The Atlanta Dream prevailed by nine points over the Phoenix Mercury in their Wednesday matchup. These teams square off yet again on Friday, August 23.
Keep reading to see my two-leg WNBA same-game parlay for Friday, featuring two Mercury vs Dream picks to get us to a +360 bet.
WNBA Same-Game Parlay Friday at +360 Odds
WNBA Same-Game Parlay Leg 1: Rhyne Howard Over 16.5 Points (-120)
The two-time All-Star paces Atlanta in points and field goal attempts per game. She once again meets a Phoenix defense that is highly exploitable based on her shot profile and play type tendencies.
Opponents average the most 3-point attempts per game against the Mercury by a considerable margin. Brittney Griner’s rim deterrence certainly plays a role in this reality. That’s excellent for Howard, who loves to launch from deep. Her seven 3-point shots per game places her sixth in the WNBA, and most of her damage comes via above-the-break shots.
Phoenix, Indiana, and Las Vegas are currently top three in most allowed above-the-break attempts per game. Across four matchups versus those teams this season, Howard posted 21 points per game and averaged a whopping 16 field goal attempts and nine 3-point attempts. Additionally, she scored 17+ points in 3-of-4 contests, including a 2-for-2 mark against Phoenix. The sole miss? Las Vegas held her to 16 points.
Meanwhile, the Mercury rank 11th in offensive rebound rate and surrender the third most transition possessions per game. Atlanta should push the pace here, and Howard thrives as a transition scorer.
Overall, she possesses the tools to be an explosive scorer on Friday. Look for the Kentucky product to drop at least 17 points in this matchup.
WNBA Same-Game Parlay Leg 2: Rhyne Howard First Dream Basket (+220)
Let’s continue the Howard train. The cards are stacked for a huge scoring night, which is intriguing when combined with her first basket usage. Howard has taken Atlanta’s first shot of the game in 46.6% of starts. That’s the third largest percentage in the W behind only Teaira McCowan and Brittney Griner (minimum 10 starts).
Tina Charles represents Howard’s biggest threat. The seasoned veteran is not far behind with a 38.4% rate, and she took Atlanta’s first shot in both matchups against Phoenix this season. However, Griner can contain Charles’ beloved post-ups and stifle her offense as a whole. Overall, Charles is 16-for-48 from the field over her last three matchups against Griner, spanning back to the 2021 season.
Backing Howard’s superior matchup and first basket usage is the play here, although Charles is certainly enticing. Playing them both would not be the worst idea in the world.
WNBA Odds for Mercury vs Dream on Friday
| Mercury Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -108 | 163.5 -110o / -110u | -134 |
| Dream Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -112 | 163.5 -110o / -110u | +110 |
My Mercury vs Dream Picks for WNBA Same-Game Parlay Friday at +360
- Rhyne Howard Over 16.5 Points (-120)
- Rhyne Howard First Dream Basket (+220)
