Sky.

Fortunately for them, she's set to return.

The Sky get their star back Thursday night when they host the New York Liberty.

Chicago (10-16) has stumbled with Delle Donne sidelined, dropping eight of 10 to fall 1 1/2 games behind New York for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot.

She sat out for the 17th time in 18 games Tuesday, a 92-74 loss at San Antonio, due to flareups of Lyme disease. The Sky are 5-12 without Delle Donne.

The 2013 Rookie of the Year, who has averaged a team-best 21.2 points in nine games, will come off the bench and plans to play about 20 minutes.

Epiphanny Prince scored 23 on Tuesday as the Sky played without point guard Courtney Vandersloot for an 11th straight game due to a sprained left MCL. Vandersloot, the team leader with 6.4 assists, is expected to miss at least another two weeks.

Chicago was outrebounded 39-30 and allowed San Antonio to shoot 50.7 percent from the floor.

"We've been talking about (stepping up) for a long time, probably eight games ago," coach Pokey Chatman said. "It's easy to read who's not here and the focus needs to be on who's here. We've not had people here all year, that's just part of it.

"It's part of any sport, so I just make sure we kept top of mind (of our mind) that if we do the dirt work - defend, rebound, get the 50/50 ball - you give yourself an opportunity and that's what we didn't do."

Thursday's matchup could be a prime opportunity for a turnaround given the Sky's nine straight wins in the series. The Liberty (11-14) last defeated them by a 77-67 score in Chicago on Aug. 21, 2012.

New York, though, has won four of five to pull ahead of the Sky in the standings. It's coming off an 80-76 overtime victory over Washington on Tuesday, winning despite squandering a 15-point third-quarter lead.

"For the win itself, it was a very big win for our franchise," coach Bill Laimbeer said. "We're trying to catch anybody and everybody in front of us. ... Every win we can get, especially home wins are so important. It would have been very disappointing for us to lose this game."

This is the first of three straight road contests against East foes for New York.

"These games are all important, but we'll take them one at a time," said Tina Charles, who scored 23 and has averaged 21.8 points in her last nine.

Delle Donne scored 23 in a 79-65 win at New York on May 17.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jun 27, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI « 73 Cover: 2
NEW 69 Under: 142
Tools: Recaps

Jun 18, 2014 Score ATS Results
NEW 100 Over: 205
CHI « 105 Cover: 3.5
Tools: Recaps

May 17, 2014 Score ATS Results
CHI « 79 Cover: 19.5
NEW 65 Under: 144
Tools: Recaps

Aug 23, 2013 Score ATS Results
NEW 64 Under: 146
CHI « 82 Cover: 6.5
Tools: Recaps

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

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

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

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

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Fever (12-14) at Storm (9-19)

Date: July 31, 2014 10:00 PM EDT


In the midst of their longest road swing of the season, the Indiana Fever are coming off another narrow defeat.

Facing the WNBA's worst team could help them bounce back.

The Fever try to continue their recent success against the Seattle Storm, who hope to avoid a seventh consecutive loss Thursday night.

Indiana (12-14) has gone 1-2 on its five-game trek after falling 77-73 to Los Angeles on Monday. The Fever, who kicked off their trip with a 60-57 defeat to Chicago last Tuesday, were held to one point in the final 2:17.

"I thought we should have won the game," an emotional coach Lin Dunn told the team's official website. "We didn't finish the game. We didn't do the little things you need to do to win a game in crunch-time.

"When we had a chance to win, we made a defensive error, we missed rebounds and we missed free throws. You can't do those things and expect to win on the road."

Tamika Catchings had 16 points while Erlana Larkins added 10 and 10 rebounds for the Fever, who have lost four of six. Indiana gave up 14 offensive rebounds and 24 points off 17 turnovers.

"There are definitely some good things, but there are definitely some things within our control that we didn't take care of - rebounding consistently and communicating on defense was a huge thing," guard Briann January said after going 1 of 8 from 3-point range. 'Those are things we need to do to pull out games on the road, and we fell short."

Despite its recent scuffles, Indiana is the only Eastern Conference team with a winning road record (7-6).

The Fever have also fared well against the Storm, taking five of the last six in the series and are seeking a season sweep. Indiana won this season's first meeting 76-68 at home June 11 behind 17 points and 11 boards from Larkins.

"This is something I feel like we've all seen her do in the last couple years," Storm guard Sue Bird said of Larkins, who is fourth in the league with 9.4 rebounds per game. "She's very active, a very energetic player who never seems to give up on any play."

While the Storm (9-19) have posted a WNBA-record 10 consecutive postseason appearances, their streak is all but certain to end. Seattle is 3 1/2 games behind Los Angeles for the fourth and final playoff spot in the West with six remaining.

The Storm are coming off an 80-74 defeat at Tulsa on Tuesday and haven't lost seven in a row since July 7-21, 2001, which is also the second-longest skid in team history. Bird led four players in double figures with 15 points, but Seattle was outscored 21-2 in transition and outrebounded 35-22.

Seattle is averaging a league-low 70.7 points and also is last in rebounds at 28.4 per game.

This will be Dunn's final regular-season appearance at KeyArena. Dunn, set to retire at season's end, was Seattle's first coach and general manager from 2000-02.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jun 11, 2014 Score ATS Results
SEA 68 Over: 144
IND « 76 Cover: 1.5
Tools: Recaps

Aug 17, 2013 Score ATS Results
IND 70 Over: 147
SEA « 77 Cover: 6
Tools: Recaps

Jun 30, 2013 Score ATS Results
SEA 63 Under: 134
IND « 71 Cover: 2.5
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Thursday, July 31

Game Score Status Pick Amount


Atlanta - 8:00 PM ET Tulsa +3.5 500 *****

Tulsa - Over 165 500 DOUBLE PLAY


Phoenix - 8:00 PM ET Phoenix -2 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Minnesota - Under 167 500 TRIPLE PLAY


New York - 8:00 PM ET New York +3.5 500 DOUBLE PLAY

Chicago - Over 149 500 DOUBLE PLAY


Indiana - 10:00 PM ET Indiana -3 500 *****

Seattle - Over 141 500 DOUBLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Connecticut at San Antonio
The Stars play host to Connecticut tonight and come into the contest with a 7-1 ATS record in their last 8 games versus the Sun. San Antonio is the pick (-4 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Stars favored by 6 1/2. Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-4 1/2). Here are all of today's WNBA picks.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 1

Game 651-652: Connecticut at San Antonio (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 106.073; San Antonio 112.446
Dunkel Line & Total: San Antonio by 6 1/2; 152
Vegas Line & Total: San Antonio by 4 1/2; 156 1/2
Dunkel Pick: San Antonio (-4 1/2); Under




WNBA
Long Sheet

Friday, August 1

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CONNECTICUT (10 - 17) at SAN ANTONIO (13 - 14) - 8/1/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) on Friday over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 3-12 ATS (-10.2 Units) in road games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) against Eastern conference opponents this season.
SAN ANTONIO is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) in non-conference games this season.
CONNECTICUT is 104-73 ATS (+23.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
CONNECTICUT is 13-4 ATS (+8.6 Units) in road games after 3 or more consecutive losses since 1997.
SAN ANTONIO is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 4-1 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 3-2 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Friday, August 1

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Connecticut's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Connecticut is 2-5 SU in its last 7 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of San Antonio's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 8 games when playing Connecticut

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA

Friday, August 1

Game Score Status Pick Amount


Connecticut - 8:00 PM ET San Antonio -5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

San Antonio - Under 156 500 TRIPLE PLAY

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Lynx (21-6) at Shock (10-18)

Date: August 02, 2014 8:00 PM EDT


The Minnesota Lynx's deficit in the Western Conference will likely keep them from lingering too long on a major victory.

Maya Moore is confident her club can avoid a letdown when it begins a two-game road trip Saturday night against the Tulsa Shock.

Minnesota (21-6) avoided a damaging blow in its drive for first place in the West by ending Phoenix's 16-game winning streak with a 75-67 victory Thursday. The Lynx limited the Mercury to 36.8 percent shooting in their season-high eighth consecutive win.

Minnesota, which shot 37.7 percent, also outrebounded Phoenix 48-33 and had an 11-2 advantage on the offensive glass.

The victory cut the Lynx's deficit to Phoenix to 1 1/2 games with seven remaining. They'll try to cut it down further while earning their 18th win in 19 matchups with the Shock (10-18) and 10th in a row in Tulsa.

The Mercury host Indiana on Saturday night.

"I think this team is poised and experienced enough to be able to come from an emotionally high game like (Thursday) to bringing that same emotion on the road," Moore said. "I'm confident we'll be ready."

Minnesota has won all three meetings with Tulsa this season, beating it twice during the eight-game run. Moore, leading the league with 24.1 points per contest, is averaging 34.3 and 11.0 rebounds while shooting 58.3 percent in the three matchups.

The WNBA's second-leading scorer, Shock guard Skylar Diggins (20.6 ppg), has gone 12 of 40 from the field in the last three games. She was 4 of 16 and scored 14 points in an 85-75 loss to Atlanta on Thursday, which ended Tulsa's two-game win streak and three-game run at home.

The Shock dropped 2 1/2 games behind Los Angeles for the final West playoff spot with six remaining, but took some solace in their effort against the East leaders.

'We were right there with them. We competed," center Courtney Paris said. "At the end of the day, you want to win and it hurts not to win. But you can look at the development and know that it is one of the best teams in the league."

Odyssey Sims had a team-leading 22 points and is averaging 24.0 and 53.0 percent shooting in her past five games. The rookie made 11 of 31 from the field over the last two meetings with the Lynx but still totaled 33 points.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 16, 2014 Score ATS Results
TUL 82 Over: 175
MIN « 93 Cover: 2.5
Tools: Recaps

Jul 10, 2014 Score ATS Results
MIN « 91 Cover: 3
TUL 85 Over: 176
Tools: Recaps

May 23, 2014 Score ATS Results
MIN « 94 Over: 187
TUL 93 Cover: 5.5
Tools: Recaps

Aug 16, 2013 Score ATS Results
TUL « 83 Cover: 21
MIN 77 Over: 160
Tools: Recaps

Jul 13, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIN « 86 Cover: 1.5
TUL 75 Over: 161
Tools: Recaps

Jun 23, 2013 Score ATS Results
TUL 79 Cover: 6
MIN « 88 Over: 167
Tools: Recaps

Jun 14, 2013 Score ATS Results
MIN « 83 Under: 157
TUL 74 Cover: 1.5
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Fever (13-14) at Mercury (22-4)

Date: August 02, 2014 10:00 PM EDT


The Phoenix Mercury may have fallen short of matching the longest winning streak in WNBA history, but they're home win streak is still intact.

Undefeated in Phoenix for more than two months, the Mercury try to bounce back by winning a 12th straight home game Saturday night against the Indiana Fever.

The Mercury (22-4) had won a club-record 16 in a row prior to Thursday's 75-67 loss at Minnesota in a matchup of the league's top two teams. It was the first loss since June 12 for Phoenix, which came within two victories of tying Los Angeles' league-record run in 2001.

The Mercury came in touting a WNBA-best 49.9 field-goal percentage and had shot better than 50.0 percent in a league-record seven straight before going 25 for 68 against the Lynx. Diana Taurasi scored 10 points on 5-for-21 shooting after going 25 for 50 over her previous four contests.

"You won't see Diana shoot like that very often, but she also got a lot of attention," coach Sandy Brondello said. "Could she have gotten a few more calls? Yes, definitely. Maybe we'll get them next time. But she's a competitor. She'll bounce back."

Brondello's club still leads the second-place Lynx by 1 1/2 games, and is 12-1 in Phoenix, only losing to San Antonio on May 23.

While Taurasi is the league's second all-time leading scorer, Indiana's Tamika Catchings surpassed Katie Smith for third place Thursday when she scored 16 points in a 76-67 win at Seattle. Taurasi has scored 6,642 points, while Catchings is at 6,454.

"That's cool for me," said Catchings, who has scored 16 in two straight since being limited to one point on 0-for-8 shooting at San Antonio on July 26. "It'd be great to have that and another championship."

The Fever (13-14), who are tied with Washington for second place in the East, saw double-digit scoring performances from all five starters and outscored the Storm 25-15 in the final quarter.

Indiana was 16 for 17 from the free throw line with Catchings and Briann January going a combined 10 for 10.

"I thought we did a really good job keeping our poise and composure in crunch time," coach Lin Dunn said. "We just did some things we needed to do. We got some stops on the defensive end, we executed the sets we wanted to run down the stretch and we got to the free-throw line and hit the free throws."

Phoenix has won the last three meetings by an average of 12.3 points, including an 81-76 victory at Indiana on June 27. Taurasi scored 23 and hit all 11 of her free throws while Catchings was sidelined with a back injury.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jun 27, 2014 Score ATS Results
PHO « 81 Under: 157
IND 76 Cover: 0.5
Tools: Recaps

Aug 14, 2013 Score ATS Results
IND 58 Under: 133
PHO « 75 Cover: 12
Tools: Recaps

Jun 8, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO « 82 Cover: 19
IND 67 Under: 149
Tools: Recaps

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Indiana at Phoenix
The Mercury play host to Indiana (13-14 SU) tonight and come into the contest with a 9-0 ATS record in their last 9 games versus a team with a losing SU record. Phoenix is the pick (-9 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Mercury favored by 15 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-9 1/2). Here are all of today's WNBA picks.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 2

Game 601-602: Minnesota at Tulsa (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 118.310; Tulsa 109.915
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 8 1/2;
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 6; 166
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-6); Over

Game 603-604: Indiana at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 109.290; Phoenix 125.035
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 15 1/2;
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 9 1/2;
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-9 1/2); Over




WNBA

Saturday, August 2

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Trend Report
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8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TULSA
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
Minnesota is 17-1 SU in its last 18 games when playing Tulsa
Tulsa is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home
Tulsa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota

10:00 PM
INDIANA vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Indiana's last 14 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Phoenix is 16-1 SU in its last 17 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Phoenix's last 7 games at home


WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, August 2

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MINNESOTA (21 - 6) at TULSA (10 - 18) - 8/2/2014, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
TULSA is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
TULSA is 7-0 ATS (+7.0 Units) as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 points over the last 2 seasons.
TULSA is 24-14 ATS (+8.6 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 42-26 ATS (+13.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 39-22 ATS (+14.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in August or September games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 28-15 ATS (+11.5 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 22-7 ATS (+14.3 Units) after 3 or more consecutive wins over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 13-5 ATS (+7.5 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game after 15+ games over the last 2 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 19-9 ATS (+9.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TULSA is 6-6 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 11-1 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
9 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (13 - 14) at PHOENIX (22 - 4) - 8/2/2014, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 104-137 ATS (-46.7 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 69-95 ATS (-35.5 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 19-7 ATS (+11.3 Units) in all games this season.
PHOENIX is 17-6 ATS (+10.4 Units) as a favorite this season.
PHOENIX is 11-2 ATS (+8.8 Units) in home games this season.
PHOENIX is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 this season.
PHOENIX is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) after a division game this season.
PHOENIX is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) in home games when playing against a team with a losing record this season.
PHOENIX is 9-0 ATS (+9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record after 15+ games after 15+ games this season.
INDIANA is 7-1 ATS (+5.9 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent this season.
INDIANA is 12-4 ATS (+7.6 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent this season.
PHOENIX is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) in August or September games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-22 ATS (-14.2 Units) in home games after allowing 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.

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

[StarDust Bum]

Saturday, August 2

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Minnesota - 8:00 PM ET Minnesota -7 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Tulsa - Over 167 500 *****


Indiana - 10:00 PM ET Phoenix -10.5 500 TRIPLE PLAY

Phoenix - Under 154.5 500 *****

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Long Sheet

Sunday, August 3

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NEW YORK (11 - 15) at ATLANTA (17 - 9) - 8/3/2014, 3:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
NEW YORK is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 3 seasons.
NEW YORK is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game this season.
ATLANTA is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
ATLANTA is 15-3 ATS (+11.7 Units) in home games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
NEW YORK is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 6-5 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
NEW YORK is 6-5 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
8 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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CONNECTICUT (11 - 17) at LOS ANGELES (12 - 15) - 8/3/2014, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 0-6 ATS (-6.6 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 4-12 ATS (-9.2 Units) in road games after scoring 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 105-73 ATS (+24.7 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 25-39 ATS (-17.9 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in home games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 this season.
LOS ANGELES is 5-13 ATS (-9.3 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games against Eastern conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) in home games in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 26-46 ATS (-24.6 Units) in home games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 3-2 against the spread versus CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 5-0 straight up against CONNECTICUT 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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WASHINGTON (13 - 14) at CHICAGO (11 - 16) - 8/3/2014, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 258-311 ATS (-84.1 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 162-205 ATS (-63.5 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 35-60 ATS (-31.0 Units) in road games in August or September games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 15-30 ATS (-18.0 Units) in road games on Sunday games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 162-202 ATS (-60.2 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) after a division game this season.
WASHINGTON is 8-1 ATS (+6.9 Units) in road games when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
CHICAGO is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) after scoring 75 points or more this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 6-5 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-4 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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SAN ANTONIO (13 - 15) at SEATTLE (9 - 20) - 8/3/2014, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 5-12 ATS (-8.2 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
SEATTLE is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in home games on Sunday games over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 102-72 ATS (+22.8 Units) in home games vs. division opponents since 1997.
SEATTLE is 92-64 ATS (+21.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game since 1997.
SAN ANTONIO is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 3 seasons.
SEATTLE is 9-19 ATS (-11.9 Units) in all games this season.
SEATTLE is 3-10 ATS (-8.0 Units) in home games this season.
SEATTLE is 3-13 ATS (-11.3 Units) after allowing 75 points or more this season.
SEATTLE is 3-11 ATS (-9.1 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 6-6 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 7-5 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
9 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Sunday, August 3

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Trend Report
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3:00 PM
NEW YORK vs. ATLANTA
New York is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games on the road
New York is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games on the road
Atlanta is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 games at home
Atlanta is 2-3-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home

3:30 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Connecticut's last 5 games on the road
Connecticut is 1-3-1 ATS in its last 5 games
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Los Angeles's last 25 games when playing Connecticut
Los Angeles is 3-9 ATS in its last 12 games when playing at home against Connecticut

6:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Washington's last 6 games on the road
Washington is 1-7 SU in its last 8 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 2-4-1 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Washington
Chicago is 13-4 SU in its last 17 games when playing Washington

9:00 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. SEATTLE
San Antonio is 2-8 ATS in its last 10 games when playing on the road against Seattle
San Antonio is 6-15-1 ATS in its last 22 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Seattle's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
Seattle is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against San Antonio

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA
Dunkel

Connecticut at Los Angeles
The Sun head to Los Angeles today to face a Sparks team that is 6-20 ATS in its last 26 home games. Connecticut is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sparks favored by only 4. Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+6 1/2). Here are all of today's WNBA picks.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3

Game 651-652: New York at Atlanta (3:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: New York 107.769; Atlanta 114.386
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 6 1/2; 160
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 9; 154 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (+9); Over

Game 653-654: Connecticut at Los Angeles (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 107.968; Los Angeles 112.106
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 4; 161
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 6 1/2; 156 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+6 1/2); Over

Game 655-656: Washington at Chicago (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 108.389; Chicago 115.262
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 7; 148
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 4 1/2; 153 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-4 1/2); Under

Game 657-658: San Antonio at Seattle (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 105.550; Seattle 109.735
Dunkel Line & Total: Seattle by 4; 144
Vegas Line & Total: Seattle by 1; 148 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (-1); Under

[StarDust Bum]

WNBA

Sunday, August 3


Liberty slumping in recent road games

If you've been backing the New York Liberty, you've more than likely avoided (or faded) them on the road. That's because the Eastern Conference club is just 2-9 against the spread in its last 11 ball games. Furthermore, the Liberty are just 3-10 ATS on the road season-to-date.

The Atlanta Dream play host to the Liberty Sunday afternoon and the struggling road club has been tabbed as 8.5-point road dogs for the affair.

[StarDust Bum]

Preview: Liberty (11-15) at Dream (17-9)

Date: August 03, 2014 3:00 PM EDT


The Atlanta Dream look like they've regained their composure after a rough patch, but star Angel McCoughtry believes they still have plenty of room to improve.

The Eastern Conference-leading Dream go for a third straight win Sunday against the visiting New York Liberty.

Atlanta (17-9) has bounced back from a season-high four-game losing streak with an 89-80 win over Connecticut on Tuesday and 85-75 victory at Tulsa on Thursday. Tiffany Hayes finished with a career-high 27 points, McCoughtry added 21 and Erika de Souza had 18 and 12 rebounds to lead the Dream over the Shock.

Hayes had a bit of a scare when she hit her head on the floor late in the third quarter but returned to score 10 points in the fourth.

'We're Atlanta, everyone is always coming at us," she said. "You just have to get back up and play through it.'

Although the Dream shot 55.0 percent and scored 48 points in the paint, McCoughtry was unhappy with team's 23 turnovers.

'We can play so much better than tonight,' said McCoughtry, who had a season-high 11 turnovers. 'We had so many turnovers. We can be so much better. We still haven't reached our potential.'

While the offense scuffled at times, Atlanta held Tulsa to 37.0 percent shooting, including 4 for 15 on 3-pointers.

'Defense leads to everything,' Hayes said. 'No matter who has the hot hand or who's doing what, as long as our defense is on point and our communication is there, no one can beat us but ourselves."

The Dream may find more success defensively against the Liberty (11-15), who are one of the WNBA's worst offensive teams - averaging 73.2 points and shooting 42.2 percent.

Atlanta completely frustrated Cappie Pondexter for much of its game at Madison Square Garden on July 16. The six-time All-Star missed 12 of her first 14 shots before banking in a jumper from the foul line with four-tenths of a second left to lift the Liberty to a 77-75 win.

Pondexter scored 14 while Tina Charles had a team-high 15 points in Thursday's 87-74 loss to Chicago. New York, which was 3 of 11 from 3-point range and 13 of 21 from the foul line, fell to 0-4 in its season series with the Sky. Chicago pulled within one-half game of the Liberty for the East's fourth and final playoff spot.

'They played great, they executed their shots very well,' Pondexter said. "We can't take anything from them and the good thing is we don't play them anymore.'

While New York is relieved to be done with the Sky, it still has to go out on the road, where it has struggled mightily.

The Liberty are tied with Tulsa for the league's worst road record at 3-10, and they play half of their remaining eight games away from Madison Square Garden.

The Dream, who are 11-3 at home, beat the Liberty 85-64 in Atlanta on June 20.

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WNB HEAD TO HEAD

Jul 16, 2014 Score ATS Results
ATL 75 Under: 152
NEW « 77 Cover: 7.5
Tools: Recaps

Jun 22, 2014 Score ATS Results
ATL 78 Over: 163
NEW « 85 Cover: 11.5
Tools: Recaps

Jun 20, 2014 Score ATS Results
NEW 64 Under: 149
ATL « 85 Cover: 12
Tools: Recaps

Sep 6, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL « 70 Cover: 8.5
NEW 57 Under: 127
Tools: Recaps

Aug 11, 2013 Score ATS Results
NEW « 88 Cover: 14
ATL 82 Over: 170
Tools: Recaps

Jun 9, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL 67 Under: 143
NEW « 76 Cover: 15
Tools: Recaps

Jun 7, 2013 Score ATS Results
NEW 56 Under: 131
ATL « 75 Cover: 8.5
Tools: Recaps