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.
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.
