We only have one game scheduled in the WNBA this Saturday, as Mercury vs Storm takes center stage at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle at 9 p.m. ET on NBA TV. However, our basketball betting experts still have you covered with three picks for tonight's matchup, including a player prop featuring Nneka Ogwumike as well as a pair of total predictions.
Let's break down our WNBA best bets for Saturday, September 7.
WNBA Best Bets for Saturday, September 7
- Storm Team Total Over 85.5 (-120, bet365)
- Under 164.5 (-108, DraftKings)
- Nneka Ogwumike to Lead the Game in Rebounds (+160, FanDuel)
Bryan Fonseca's Mercury vs Storm Prediction: Get-Right Spot for Seattle
This feels like a possible get right spot for the Seattle Storm offense.
The Storm only scored 71 and 70 points in their last two games, but were on the road against the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty — the two best defenses in the league. They're back at home here and cleared 84.5 points in each of their last two home games, one against the Liberty (in a win) and another against the Atlanta Dream.
The Phoenix Mercury are a bottom-four road defense and just gave up 90 points to the Washington Mystics in Arizona. They've allowed 89 or more in three of four and gave up 84 before that — all at home.
Michael Fiddle's Mercury vs Storm Prediction: Total Too High
I am a bit surprised by this opening total and am playing the under immediately, expecting to gain a few ticks of closing line value.
The Mercury are a slow paced and veteran team that operates inside out through Brittney Griner. They are also tough defensively. The Storm have guard talent, but they do not play with much pace.
The Storm are also traveling back to the West Coast after two games against the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty. The Mercury travel from Phoenix after a bad loss to the Mystics where their offense could not get clicking.
Bryan Fonseca's Mercury vs Storm Prediction: Bet This Nneka Ogwumike Player Prop
These two have played just once — on June 16.
Nneka Ogwumike led with 11 boards in that game, and Brittney Griner was second in the rebounding department with nine in an 87-78 home win for the Mercury.
I simply don't think Phoenix gets this one, and I don't think they'll have an answer for Ogwumike on the glass, who is at +160 to lead the game in rebounds — which is also part of this. After collecting just six boards in each of her last two against the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty, I sense a bounce back from her in a much more favorable matchup.
Phoenix has allowed the most rebounds per 100 possessions (45.9) in the WNBA this season, especially on the offensive glass (12.2).
