Each day of the WNBA season, our team of fantasy and betting experts breaks down every game on the slate, making note of everything from injuries and lineup changes to recent trends and more.
All odds are provided by Caesars Sportsbook.
Here's what to look for during Thursday's slate:
Las Vegas Aces at New York Liberty
11 a.m. ET, Barclays Center, Brooklyn
Line: Aces -6
Money line: Aces (-278); Liberty (+222)
Total: 173.5 points
BPI chance to win: Aces 64.4%
Ruled out: Jocelyn Willoughby (out), Betnijah Laney (out)
The Aces got 95 points from their dominant starting lineup on Tuesday against the Liberty, led by A'ja Wilson (23 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block), Kelsey Plum (27 points, 3 3-pointers, 3 rebounds, 3 assists) and Jackie Young (23 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 3-pointer). Chelsea Gray and Dearica Hamby also had solid games, and all five of the universally rostered starters should be started as usual in fantasy leagues. If you're looking to stream someone from the Aces, the most intriguing option is likely Iliana Rupert (available in 99.2% of leagues), who has three fantasy-worthy efforts in her last five games (averaged 10.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.3 3PG and 1.0 APG in those three games).
The Liberty dropped 101 points in their meeting with the Aces on Tuesday, led by usual suspects Sabrina Ionescu (27 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 4 3-pointers, 2 steals) and Natasha Howard (20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block). Stefanie Dolson (available in 76.8% of leagues) was the next most productive member of the starting lineup with 8 points, 7 rebounds, 2 3-pointers, 2 blocks and 1 steal in 19 minutes, but the third member of the team to score in double-digits was Sami Whitcomb (available in 84.0% of leagues) off the bench. Whitcomb scored 17 points, 5 3-pointers and 3 assists in 22 minutes off the bench Tuesday and has scored in double-figures in back-to-back games after entering the break with 12 points, 8 assists, 2 3-pointers, 2 steals and 1 assist.
Best bet: Over 173.5 points. These two teams just played on Tuesday and combined for 208 points. They played just before the All-Star break and combined for 223 points. Both teams like to play fast against one another, and the offenses have clearly outpaced the defenses in both matchups. Over their last five games, the Aces have averaged 100.8 PPG while the Liberty have averaged 96.6 PPG. Just seems like there will be points on the board on Thursday. -- Andre Snellings
Dallas Wings at Minnesota Lynx
8 p.m. ET, Target Center, Minneapolis
Line: Lynx -5.5
Money line: Lynx (-240); Wings (+196)
Total: 166 points
BPI chance to win: Lynx 66%
Injuries: Satou Sabally (ankle)
Sabally started on Tuesday after coming off the bench in her first two games back after a seven-game injury absence. However, she won't play Thursday with her ankle injury, which should allow Allisha Gray to return to the starting lineup. Gray missed Tuesday's game for personal reasons but is available on Thursday. Teaira McCowan (available in 34.7% of leagues) has been coming off the bench, but she has been the dominant center on the team in recent games, averaging 14.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 2.3 BPG in 25.0 MPG with two double-doubles in her last three games.
The Lynx won a high-scoring double-overtime contest over the Mercury in their first game after the break, and their 118 points scored came from five players scoring double-figures. Aerial Powers (35 points, 13 rebounds, 3 3-pointers, 3 assists, 2 steals), Kayla McBride (17 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds) and Sylvia Fowles (14 points, 14 rebounds) had big games from the starting lineup, but Rachel Banham (available in 98.0% of leagues) popped for 25 points, 7 assists and 3 rebounds in 31 minutes off the bench. This was her third double-digit scoring effort, and her second game with at least 24 points, in her last four outings.
Best bet: Lynx -5.5. The Lynx have won three straight games, including wins over the two teams with the best records in the WNBA in the Sky and the Aces, and six of their last eight overall. Their six wins in that stretch were by an average of 16.3 PPG. The Wings have lost five of their last seven games, with their five losses coming by an average of 12.2 PPG. These two teams played a couple weeks ago, and the Lynx won by 28 points. -- Snellings
Washington Mystics at Phoenix Mercury
10:00 p.m. ET, Footprint Center, Phoenix
Line: Mystics -4.5
Money line: Mystics (-210); Mercury (+175)
Total: 160 points
Ruled out: Kia Nurse
Washington won 83-65 the last time these two teams met, behind 16 points and 10 rebounds from Shakira Austin. The Mystics just defeated the Sparks on Tuesday night. Elena Delle Donne scored 26 points in that game, matching her season high. For the first time since 2019, she has scored at least 20 points in consecutive games. The Mystics rank seventh in offensive rating (100.5) and second in defensive rating (95.4).
On Tuesday, the Mercury lost in double overtime to the Lynx. Sophie Cunningham became the third player in league history with 36 points and five steals in a game, joining Maya Moore (in 2014) and Cynthia Cooper (in 1997). Skylar Diggins-Smith had 32 points and 10 assists, becoming the fourth player in league history to record 30 points and 10 assists in a game, joining Sabrina Ionescu, Diana Taurasi and Jia Perkins. In terms of offensive rating (101.9), Phoenix is ranked fifth and in terms of defensive rating (105.0), it is ranked 10th.
Delle Donne, Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins continue to be the most reliable fantasy options for the Mystics. Alysha Clark, who is available in 51.1% of leagues, continues to be a solid streamer. She has averaged 19.9 fantasy points per game this season. Don't overlook Shakira Austin, who's available in 59.4% of league, as another potential streamer. Diggins-Smith, Diana Taurasi, Diamond DeShields and Brianna Turner are great fantasy options for the Mercury. Shey Peddy and Sophie Cunningham are the top streamers in Phoenix, available in 90% and 71.5% of leagues, respectively.
Best bet: Mystics -4.5. As one of the league's top defensive teams, the Mystics are also a strong offensive team when Delle Donne is on the court. Washington is 10-4 in its road games against the spread. The Mystics should cover. -- Eric Moody
Chicago Sky at Los Angeles Sparks
10:30 p.m. ET, crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Line: Sky -5
Money line: Sky (-220); Sparks (+180)
Total: 168 points
BPI chance to win: x
Ruled out: Chennedy Carter, Rae Burrell (knee)
Chicago played the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday and won 90-75. Candace Parker recorded her 11th career game with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, third-most in league history. She only trails Tina Charles (15) and Lauren Jackson (13). The Sky ranks second in offensive rating (105.4) and fifth in defensive rating (98.1).
The Sparks lost 94-81 to the Mystics on Tuesday. Nneka Ogwumike did not play due to a non-COVID illness. Even so, her sister Chiney Ogwumike contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds to fill the void. It was her third double-double of the season, two of which have come in her last three games. The Sparks rank ninth in offensive rating (99.5) and 11th in defensive rating (105.9).
Parker, Emma Meesseman, Courtney Vandersloot, Kahleah Copper and Allie Quigley can be confidently deployed in fantasy lineups. Azura Stevens is available in 50% of leagues if you need a streamer. Be aware, however, that her minutes fluctuate. Nneka Ogwumike, Liz Cambage, Brittney Sykes and Katie Lou Samuelson are very good options for the Sparks. Samuelson is surprisingly available in 71.7% of leagues.
Best bet: Sky -5.5. On both ends of the court, Chicago is one of the best teams in the league. The Sparks continue to be a liability on defense. The Sky should be able to take advantage of this. Chicago should cover. -- Moody