WNBA: 2023 Opening Night Preview & Picks

Opening night in the WNBA is always an exciting event, marking the first games of the season for all teams.

With the league continuing to grow in popularity and talent, fans can expect plenty of intense competition, buzzer-beaters, and standout performances throughout the season.

Opening night sets the tone for what’s to come, and fans can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.

Connecticut Sun vs. Indiana Fever

The Connecticut Sun will take on the Indiana Fever in the first game of the season. The opening odds for the game have been set at Connecticut Sun -7 with a total of 159.5.

My model, however, predicts that the Connecticut Sun will win by a larger margin, with a projected score of Connecticut Sun -11.6 and a total of 163.8.

Both the Connecticut Sun and Indiana Fever are coming off recent wins, so we can expect some fierce competition on the court. However, with no current injuries for either team, both will be playing at full strength.

Based on my model’s predictions, I recommend betting on the Connecticut Sun to cover the spread of -7 and for the game to go over the total of 159.5.

It’s important to note that there is a significant difference between the opening odds and my model’s numbers. This means that there may be some value in taking advantage of the odds before they shift closer to my model’s numbers.

For those looking to place their bets, I recommend visiting BetOnline.

New York Liberty vs. Washington Mystics

The New York Liberty will take on the Washington Mystics on Friday. The opening odds for the game have been set at New York Liberty -2.5 with a total of 162.5.

My model predicts that the New York Liberty will win by a small margin, with a projected score of New York Liberty -1.3 and a total of 162.5.

New York will be without Marine Johannes, and Nyara Sabally is questionable, while the Washington Mystics are dealing with a questionable status for Myisha Hines-Allen. It’s important to keep an eye on these injuries before placing any bets.

Based on my analysis, I recommend taking the Washington Mystics +2.5. While the New York Liberty have a lot of firepower, the Mystics are a good home underdog.

Phoenix Mercury vs. Los Angeles Sparks

The Mercury will take on the Los Angeles Sparks in the first game of the season. The opening odds for the game have been set at Los Angeles Sparks -2 with a total of 158.5.

My model predicts that the Los Angeles Sparks will win by a small margin, with a projected score of Los Angeles Sparks -1.1 and a total of 163.1.

Phoenix Mercury will be without Shey Peddy and Skylar Diggins-Smith, but Sophie Cunningham is questionable, while the Los Angeles Sparks are dealing with injuries to Jasmine Thomas and Katie Lou Samuelson.

Based on my analysis, I recommend taking the Phoenix Mercury +2 and betting on the Over 158.5. While my model predicts a low-scoring game, I believe there is value in taking the Over, especially with Phoenix’s firepower.

It’s important to keep an eye on the injury reports before placing any bets, but assuming Cunningham is able to play, I believe the Mercury have a strong chance of covering the spread.

Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx

The Chicago Sky will take on the Minnesota Lynx. The opening odds for the game have been set at Minnesota Lynx -3 with a total of 162.

My model predicts that the Minnesota Lynx will win by a larger margin, with a projected score of Minnesota Lynx -5.5 and a total of 163.2.

Chicago will be without Isabelle Harrison and Ruthy Hebard, while the Minnesota Lynx are dealing with injuries to Natalie Achonwa and Lindsay Allen.

I recommend taking the Minnesota Lynx -3 and betting on the Over 162. While the Lynx have a few injuries to contend with, they still have a deep and talented roster.

Additionally, my model’s prediction of a larger point differential indicates that there may be value in betting on the spread.