The 2024 WNBA season rolls on as we dive into Friday night’s slate for best bets and picks. There’s only one game on tap tonight, with the Los Angeles Sparks hosting Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever in a late-night tilt. Let’s dive into top WNBA picks and predictions for this matchup as you enjoy the action. Note that all odds and betting lines are accurate as of this writing, but be sure to shop around for the best numbers.
Friday’s Best WNBA Bets
Indiana Fever (-2.5) @ Los Angeles Sparks – 163.5 O/U (-110/-110)
Friday night’s WNBA matchup features two of the league’s bottom-tier squads as the Los Angeles Sparks (1-2) host the Indiana Fever (0-5). Despite their poor records, there’s some exciting young talent on the court tonight with the No. 1 and No. 2 picks in the 2024 WNBA Draft going head-to-head. Caitlin Clark and Cameron Brink will face off for the first time as pro players. Let’s see how to bet this one.
These are two of the worst offenses in the league so far, with the Sparks scoring 77.7 PPG (3rd-worst) and the Fever averaging 76.8 PPG (2nd-worst). It’s early in the season, but this trend will likely continue, with Los Angeles and Indiana both expected to be near the bottom of the league standings. This game also includes two of the slower-tempo teams in the WNBA, with the Fever (last in pace) and Sparks (9th) being more methodical offensively.
Caitlin Clark may be an electric scorer, but the lack of a supporting cast around her is evident right now. Besides Clark’s 17.8 PPG, the Fever only feature two other double-digit scorers in Kelsey Mitchell (12.8 PPG) and NaLyssa Smith (11.6). Indiana is going through expected growing pains early on this season while building up team chemistry and flow – especially as it pertains offensively to Clark’s teammates learning how to play with her.
In turn, opposing defenses are playing Clark tight to not only limit her scoring prowess but also force others to beat them. The Fever haven’t gotten consistent offensive production from the role players, though. Expect the Los Angeles defense to use the same game plan with Lexie Brown guarding Clark tough. The Sparks also boast a top-tier interior defense, with Dearica Hamby leading the league in defensive rebounding (11.7 per game) and Cameron Brink averaging 3.7 blocks per game (2nd in WNBA).
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles offense is also a bit top-heavy, with Hamby (22.0 PPG), Kia Nurse (16.3), and Brown (14.7) as the top three scorers. The rest of the Sparks’ roster is more defensive-minded, though. Even Brink is averaging just 6.0 PPG despite her shot-blocking presence on defense.
Even though the Fever are allowing a league-high 91.6 PPG this year so far, it’s important to note that four of their first five games have come against two of the WNBA’s top teams (New York and Connecticut). There’s some potential positive regression for Indiana’s defensive issues once it faces easier opponents – like the Sparks tonight.
WNBA Pick: Under 163.5 Total Points (-110)
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