The Phoenix Mercury entered the WNBA Finals as the betting favorites to win it all, but after falling to the Chicago Sky in Game 1, Wednesday night’s Game 2 became even more important for the home team.
Phoenix will be a favorite once again in Game 2, and the majority of bettors are banking on a bounce back performance from Diana Taurasi and Co. Yet, the money is heading the other way.
With the Mercury listed as a 4-point favorite, 69% of the bets are on the home team according to data released by BetMGM. However, just 49% of the money wagered is on Phoenix. That generally means while more people are betting the Mercury, the bigger bet amounts are on the Sky.
Chicago won Game 1 handily, 91-77, led by Kahleah Cooper’s 21 points and 10 rebounds. Courtney Vandersloot added 12 points and 11 assists and she continues to steer Chicago’s offense.
Check out the WNBA Finals Game 2 Betting Preview
Taurasi scored 17 points but turned the ball over a team-high six times for the Mercury. Brittney Griner 21 points on 7-of-15 shooting.
The total opened at 168.5 and has yet to see any movement despite 77% of money coming in on the over.
Phoenix entered the series as the -135 favorite with the Sky a +115 underdog. That’s flipped with Chicago -225 and Phoenix +175.
Neither team was expected to make it this far. Both teams played first-round games and were betting longshots. The Sky were +2000 when the playoffs began; Phoenix was +900.
But Phoenix upset the Las Vegas Aces in the semi-finals. Chicago took down the betting favorite and top overall seed Connecticut Sun. The Sun and Aces had double-byes to the semi-final round. Phoenix beat Seattle in the second round. The Sky beat the Minnesota Lynx.
The game tips off at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.