WNBA Playoffs: September 17th Betting Picks and Predictions Analysis

Playoff Predictions: Mercury, Lynx Highlight WNBA Action

As the WNBA playoffs intensify, sports betting opportunities abound. Analysts are closely examining key matchups, offering insights into potential winning bets. Here’s a breakdown of expert picks for two crucial games, focusing on the New York Liberty versus the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx against the Golden State Valkyries.

Liberty vs. Mercury: A Closer Look

The New York Liberty secured a 76-69 victory against the Phoenix Mercury in the series opener on Sunday, showcasing a dominant defensive performance.The Mercury struggled from the field, shooting just 32.5 percent overall and a dismal 23.1 percent from three-point range.

Though, recent trends suggest these numbers may not be enduring.The Liberty, while possessing a solid defense, ranked sixth in the league allowing 80.3 points per game,while the Mercury averaged 82.8 points throughout the regular season.

Liberty guard Natasha Cloud delivered a standout performance with 23 points, alongside six rebounds, five assists, and four steals. Breanna Stewart contributed 18 points but exited the game in overtime due to a knee injury, making her status for Game 2 uncertain.

Analysts believe Cloud may find it challenging to replicate her previous performance,and even if Stewart plays,her injury could limit her effectiveness.

Expert Pick: Mercury Moneyline (+120)

Considering these factors, the Phoenix Mercury present a compelling moneyline bet at +120. The Mercury are poised for offensive advancement in game 2 after a especially cold shooting night. A more consistent performance should be enough to secure a win and extend the series to a decisive Game 3 in Phoenix.

Prop Bet: Satou Sabally Over 14.5 Points (-114)

Expect a strong response from Mercury forward Satou Sabally. Despite a challenging shooting performance on Sunday – going 2-for-17 from the field – Coach Nate Tibbetts demonstrated continued faith by allowing her significant playing time. Sabally has a proven track record with an average of 16.3 points per game this season, and opportunities will be plentiful in a shortened playoff rotation.

Lynx vs. Valkyries: Minnesota’s Dominance

The Minnesota Lynx asserted their dominance in Game 1, defeating the Golden State Valkyries 101-72 on Sunday. The Lynx,tied for the WNBA record for single-season wins,proved too strong for the expansion Valkyries. Though,Golden State has a history of exceeding expectations.

Expert Pick: Valkyries +10 (-106)

Despite the initial outcome, the Golden State Valkyries offer value as 10-point underdogs. They boast the league’s best defense, allowing only 76.3 points per game. Minnesota’s remarkable shooting performance in Game 1 – exceeding 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from beyond the arc – is unlikely to be repeated. If the Valkyries’ defense can contain Minnesota’s offense, they should be able to keep the game within a single-digit margin.

Prop Bet: Napheesa Collier Over 20.5 Points (-122)

Napheesa Collier is expected to lead the Lynx in scoring once again. Despite only attempting 11 shots in Game 1, she still managed to score 20 points. She averages 22.9 points per game taking roughly 16 field goal attempts per contest. Even if the Valkyries manage to contain Minnesota’s bench players, Collier’s scoring prowess will ensure she surpasses her point total.

Did You Know? The WNBA has seen a surge in viewership and betting interest in recent years, with a 21% increase in average regular-season attendance in 2024 compared to the prior year, according to WNBA.com.

Pro Tip: When considering prop bets, always research player statistics and recent performance trends. Analyzing team rotations and potential matchups can also provide valuable insights.

Understanding WNBA Playoff Betting

Betting on the WNBA playoffs requires a nuanced understanding of team dynamics, player performance, and potential injuries.Unlike the NFL or NBA, the WNBA features a smaller pool of players, making individual performances even more critical. Here’s a table outlining key factors to consider:

Factor	Consideration
Team Form	Recent win-loss record and performance against comparable opponents.
Player Injuries	impact of key player absences on team dynamics and scoring potential.
Defensive Strength	A team’s ability to limit opponent scoring and force turnovers.
Home Court Advantage	The impact of playing in front of a supportive home crowd.

Furthermore, understanding different bet types-moneyline, spread, over/under, and props-is crucial for making informed decisions. Consider utilizing resources like ESPN or CBS Sports for up-to-date facts and expert analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a WNBA moneyline bet? A moneyline bet simply involves predicting which team will win the game, without considering a point spread.
• How does the point spread work in WNBA betting? The point spread represents the number of points a team is expected to win or lose by. Bettors wager on weather a team will cover the spread.
• what is an over/under bet in the WNBA? An over/under bet involves predicting whether the total combined score of both teams will be over or under a specified number.
• Are player prop bets available for WNBA games? Yes, numerous sportsbooks offer prop bets on individual player performance, such as points scored, rebounds, and assists.
• Were can I find reliable WNBA betting information? Reputable sports news outlets like ESPN and CBS Sports, as well as dedicated sports betting websites, offer valuable insights and analysis.

What are your predictions for the upcoming WNBA playoff games? Share your thoughts and engage with fellow fans in the comments below!

What is teh current home-court advantage winning percentage in the WNBA playoffs?

Current Playoff Picture & Key Matchups

As we head into September 17th, the WNBA playoffs are heating up. Several series are finely poised, offering exciting opportunities for informed betting. Here’s a breakdown of the key matchups and potential outcomes,focusing on data-driven predictions and valuable betting insights. We’ll cover point spreads, money lines, and over/under totals.

* Connecticut Sun vs. New york Liberty: This series is a clash of styles. The Sun’s gritty defense versus the Liberty’s offensive firepower.

* las Vegas Aces vs. Seattle Storm: A rematch of last year’s Finals contenders, this series promises intense competition.

* Minnesota Lynx vs. Phoenix Mercury: An underdog story unfolding, the Lynx are proving resilient against the Mercury.

* Atlanta Dream vs. Washington Mystics: A battle for survival, both teams are desperate to advance.

Game-by-Game Predictions & Betting Picks (September 17th)

Let’s dive into specific game predictions for today, September 17th. Odds are based on consensus lines as of 2025-09-17 18:00 EST and are subject to change.

Connecticut Sun @ New york Liberty – Game 3

* Prediction: New York Liberty to win. The Liberty’s home-court advantage and superior offensive efficiency are likely to be decisive.

* betting Pick: Moneyline – New York Liberty (-160). Consider a small wager on the Liberty to cover a -4.5 point spread.

* Key Stat: The Liberty are averaging 88 points per game in the playoffs, considerably higher than the Sun’s 79.

Las Vegas Aces @ Seattle Storm – game 2

* Prediction: Las Vegas Aces to win. Despite a close Game 1, the Aces’ championship experience and A’ja Wilson’s dominance should prevail.

* Betting Pick: Point Spread – Las Vegas Aces -2.5 (-110). The Aces are consistently strong against the spread.

* Key Stat: A’ja Wilson is averaging 24.5 points and 12 rebounds in the playoffs.

Minnesota Lynx @ Phoenix Mercury – Game 3

* Prediction: Phoenix Mercury to win. While the Lynx have been surprisingly competitive, the Mercury’s star power will ultimately be too much to handle.

* Betting Pick: Over/Under – Over 165.5 points (-115). Both teams are playing at a fast pace, leading to high-scoring games.

* Key Stat: Brittney Griner is averaging 3 blocks per game, significantly impacting the Lynx’s offensive opportunities.

Atlanta dream @ Washington Mystics – Game 2

* Prediction: Washington Mystics to win. The Mystics’ defensive adjustments in Game 1 proved effective, and they’re likely to build on that momentum.

* Betting Pick: Moneyline – Washington mystics (-130). A safer bet than relying on a point spread in a possibly close game.

* Key Stat: The Mystics held the Dream to under 70 points in Game 1, a notable defensive achievement.

WNBA Betting Trends & Insights

Understanding current trends is crucial for successful WNBA playoff betting. Here are some key observations:

* Home-Court Advantage: Home teams are currently 65% winning in the playoffs.

* over/Under Performance: Games averaging over 160 total points have a 58% chance of hitting the over.

* Star Player Impact: Teams with dominant players (like A’ja Wilson and Brittney Griner) consistently perform well against the spread.

* Defensive intensity: Playoff games generally feature increased defensive intensity, leading to lower scoring in some matchups.

Past WNBA Playoff Data & Notable Performances

Looking back at WNBA playoff history provides valuable context.

* Chinese Players in the WNBA: While not directly impacting current matchups, it’s worth noting the historical presence of Chinese players. According to reports, Zheng Haixia was the first Chinese player in the WNBA, averaging 9.3 points per game. This highlights the growing global influence on the league.

* Dynasty Teams: The Minnesota Lynx (2011-2017) and the Seattle storm (2018) established dominant dynasties, demonstrating the importance of team chemistry and consistent performance.

* Upset Victories: Playoff history is filled with upsets.