2024 WNBA Discussion, Betting, and Prediction Thread

[danherbias07]

Hello guys, I am recreating the WNBA thread since @YuginKadoya was banned due to some reason, but I won't get deep on that.
Here is the former thread though, if you are curious about it.
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=5404654.0
This way, I could edit the title every year/season, make polls, and do other stuff that is needed as the OP.

Let's go!!!

Key Dates: 2024 WNBA Season
*All dates and times are subject to change

April 15:  WNBA Draft
April 28: Training Camp Begins
May 3: Pre-season Games Begin
May 12: Last Possible Date for Pre-Season Games
May 13: Final Roster Cut-down Date
May 14:  Regular Season Begins
June 1-13: WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Tournament
June 25: WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship
July 18-21: WNBA All-Star Break
July 20: WNBA All-Star Game
July 21- August 14: Olympic Break
August 20: Trade Deadline
September 19: Regular Season Ends
September 22: Playoffs Begin
October 20: Last Possible Finals Date
https://www.wnba.com/keydates

You could share anything here as long as it is about WNBA.
Share your predictions too if you have one. It would be lovely to see members creating their own analysis, especially on the betting side, and I might tail them.

The 2023 WNBA Champions were the Las Vegas Aces. Let's see if that will change this year.

Adding these Outrights just for reference.



I think Alyssa Thomas has a good chance to snatch that MVP this year.

High expectations for the Rookie Caitlin Clark. 1st round, 1st pick selected by the Indiana Fever. They say she is overrated. Well, Wemby was also overrated at the start of his career but showed that he is definitely strong.

[danherbias07]

Candace Parker Announces Retirement After Historic 16-Year Career

LAS VEGAS (April 28, 2024)—Three-time WNBA Champion, and two-time league MVP Candace Parker announced her retirement today following a storied 16-year career.

https://aces.wnba.com/news/candace-parker-announces-retirement-after-historic-16-year-career/

PARKER’S CAREER HONORS
WNBA Champion   3   2016 (LA), 2021 (CHI), 2023 (LV)
WNBA Most Valuable Player   2   2008, 2013
All-WNBA First Team   7   2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2022
All-WNBA Second Team   3   2009, 2015, 2018
WNBA All-Star   7   2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022
WNBA Defensive Player of the Year   1   2020
WNBA All-Defensive Second Team   2   2009, 2012
WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player   1   2016
WNBA Rookie of the Year   1   2008
WNBA All-Star Most Valuable Player   1   2013
Olympic Gold Medalist   2   2008, 2012
NCAA Championship   2   2007, 2008
Naismith Women’s College Player of the Year   1   2007-08
John R. Wooden Award   2   2006-07, 2007-08
AP Player of the Year   2   2006-07, 2007-08
Final Four Most Outstanding Player   2   2007, 2008

3 champions, 2 Season MVP, 1 DPOY, 1 Finals MVP, 1 ROTY, 1 All-Star MVP. Rawr! This lady sure did one heck of a performance in her career. She will be a Hall of Famer, without any doubt. I can still remember her in her prime as I watched with my small television in my room. I love watching her as he is like Shaq who can dominate the paint without any problem.
Thank you, Ms. Parker.

Tomorrow guys, our WNBA Pre-Season is starting.

Dallas Wings versus Indiana Fever
Minnesota Lynx versus Chicago Sky

Betting odds are not open yet, maybe they will add it later or tomorrow.

[danherbias07]

Here we go, there is now a betting line even for the preseason of the WNBA.



It means we are getting near the tip off. 5 more days.

All eyes are still on Caitlin Clark after losing that game against the Dallas Wings.
https://athlonsports.com/wnba/dallas-wings-blunt-four-word-message-caitlin-clark-indiana-fever-preseason
Dallas Wings Issue Blunt Four-Word Message to Caitlin Clark After Preseason Victory Over Fever

"Welcome to the league," the Wings said to Clark.

They lost but she showed something when they almost won the game. She is ready and she will definitely rattle the WNBA this season. She plays like the combination of Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. She can pass, shoot, do perimeter jump shots, attack the paint, and be a playmaker. Just like Wemby of the NBA, she ain't just hype, she is for real.
Later, they will have a game again and it's up against the Atlanta Dream, I will definitely not miss this one.

[danherbias07]

WNBA Regular Season Tip-off Results.

Las Vegas Aces (Won) versus Phoenix Mercury - 89-80 - Did not cover the spreads which was -15.5 before the start of the game.
New York Liberty (Won) versus Washington Mystics - 85-80 - Did not cover the spreads too which I believe was -11.5.
Connecticut Sun (Won) versus Indiana Fever - 92-71 - Covered if you take the -8.5 for the Sun.
Minnesota Lynx (Won) versus Seattle Storm - 83-70 - Covered.

Alyssa Thomas (Sun) started with a triple-double - 13/10/13
A'ja Wilson (Aces) will not be left though claiming a heavy double-double - 30/13/5
Caitlin Clark didn't start with a bang, 20 points but 10 turnovers. Well, it's just the start of the season, she will need to adjust herself now that she is in the big ladies' league. Plus she needs to gain the respect of the referees and create chemistry with her team. It will be a long ride.

[danherbias07]

2 fun games later.

Here are my picks.
Connecticut Sun - Washington Mystics - Connecticut Sun (-8.5) - Starting. I was asking myself why EDD (Elena Delle Donne) is still not playing. Here is the news about why.
https://apnews.com/article/delle-donne-wnba-f3dd293d0055df8695bdecff05c47192

Washington Mystics star Elena Delle Donne is stepping away from basketball, potentially for the entire season, a person familiar with the decision said Thursday.

Alyssa Thomas will probably dominate this game without the Mystics core player.
Minnesota Lynx - Seattle Storm - Minnesota Lynx ML - Lynx won the first battle against the Storm in the WNBA tipoff, 13 points was the deficit so Storm must want revenge but I doubt they can, that's why I am only taking the ML in case this game ended up too close.

[danherbias07]

The Indiana Fever has not won against the New York Liberty yet in their two meetings. Later they will face the Connecticut Sun for the second time. Will they get their revenge this time or will it just be another loss for the Fever?
Caitlin Clark seems to be finding his rhythm with her team. She played 34 minutes and scored 22 points with 6 rebounds, and 8 assists. This is the highest career point since she started the WNBA. I bet she can do more.

Later we have two games. Here are my picks.
New York Liberty - Seattle Storm - New York Liberty (-10.5) - Liberty has not lost yet. 3 wins and 0 losses.
Indiana Fever - Connecticut Sun - Connecticut Sun (-5.5) - I believe the Fever will need more time before chemistry will come through. Clark is doing great but it will not be enough to defeat the Sun.

[danherbias07]

I am glad that even without Elena Delle Donne the Washington Mystics are still playing strong. Ariel Atkins and Brittney Sykes blew out the Atlanta Dream yesterday.

Seattle Storm is also doing well. They even beat the Aces at their home last week. 3 powerful ladies are providing offense for the Storm. Ogwumike, Jewell Loyd,  and Skylar Diggins-Smith.

I damn like what is happening early on this WNBA season. The Aces have already lost 5 games. Lynx is at the top of the West with 9 wins. That's new.
Sun and Liberty were fighting for the top spot for the East.

We have only one game later.
Sky versus Sun

[rdbase]

Have been seeing quite a bit about the WNBA lately while looking for NBA news for the Finals.
With the exclusion of Caitlin Clark at the Paris Olympics all the way to the highest viewership of an WNBA game since 1998 but all thanks to this player. Which to me seems weird in itself.
https://www.vox.com/culture/354840/caitlin-clark-olympics-snub-explained

https://www.npr.org/2024/06/11/g-s1-3807/wnba-audience-ratings-attendance-caitlin-clark

https://www.ticketnews.com/2024/06/wnba-sees-highest-opening-month-attendance-in-over-two-decades

400,000 for the month of May is quite the accomplishment while the NBA play-offs were still going on.
And I probably be betting on these games once the play-offs are over with so to get my professional basket-ball fix.

[wheelz1200]

Although Clark has revived the NBA somewhat I still can't bet on the game.  Seems too likely that cheating can still be involved.  These girls that play don't make a lot of money and feel like it would be too easy to bribe one because of how lucrative one cheated game can make them.  I stick with sports where the players male a ton of money.  Not full proof but at least it's better than nothing.

[OgNasty]

A shame about Cameron Brink’s injury today. After watching the replay it looks like it is probably a torn tendon that will cost her the season. I’m not a doctor but I’ve seen plenty of bad knee injuries. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow. She was leading the league in blocks and was supposed to play on the 3x3 women’s Olympic team.

[danherbias07]

@rdbase Nice! Been waiting for our basketball fans' bettors to come in here because I know we are all busy with the NBA playoffs and the Finals.

@wheelz1200 Well, let's pinpoint those rigged games and win some money. But as you can see with the standings now, something changed.
Sun only lost one in this season.
The West has the Minnesota Lynx on the top. That ain't normal. How about the Aces losing 6 games? That's surprising.

@OgNasty Left knee torn ACL. Devastating to see. There's not much contact and I think it's landing with a flat foot that made it pop out.

How about the Indiana Fever in a 3-game winning streak?
It looks like the chemistry with Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark is getting better. Both of them are scoring good and their offense is clicking. Let's see if they can continue this against Dream on a road game.

[Natalim]

I'm not really a fan of the WNBA, but since the NBA is on a break now, maybe I will try to watch some games and bet at the same time. I can't be stagnant for long; I want some action so I can enjoy it regularly. Can you recommend some websites that are helpful for our betting here? I'm looking for a forum that actively discusses about the games in this league so I can see some tipsters to follow while I'm starting.

[yahoo62278]

I'm not really a fan of the WNBA, but since the NBA is on a break now, maybe I will try to watch some games and bet at the same time. I can't be stagnant for long; I want some action so I can enjoy it regularly. Can you recommend some websites that are helpful for our betting here? I'm looking for a forum that actively discusses about the games in this league so I can see some tipsters to follow while I'm starting.

Not much of a fan myself, but I have watched a few games because of everyone talking about Caitlin Clark. WNBA has a little entertainment but I really don't like seeing all the negative press regarding jealousy, race issues, or why people are watching.

Honestly, who cares why people are starting to watch. Be happy that they are watching now and revenue is about to pick up for all the top stars in the league.

[danherbias07]

I'm not really a fan of the WNBA, but since the NBA is on a break now, maybe I will try to watch some games and bet at the same time. I can't be stagnant for long; I want some action so I can enjoy it regularly. Can you recommend some websites that are helpful for our betting here? I'm looking for a forum that actively discusses about the games in this league so I can see some tipsters to follow while I'm starting.

It's actually difficult to find what you are looking for. I mean, just look at our thread which had been literally dead for the past month because of the NBA, and now it's active. Maybe we can wait for our other members to share their picks here. It's going to be a long hiatus for the NBA so might as well have something to bet for.
Oh, and there's the Summer League.

Not much of a fan myself, but I have watched a few games because of everyone talking about Caitlin Clark. WNBA has a little entertainment but I really don't like seeing all the negative press regarding jealousy, race issues, or why people are watching.

Honestly, who cares why people are starting to watch. Be happy that they are watching now and revenue is about to pick up for all the top stars in the league.

I agree. Caitlin Clark actually boosted the amount of fans of the WNBA because of her performance during the March Madness and then the drafts. A lot of things are expected of her and I think she is doing alright. I mean, unlike the other hyped players.

Fever continued their winning streak on the road. That's 4 wins now. Now it's NaLyssa Smith who stepped up her game.
We still have 1 more game later.

I don't know why the Aces are the favorite here considering the Sun only lost once in the season.
I am taking the Sun ML.

[livingfree]

I am not also fond of watching WNBA but let's give these girls a love and they're playing the game which means for everybody.

I only know Caitlyn Clark as well as she's been given a lot of exposure from the media. But I'll try my best to cope with the current matches as they seem to interesting as well.

While the NBA is on the break and waiting for this year's draft, it's fine to tune in to these great athletes too.

[rdbase]

I am not also fond of watching WNBA but let's give these girls a love and they're playing the game which means for everybody.

I only know Caitlyn Clark as well as she's been given a lot of exposure from the media. But I'll try my best to cope with the current matches as they seem to interesting as well.

While the NBA is on the break and waiting for this year's draft, it's fine to tune in to these great athletes too.

This is the reason why most non-fans actually tuned into any WNBA matches because of what they had heard of this player and the struggles that she has had to endure during the season so far.
I believe they want to see how she deals with the pressure and if she can actually perform well under it.
It has fascinated those who weren't into women's basketball and those who were already fans alike.

I was an avid fan when the NBA was off for the season. But haven't had a chance to watch one game in it's entirety just yet due to work or just out enjoying the summer for myself.
But will certainly watch one of these matches in which Clark is in later in the month after I had received my fill of  sunshine.

Interesting to see what others have been saying on the thread so far about how their lower pay affects these players and their performance or lack there of on the court. And the possibility of them rigging these games for financial benefit.
The league would definitely suspend any players from playing if this were the case as they had done in the NBA last season to one of their players for betting on the other team.

[livingfree]

I am not also fond of watching WNBA but let's give these girls a love and they're playing the game which means for everybody.

I only know Caitlyn Clark as well as she's been given a lot of exposure from the media. But I'll try my best to cope with the current matches as they seem to interesting as well.

While the NBA is on the break and waiting for this year's draft, it's fine to tune in to these great athletes too.

This is the reason why most non-fans actually tuned into any WNBA matches because of what they had heard of this player and the struggles that she has had to endure during the season so far.
I believe they want to see how she deals with the pressure and if she can actually perform well under it.
It has fascinated those who weren't into women's basketball and those who were already fans alike.

I was an avid fan when the NBA was off for the season. But haven't had a chance to watch one game in it's entirety just yet due to work or just out enjoying the summer for myself.
But will certainly watch one of these matches in which Clark is in later in the month after I had received my fill of  sunshine.

Interesting to see what others have been saying on the thread so far about how their lower pay affects these players and their performance or lack there of on the court. And the possibility of them rigging these games for financial benefit.
The league would definitely suspend any players from playing if this were the case as they had done in the NBA last season to one of their players for betting on the other team.

I have also read articles and discussions about how they're being paid low and the comparison was there about NBA and WNBA.

I guess that soon, they'll be on that side that they'd receive higher pay when the audience and viewership of theirs grown bigger.

But this time, it's all about the engagement that they're getting and they should protect that one player which is the reason why the attention of many is being dragged to their league.

[danherbias07]

Chicago Sky just ended the winning streak of the Indiana Fever. But it's a close game, Sky won with only 1 point and Caitlin Clark recorded a high double-double. 17 points and 13 assists. The Fever is now 1/2 in their upcoming 5 consecutive road games.

This is the reason why most non-fans actually tuned into any WNBA matches because of what they had heard of this player and the struggles that she has had to endure during the season so far.
I believe they want to see how she deals with the pressure and if she can actually perform well under it.
It has fascinated those who weren't into women's basketball and those who were already fans alike.

Well, watching her is truly entertaining. It's not every season that we will see a rookie being hyped all over social media and the internet so this is something new. It's like Garnett entering the Timberwolves, KD in Seattle Super Sonics, and Wemby in the Spurs. The expectations are high and it looks like she is doing alright.

I have also read articles and discussions about how they're being paid low and the comparison was there about NBA and WNBA.

I guess that soon, they'll be on that side that they'd receive higher pay when the audience and viewership of theirs grown bigger.

Super low.
We discussed it on the other thread of WNBA before. No WNBA player reaches $1 million in one season. Not even higher than $500k.
Fingers crossed that soon they will have more money to give these talented players because they are showcasing great entertainment too.

[yahoo62278]

Chicago Sky just ended the winning streak of the Indiana Fever. But it's a close game, Sky won with only 1 point and Caitlin Clark recorded a high double-double. 17 points and 13 assists. The Fever is now 1/2 in their upcoming 5 consecutive road games.

This is the reason why most non-fans actually tuned into any WNBA matches because of what they had heard of this player and the struggles that she has had to endure during the season so far.
I believe they want to see how she deals with the pressure and if she can actually perform well under it.
It has fascinated those who weren't into women's basketball and those who were already fans alike.

Well, watching her is truly entertaining. It's not every season that we will see a rookie being hyped all over social media and the internet so this is something new. It's like Garnett entering the Timberwolves, KD in Seattle Super Sonics, and Wemby in the Spurs. The expectations are high and it looks like she is doing alright.

I have also read articles and discussions about how they're being paid low and the comparison was there about NBA and WNBA.

I guess that soon, they'll be on that side that they'd receive higher pay when the audience and viewership of theirs grown bigger.

Super low.
We discussed it on the other thread of WNBA before. No WNBA player reaches $1 million in one season. Not even higher than $500k.
Fingers crossed that soon they will have more money to give these talented players because they are showcasing great entertainment too.

Indiana had a rough 3rd quarter and have back an 11 point lead going into the 4th quarter. Chicago showed some grit to take this game and probably add more fuel to the rivalry talk.

Even though the 2 teams are not very good currently, they make the game interesting and are turning me into a fan.

[livingfree]

I have also read articles and discussions about how they're being paid low and the comparison was there about NBA and WNBA.

I guess that soon, they'll be on that side that they'd receive higher pay when the audience and viewership of theirs grown bigger.

Super low.
We discussed it on the other thread of WNBA before. No WNBA player reaches $1 million in one season. Not even higher than $500k.
Fingers crossed that soon they will have more money to give these talented players because they are showcasing great entertainment too.

I guess that it will be there someday.

It's probably about more viewership and investors that will come to them and that's going to give a better salary cap for most of the players that are getting more fans and viewers.

I know that it's not how it goes but it might be a different thing in the WNBA. Anyway, more of the discussions now about the games.