Hello basketball fans! Welcome to an all new episode of the "WNBA Buckets" podcast.
For today's show, we talk about tonight's double header matchups where the Atlanta Dream face off against the hot Connecticut Sun and the Los Angeles Sparks battle the Phoenix Mercury.
Maria Marino is joined by Bryan Fonseca and Dana Mataya. The crew talk about best bets going into tonight, and also discuss upcoming games in the association. Read below for their WNBA picks and predictions for Friday, June 29.
WNBA Picks & Predictions: Friday June 28
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7:30 p.m. | Dream Under 72.5 Points (-130) |
  | 10:00 p.m. | Mercury -10 (-114) |
Dream Under 72.5 Points
Dream vs. Sun | 7:30 p.m. ET | WNBA League Pass
With the Atlanta Dream in particular, Rhyne Howard is out. That is one of their best shot creators and an All-Star, who puts up 12.5 shots per game. That's 15 points per game.
These two teams played each other four weeks ago, and the Sun beat them 69-50. I'm not sure the Dream are going to muster up about 23 more points. Funny enough, I saw this open up at 72.5 over/under for Atlanta at -125 and then drop in the market to -115. I'm curious to see where that's going to end up.
The Dream has had trouble manufacturing offense lately against lesser defenses. Atlanta lost 68-55 to the Minnesota Lynx, and shot 29% in the game. They also lost 91-79 to the Fever, and shot 33%. I don't think there's a pathway to have a great offensive performance.
Even though the Connecticut Sun just played and went to overtime, I feel like this entire game could be an under. But I still believe in their defense, if nothing else. They've held teams to 72.5 points in eight of their last 12 games.
Pick: Dream Under 72.5 Points (-130)
 |  |
Mercury -10 (-114)
Sparks vs. Mercury | 10:00 p.m. ET | WNBA League Pass
By Dano Mataya
This is the last team the Phoenix Mercury beat at home by double-digits. For me, it's simple. Bet Mercury at home to cover.
The Mercury didn't cover at home was against the Dallas Wings where they lost outright. Crazy shooting variance in that game and that was pre-Brittney Griner.
Phoenix also did not cover against the Washington Mystics when they blew a 15-point lead, but that was early in the season.
They spanked the Sparks by 19 at home earlier this month, and now get to play them with Griner.
The Sparks have a heavy injury report and the lack of depth is probably going to show. So I'm taking the Mercury at home to win by double-digits.
Pick: Mercury -10 (-114)
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