Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
09/14/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/13/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*850 Detail
09/12/13 0-*4-*0 0.00% -*2200 Detail
09/11/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
09/10/13 3-*2-*1 60.00% +*400 Detail
09/08/13 4-*2-*0 66.67% +*900 Detail
09/07/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
09/06/13 3-*7-*0 30.00% -*2350 Detail
09/04/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
09/02/13 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
09/01/13 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
Totals 26-*27-*1 49.06% -*1850
Sunday, September 15
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Indiana - 1:00 PM ET Connecticut +6 500 POD # 2
Connecticut - Under 139 500
Phoenix - 3:00 PM ET Los Angeles -6.5 500 POD # 3
Los Angeles - Over 166 500
New York - 4:00 PM ET New York +8 500 POD # 1
Washington - Over 147.5 500
Atlanta - 4:30 PM ET San Antonio +5 500 POD # 4
San Antonio - Over 152 500
09/14/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/13/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*850 Detail
09/12/13 0-*4-*0 0.00% -*2200 Detail
09/11/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
09/10/13 3-*2-*1 60.00% +*400 Detail
09/08/13 4-*2-*0 66.67% +*900 Detail
09/07/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
09/06/13 3-*7-*0 30.00% -*2350 Detail
09/04/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
09/02/13 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
09/01/13 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
Totals 26-*27-*1 49.06% -*1850
Sunday, September 15
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Indiana - 1:00 PM ET Connecticut +6 500 POD # 2
Connecticut - Under 139 500
Phoenix - 3:00 PM ET Los Angeles -6.5 500 POD # 3
Los Angeles - Over 166 500
New York - 4:00 PM ET New York +8 500 POD # 1
Washington - Over 147.5 500
Atlanta - 4:30 PM ET San Antonio +5 500 POD # 4
San Antonio - Over 152 500
Preview: Mystics (17-17) at Dream (17-17)
Date: September 19, 2013 8:00 PM EDT
While the Washington Mystics have plenty of momentum heading into the playoffs, the Atlanta Dream hope the postseason will provide the spark they need to end a rough stretch and avoid an early exit.
Making their first playoff appearance in three years, the Mystics visit the Dream for Game 1 of this best-of-three Eastern Conference semifinal series Thursday night.
With five wins in its last seven games, including victories in the final three, Washington finished 17-17 to return to the playoffs for the first time since getting swept by Atlanta in the 2010 East semifinals.
"We definitely need that momentum to go into the playoffs,' veteran guard Ivory Latta said. "At the same time, when you go into the playoffs, it's 0-0.'
Though the Mystics have not won a playoff game since 2004, they have reason to be excited and even optimistic against a Dream squad that's making a fifth consecutive postseason appearance.
Atlanta also went 17-17 this season, but it started 10-1 before losing 16 of 23, including its final four. The Dream earned the second seed in the East by taking three of five from the Mystics this season. However, Washington won the last two meetings, the most recent by an 85-80 score at Atlanta on Aug. 28.
"We've just got to go down there, stay poised, stay focused and be ready,' said Latta, who played for Atlanta during its first two seasons as a franchise in 2008 and '09.
Though the Dream have struggled of late, they went 13-4 at home and are led by Angel McCoughtry, the WNBA leader with 21.5 points per game.
The versatile McCoughtry averaged 22.0 points in three home games against the Mystics this year but totaled 32 in the two at Washington.
While McCoughtry is the obvious focal point of Atlanta's offense, first-year Washington coach Mike Thibault wants his players to understand she is not the Dream's only threat.
"I think you make her work for everything she does and make her catches tough," he told the Mystics' official website. "We've held her a little below her average, we've made her have to be a passer.
"But as much as you have to stop Angel, they have enough other weapons. It's not a one-man game, it just seems like it sometimes."
Dream center Erika de Souza, who averaged 9.9 rebounds on the season, totaled 26 in the last two against Washington.
Mystics rookie guard Tayler Hill averaged 13.0 points in her last seven contests - well above her season mark of 6.5.
"I think that I'm adjusting and the game has sort of slowed down for me,' said Hill, the fourth overall pick in the draft. "I don't feel rushed, I don't feel frantic out there. It's just starting to come to me.'
She scored 25 while going 5 of 9 from the floor and 12 of 12 from the free-throw line in the two victories over Atlanta.
-----------------------------------------------------------
WNBA HEAD TO HEAD
Aug 28, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS « 85 Cover: 11.5
ATL 80 Over: 165
Tools: Recaps
Aug 23, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL 64 Under: 138
WAS « 74 Cover: 12.5
Tools: Recaps
Aug 18, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 58 Under: 134
ATL « 76 Cover: 10.5
Tools: Recaps
Jun 28, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 75 Over: 161
ATL « 86 Cover: 1
Tools: Recaps
Jun 2, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL « 73 Cover: 4.5
WAS 63 Under: 136
Tools: Recaps
Date: September 19, 2013 8:00 PM EDT
While the Washington Mystics have plenty of momentum heading into the playoffs, the Atlanta Dream hope the postseason will provide the spark they need to end a rough stretch and avoid an early exit.
Making their first playoff appearance in three years, the Mystics visit the Dream for Game 1 of this best-of-three Eastern Conference semifinal series Thursday night.
With five wins in its last seven games, including victories in the final three, Washington finished 17-17 to return to the playoffs for the first time since getting swept by Atlanta in the 2010 East semifinals.
"We definitely need that momentum to go into the playoffs,' veteran guard Ivory Latta said. "At the same time, when you go into the playoffs, it's 0-0.'
Though the Mystics have not won a playoff game since 2004, they have reason to be excited and even optimistic against a Dream squad that's making a fifth consecutive postseason appearance.
Atlanta also went 17-17 this season, but it started 10-1 before losing 16 of 23, including its final four. The Dream earned the second seed in the East by taking three of five from the Mystics this season. However, Washington won the last two meetings, the most recent by an 85-80 score at Atlanta on Aug. 28.
"We've just got to go down there, stay poised, stay focused and be ready,' said Latta, who played for Atlanta during its first two seasons as a franchise in 2008 and '09.
Though the Dream have struggled of late, they went 13-4 at home and are led by Angel McCoughtry, the WNBA leader with 21.5 points per game.
The versatile McCoughtry averaged 22.0 points in three home games against the Mystics this year but totaled 32 in the two at Washington.
While McCoughtry is the obvious focal point of Atlanta's offense, first-year Washington coach Mike Thibault wants his players to understand she is not the Dream's only threat.
"I think you make her work for everything she does and make her catches tough," he told the Mystics' official website. "We've held her a little below her average, we've made her have to be a passer.
"But as much as you have to stop Angel, they have enough other weapons. It's not a one-man game, it just seems like it sometimes."
Dream center Erika de Souza, who averaged 9.9 rebounds on the season, totaled 26 in the last two against Washington.
Mystics rookie guard Tayler Hill averaged 13.0 points in her last seven contests - well above her season mark of 6.5.
"I think that I'm adjusting and the game has sort of slowed down for me,' said Hill, the fourth overall pick in the draft. "I don't feel rushed, I don't feel frantic out there. It's just starting to come to me.'
She scored 25 while going 5 of 9 from the floor and 12 of 12 from the free-throw line in the two victories over Atlanta.
-----------------------------------------------------------
WNBA HEAD TO HEAD
Aug 28, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS « 85 Cover: 11.5
ATL 80 Over: 165
Tools: Recaps
Aug 23, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL 64 Under: 138
WAS « 74 Cover: 12.5
Tools: Recaps
Aug 18, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 58 Under: 134
ATL « 76 Cover: 10.5
Tools: Recaps
Jun 28, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 75 Over: 161
ATL « 86 Cover: 1
Tools: Recaps
Jun 2, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL « 73 Cover: 4.5
WAS 63 Under: 136
Tools: Recaps
WNBA
Dunkel
Washington at Atlanta
The Dream look to open up the playoffs and build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 home games versus the Mystics. Atlanta is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Dream favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-6). Here are all of today's picks.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Game 651-652: Washington at Atlanta (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 107.664; Atlanta 115.986
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 8 1/2; 147
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 6; 152
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-6); Under
Game 653-654: Phoenix at Los Angeles (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 110.163; Los Angeles 120.327
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 10; 168
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 7 1/2; 161 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-7 1/2); Over
WNBA
Long Sheet
Monday, September 16
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WASHINGTON (17 - 17) at ATLANTA (17 - 17) - 9/19/2013, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 244-296 ATS (-81.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 153-195 ATS (-61.5 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 34-59 ATS (-30.9 Units) in road games in August or September games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 43-69 ATS (-32.9 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 153-193 ATS (-59.3 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 17-36 ATS (-22.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 8-25 ATS (-19.5 Units) after allowing 55 points or less since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 8-6 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 10-4 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PHOENIX (19 - 15) at LOS ANGELES (24 - 10) - 9/19/2013, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 24-43 ATS (-23.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in August or September games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
PHOENIX is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 13-21 ATS (-10.1 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) after a division game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 8-5 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 9-4 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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WNBA
Monday, September 16
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 12 games
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games
See more trends!
10:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. LOS ANGELES
Phoenix is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Phoenix is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games at home
Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
__________________
Dunkel
Washington at Atlanta
The Dream look to open up the playoffs and build on their 5-1 ATS record in their last 6 home games versus the Mystics. Atlanta is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Dream favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-6). Here are all of today's picks.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
Game 651-652: Washington at Atlanta (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 107.664; Atlanta 115.986
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 8 1/2; 147
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 6; 152
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-6); Under
Game 653-654: Phoenix at Los Angeles (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Phoenix 110.163; Los Angeles 120.327
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 10; 168
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 7 1/2; 161 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-7 1/2); Over
WNBA
Long Sheet
Monday, September 16
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WASHINGTON (17 - 17) at ATLANTA (17 - 17) - 9/19/2013, 8:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 244-296 ATS (-81.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 153-195 ATS (-61.5 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 34-59 ATS (-30.9 Units) in road games in August or September games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 43-69 ATS (-32.9 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 153-193 ATS (-59.3 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 17-36 ATS (-22.6 Units) after 3 or more consecutive unders since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 8-25 ATS (-19.5 Units) after allowing 55 points or less since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
ATLANTA is 8-6 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 10-4 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
9 of 14 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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PHOENIX (19 - 15) at LOS ANGELES (24 - 10) - 9/19/2013, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 24-43 ATS (-23.3 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 1-9 ATS (-8.9 Units) as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 10-20 ATS (-12.0 Units) in August or September games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
PHOENIX is 14-27 ATS (-15.7 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 15-28 ATS (-15.8 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 19-34 ATS (-18.4 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 13-21 ATS (-10.1 Units) in all games this season.
LOS ANGELES is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) after a division game this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
LOS ANGELES is 8-5 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 9-4 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
7 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WNBA
Monday, September 16
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8:00 PM
WASHINGTON vs. ATLANTA
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Washington's last 12 games
Washington is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 8-15 ATS in its last 23 games
See more trends!
10:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. LOS ANGELES
Phoenix is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games
Phoenix is 3-7 ATS in its last 10 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games at home
Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
__________________
Conference Semifinal Preview
September 17, 2013
Eastern Conference Matchups
Best of Three Format (1-1-1)
(1) Chicago Sky vs. (4) Indiana Fever
-- Sky (24-10 SU, 19-13-2 ATS)
-- Fever (16-18 SU, 15-19 ATS)
-- Fever won season series, 3-1
-- Indiana won both meetings at Chicago as road underdog
-- Three of four matchups finished 'under' the total
-- Sky won nine of final 11 games to close season, but covered just one of last five
-- Fever started season 1-7, but won 15 of final 26 contests
Last playoff appearance:
-- First postseason berth for Sky in franchise history
-- Indiana looks to defend its WNBA crown after beating Minnesota in the Finals last season
(2) Atlanta Dream vs. (3) Washington Mystics
-- Dream (17-17 SU, 17-17 ATS)
-- Mystics (17-17 SU, 19-14-1 ATS)
-- Dream won season series, 3-2
-- Atlanta won first three matchups before Washington grabbed final two
-- Dream was favored in all five meetings, while the 'under' went 3-2
-- Atlanta stumbled to an 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS finish to the season
-- Washington closed the season strong with a 5-2 SU/ATS mark the last seven games
Last playoff appearance:
-- Dream lost to Fever in 2012 conference semifinals, 2-1
-- Mystics were swept by the Dream in 2010 conference semifinals, 2-0
Western Conference Matchups
Best of Three Format (1-1-1)
(1) Minnesota Lynx vs. (4) Seattle Storm
-- Lynx (26-8 SU, 22-12 ATS)
-- Storm (17-17 SU, 18-16 ATS)
-- Lynx swept season series, 4-0
-- Minnesota won all four meetings by double-digits over Seattle
-- The 'over' hit in both matchups at Minnesota, while the 'under' cashed twice at Seattle
-- Lynx won and covered eight of their final nine games of the season
-- Storm finished 7-4 SU and 6-5 ATS the last 11 contests
Last playoff appearance:
-- Minnesota lost in WNBA Finals to Indiana last season, 3-1
-- Seattle fell to Minnesota in the conference semifinals, 2-1
(2) Los Angeles Sparks vs. (3) Phoenix Mercury
-- Sparks (24-10 SU, 13-21 ATS)
-- Mercury (19-15 SU, 14-19-1 ATS)
-- The two teams split the four-game season series
-- Each club won on their home-court and the opponent's court
-- The winning team scored at last 88 points in each victory
-- Sparks finished 6-2 SU L8, but went 2-7 ATS L9 games
-- Mercury won five of final seven games, but compiled 3-7 ATS L10 contests
Last playoff appearance:
-- Los Angeles lost to Minnesota in 2012 conference finals, 2-0
-- Seattle lost to Minnesota in 2011 conference finals, 2-0
September 17, 2013
Eastern Conference Matchups
Best of Three Format (1-1-1)
(1) Chicago Sky vs. (4) Indiana Fever
-- Sky (24-10 SU, 19-13-2 ATS)
-- Fever (16-18 SU, 15-19 ATS)
-- Fever won season series, 3-1
-- Indiana won both meetings at Chicago as road underdog
-- Three of four matchups finished 'under' the total
-- Sky won nine of final 11 games to close season, but covered just one of last five
-- Fever started season 1-7, but won 15 of final 26 contests
Last playoff appearance:
-- First postseason berth for Sky in franchise history
-- Indiana looks to defend its WNBA crown after beating Minnesota in the Finals last season
(2) Atlanta Dream vs. (3) Washington Mystics
-- Dream (17-17 SU, 17-17 ATS)
-- Mystics (17-17 SU, 19-14-1 ATS)
-- Dream won season series, 3-2
-- Atlanta won first three matchups before Washington grabbed final two
-- Dream was favored in all five meetings, while the 'under' went 3-2
-- Atlanta stumbled to an 0-4 SU and 1-3 ATS finish to the season
-- Washington closed the season strong with a 5-2 SU/ATS mark the last seven games
Last playoff appearance:
-- Dream lost to Fever in 2012 conference semifinals, 2-1
-- Mystics were swept by the Dream in 2010 conference semifinals, 2-0
Western Conference Matchups
Best of Three Format (1-1-1)
(1) Minnesota Lynx vs. (4) Seattle Storm
-- Lynx (26-8 SU, 22-12 ATS)
-- Storm (17-17 SU, 18-16 ATS)
-- Lynx swept season series, 4-0
-- Minnesota won all four meetings by double-digits over Seattle
-- The 'over' hit in both matchups at Minnesota, while the 'under' cashed twice at Seattle
-- Lynx won and covered eight of their final nine games of the season
-- Storm finished 7-4 SU and 6-5 ATS the last 11 contests
Last playoff appearance:
-- Minnesota lost in WNBA Finals to Indiana last season, 3-1
-- Seattle fell to Minnesota in the conference semifinals, 2-1
(2) Los Angeles Sparks vs. (3) Phoenix Mercury
-- Sparks (24-10 SU, 13-21 ATS)
-- Mercury (19-15 SU, 14-19-1 ATS)
-- The two teams split the four-game season series
-- Each club won on their home-court and the opponent's court
-- The winning team scored at last 88 points in each victory
-- Sparks finished 6-2 SU L8, but went 2-7 ATS L9 games
-- Mercury won five of final seven games, but compiled 3-7 ATS L10 contests
Last playoff appearance:
-- Los Angeles lost to Minnesota in 2012 conference finals, 2-0
-- Seattle lost to Minnesota in 2011 conference finals, 2-0
WNBA
Dunkel
Indiana at Chicago
The Fever look to build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games at Chicago. Indiana is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sky favored by only 4. Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+6 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Game 655-656: Indiana at Chicago (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 112.346; Chicago 116.439
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 4; 146
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 6 1/2; 141
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+6 1/2); Over
Game 657-658: Seattle at Minnesota (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 111.902; Minnesota 123.074
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 11; 145
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 14 1/2; 149
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+14 1/2); Under
WNBA
Long Sheet
Friday, September 20
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INDIANA (16 - 18) at CHICAGO (24 - 10) - 9/20/2013, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 92-130 ATS (-51.0 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) after a division game this season.
INDIANA is 66-92 ATS (-35.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 10-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 11-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEATTLE (17 - 17) at MINNESOTA (26 - 8) - 9/20/2013, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in August or September games this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest this season.
MINNESOTA is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 10-5 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 12-3 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WNBA
Friday, September 20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7:00 PM
INDIANA vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Indiana's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Indiana
See more trends!
9:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. MINNESOTA
Seattle is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Seattle is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
Minnesota is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Dunkel
Indiana at Chicago
The Fever look to build on their 5-0 ATS record in their last 5 games at Chicago. Indiana is the pick (+6 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sky favored by only 4. Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+6 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Game 655-656: Indiana at Chicago (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 112.346; Chicago 116.439
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 4; 146
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 6 1/2; 141
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+6 1/2); Over
Game 657-658: Seattle at Minnesota (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Seattle 111.902; Minnesota 123.074
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 11; 145
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 14 1/2; 149
Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+14 1/2); Under
WNBA
Long Sheet
Friday, September 20
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INDIANA (16 - 18) at CHICAGO (24 - 10) - 9/20/2013, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 92-130 ATS (-51.0 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 7-14 ATS (-8.4 Units) after a division game this season.
INDIANA is 66-92 ATS (-35.2 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 10-3 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 11-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
7 of 13 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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SEATTLE (17 - 17) at MINNESOTA (26 - 8) - 9/20/2013, 9:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 22-12 ATS (+8.8 Units) in all games this season.
MINNESOTA is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) as a favorite this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in home games this season.
MINNESOTA is 12-5 ATS (+6.5 Units) in August or September games this season.
MINNESOTA is 8-2 ATS (+5.8 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest this season.
MINNESOTA is 15-7 ATS (+7.3 Units) vs. division opponents this season.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 10-5 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 12-3 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
8 of 15 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
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WNBA
Friday, September 20
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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
INDIANA vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Indiana's last 11 games
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
Chicago is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Indiana
See more trends!
9:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. MINNESOTA
Seattle is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Seattle is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Minnesota
Minnesota is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Seattle
Minnesota is 8-1 SU in its last 9 games
Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
09/20/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/19/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/15/13 4-*4-*0 50.00% -*200 Detail
09/14/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/13/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*850 Detail
09/12/13 0-*4-*0 0.00% -*2200 Detail
09/11/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
09/10/13 3-*2-*1 60.00% +*400 Detail
09/08/13 4-*2-*0 66.67% +*900 Detail
09/07/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
09/06/13 3-*7-*0 30.00% -*2350 Detail
09/04/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
09/02/13 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
09/01/13 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
Totals 38-*31-*1 55.07% +1950
Saturday, September 21
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Atlanta - 7:00 PM ET Washington -2.5 500 POD # 1
Washington - Over 146.5 500 POD # 2
Los Angeles - 10:00 PM ET Los Angeles +1.5 500 POD # 3
Phoenix - Over 161 500 POD # 4
09/20/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/19/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/15/13 4-*4-*0 50.00% -*200 Detail
09/14/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/13/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*850 Detail
09/12/13 0-*4-*0 0.00% -*2200 Detail
09/11/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
09/10/13 3-*2-*1 60.00% +*400 Detail
09/08/13 4-*2-*0 66.67% +*900 Detail
09/07/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
09/06/13 3-*7-*0 30.00% -*2350 Detail
09/04/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
09/02/13 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
09/01/13 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
Totals 38-*31-*1 55.07% +1950
Saturday, September 21
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Atlanta - 7:00 PM ET Washington -2.5 500 POD # 1
Washington - Over 146.5 500 POD # 2
Los Angeles - 10:00 PM ET Los Angeles +1.5 500 POD # 3
Phoenix - Over 161 500 POD # 4
Preview: Mystics (17-17) at Dream (17-17)
Date: September 23, 2013 8:00 PM EDT
With their season on the line, the Atlanta Dream finally ended their losing streak. As a result, they're one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference finals.
The Dream host the Washington Mystics in a decisive Game 3 on Monday night.
Atlanta's skid hit five with a 71-56 loss in Game 1 on Thursday, but the Dream stopped that slide and snapped a three-game skid to Washington with a 63-45 road victory Saturday.
Atlanta's poor shooting continued as it made 35.2 percent from the floor, but it limited the Mystics to a season-low 25 percent (14 of 56).
The Dream are shooting 30.8 percent for the series, something they aren't thinking about after staying alive.
"As long we got this one tonight. ... That's all that matters,' said WNBA leading scorer Angel McCoughtry, who posted a game-high 20 points for the second straight contest but shot 6 of 23 on Saturday. "We'll figure that out. You can always get another shot.'
Though McCoughtry has made 12 of 43 (27.9 percent) in the series, she was encouraged by the way her team responded with its back to the wall. The Dream led 36-21 at halftime and by 21 points in the second half.
``We wanted to come with a mindset that we were going to come out aggressive and not let them stomp on us like they did last game,' said McCoughtry, who scored 11 in the first quarter. ``We came out to a great start and it carried throughout the game.'
Atlanta had dropped 12 of 13 on the road.
Now Washington is the team searching for answers after a disheartening loss. The Mystics were led by rookie Tayler Hill with 11 points, and no one else scored in double digits.
"A little different postgame than pregame," said coach Mike Thibault, who was honored as WNBA Coach of the Year beforehand. "I don't know if it was nerves, but that's the worst offensively we've played all year.'
Washington was able to get McCoughtry to foul out, but its play at the offensive end rendered that meaningless.
"We did an even better job on her probably tonight then we probably did the other night,' Thibault said. "Got her in foul trouble and didn't take advantage."
The rebounding battle has proved critical in the first two games due to the lack of consistent shooting. The Dream outrebounded the Mystics 60-42 on Saturday after Washington held a 58-41 edge in Game 1.
Atlanta went 13-4 at home during the regular season, but it's 2-4 in its last six there including Game 1. The Mystics have won five of their last seven on the road, and they've taken two straight at Atlanta after Game 1.
Hill, who averaged 6.5 points in the regular season, has reached double figures in three of her last four games.
Atlanta's Aneika Henry had 10 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2 starting in place of forward Le'coe Willingham, who is doubtful for the series finale after sustaining a right knee injury in the opener.
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WNBA HEAD TO HEAD
Sep 21, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL « 63 Cover: 20.5
WAS 45 Under: 108
Tools: Recaps
Sep 19, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS « 71 Cover: 22
ATL 56 Under: 127
Tools: Recaps
Aug 28, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS « 85 Cover: 11.5
ATL 80 Over: 165
Tools: Recaps
Aug 23, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL 64 Under: 138
WAS « 74 Cover: 12.5
Tools: Recaps
Aug 18, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 58 Under: 134
ATL « 76 Cover: 10.5
Tools: Recaps
Jun 28, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 75 Over: 161
ATL « 86 Cover: 1
Tools: Recaps
Jun 2, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL « 73 Cover: 4.5
WAS 63 Under: 136
Tools: Recaps
Date: September 23, 2013 8:00 PM EDT
With their season on the line, the Atlanta Dream finally ended their losing streak. As a result, they're one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference finals.
The Dream host the Washington Mystics in a decisive Game 3 on Monday night.
Atlanta's skid hit five with a 71-56 loss in Game 1 on Thursday, but the Dream stopped that slide and snapped a three-game skid to Washington with a 63-45 road victory Saturday.
Atlanta's poor shooting continued as it made 35.2 percent from the floor, but it limited the Mystics to a season-low 25 percent (14 of 56).
The Dream are shooting 30.8 percent for the series, something they aren't thinking about after staying alive.
"As long we got this one tonight. ... That's all that matters,' said WNBA leading scorer Angel McCoughtry, who posted a game-high 20 points for the second straight contest but shot 6 of 23 on Saturday. "We'll figure that out. You can always get another shot.'
Though McCoughtry has made 12 of 43 (27.9 percent) in the series, she was encouraged by the way her team responded with its back to the wall. The Dream led 36-21 at halftime and by 21 points in the second half.
``We wanted to come with a mindset that we were going to come out aggressive and not let them stomp on us like they did last game,' said McCoughtry, who scored 11 in the first quarter. ``We came out to a great start and it carried throughout the game.'
Atlanta had dropped 12 of 13 on the road.
Now Washington is the team searching for answers after a disheartening loss. The Mystics were led by rookie Tayler Hill with 11 points, and no one else scored in double digits.
"A little different postgame than pregame," said coach Mike Thibault, who was honored as WNBA Coach of the Year beforehand. "I don't know if it was nerves, but that's the worst offensively we've played all year.'
Washington was able to get McCoughtry to foul out, but its play at the offensive end rendered that meaningless.
"We did an even better job on her probably tonight then we probably did the other night,' Thibault said. "Got her in foul trouble and didn't take advantage."
The rebounding battle has proved critical in the first two games due to the lack of consistent shooting. The Dream outrebounded the Mystics 60-42 on Saturday after Washington held a 58-41 edge in Game 1.
Atlanta went 13-4 at home during the regular season, but it's 2-4 in its last six there including Game 1. The Mystics have won five of their last seven on the road, and they've taken two straight at Atlanta after Game 1.
Hill, who averaged 6.5 points in the regular season, has reached double figures in three of her last four games.
Atlanta's Aneika Henry had 10 points and 12 rebounds in Game 2 starting in place of forward Le'coe Willingham, who is doubtful for the series finale after sustaining a right knee injury in the opener.
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WNBA HEAD TO HEAD
Sep 21, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL « 63 Cover: 20.5
WAS 45 Under: 108
Tools: Recaps
Sep 19, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS « 71 Cover: 22
ATL 56 Under: 127
Tools: Recaps
Aug 28, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS « 85 Cover: 11.5
ATL 80 Over: 165
Tools: Recaps
Aug 23, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL 64 Under: 138
WAS « 74 Cover: 12.5
Tools: Recaps
Aug 18, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 58 Under: 134
ATL « 76 Cover: 10.5
Tools: Recaps
Jun 28, 2013 Score ATS Results
WAS 75 Over: 161
ATL « 86 Cover: 1
Tools: Recaps
Jun 2, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL « 73 Cover: 4.5
WAS 63 Under: 136
Tools: Recaps
Preview: Mercury (19-15) at Sparks (24-10)
Date: September 23, 2013 10:00 PM EDT
The Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury each got a stellar performance from their top player to win on the road in their Western Conference semifinal series.
Los Angeles' ball movement was the difference in Game 2, though, as Phoenix's offense remained stagnant.
Candace Parker looks for the same well-rounded effort from the Sparks as they try to eliminate Diana Taurasi and the visiting Mercury in the decisive third game Monday night.
Taurasi scored 30 points as Phoenix earned a surprising 86-75 win at Los Angeles in Game 1, but Parker, named the WNBA MVP for the second time Thursday, responded with 31 points and 11 rebounds in an 82-73 victory Saturday.
Parker attributed the Sparks' success to getting everyone in the seven-player rotation involved. Nneka Ogwumike had 15 points and 11 rebounds, Lindsey Harding finished with 13 points and Alana Beard added 12.
"If we don't move the ball and if we don't make quick decisions, then we play right into Phoenix's hands,' Parker said. "I think we just made more of a concerted effort to move the ball, make hard cuts, and at least stay active because there was a lot of standing (in Game 1) in L.A.'
That's precisely what got the Mercury in trouble in Game 2. Brittney Griner scored 18 points and DeWanna Bonner had 16, but no other Phoenix player scored more than seven.
Phoenix committed 12 of their 17 turnovers in the first half after totaling 10 in Game 1.
"The ball got stuck a lot in my hands, in (Bonner's) hands,' Taurasi said. "There wasn't enough movement, we didn't create enough for each other and when the game gets hard and the pressure is on you really rely on each other to get open and get good shots. We didn't do that.'
Los Angeles coach Carol Ross said her team made it a point to keep Taurasi from having the type of performance she had in Game 1, and they'll be looking for more of the same Monday.
"These are two pretty evenly matched teams, like two old heavyweight fighters slugging it out,' Ross said. "We just tried to emphasize the things that we do well and try to keep Taurasi from taking over.'
Phoenix coach Russ Pennell wants his club to recapture the attitude that helped it steal the opener.
"I just thought that they had a little bit more energy early on and played a little bit more desperate than we did,' Pennell said. "Sometimes you win a game like we did on the road, even at this level people's natural tendency is maybe to have a little bit of complacency. I didn't really sense that in our team but I know that Los Angeles had to win (Saturday). I thought we let them get away from us early.'
The Mercury won the last playoff series between these teams, beating Los Angeles in three games in the 2009 conference finals.
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WNBA HEAD TO HEAD
Sep 21, 2013 Score ATS Results
LOS « 82 Cover: 10
PHO 73 Under: 155
Tools: Recaps
Sep 19, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO « 86 Cover: 18.5
LOS 75 Under: 161
Tools: Recaps
Sep 15, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO 55 Under: 144
LOS « 89 Cover: 27
Tools: Recaps
Jul 18, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO « 90 Cover: 18
LOS 84 Over: 174
Tools: Recaps
Jul 14, 2013 Score ATS Results
LOS « 88 Cover: 8
PHO 76 Under: 164
Tools: Recaps
Jun 14, 2013 Score ATS Results
LOS 81 Over: 178
PHO « 97 Cover: 19
Tools: Recaps
Date: September 23, 2013 10:00 PM EDT
The Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury each got a stellar performance from their top player to win on the road in their Western Conference semifinal series.
Los Angeles' ball movement was the difference in Game 2, though, as Phoenix's offense remained stagnant.
Candace Parker looks for the same well-rounded effort from the Sparks as they try to eliminate Diana Taurasi and the visiting Mercury in the decisive third game Monday night.
Taurasi scored 30 points as Phoenix earned a surprising 86-75 win at Los Angeles in Game 1, but Parker, named the WNBA MVP for the second time Thursday, responded with 31 points and 11 rebounds in an 82-73 victory Saturday.
Parker attributed the Sparks' success to getting everyone in the seven-player rotation involved. Nneka Ogwumike had 15 points and 11 rebounds, Lindsey Harding finished with 13 points and Alana Beard added 12.
"If we don't move the ball and if we don't make quick decisions, then we play right into Phoenix's hands,' Parker said. "I think we just made more of a concerted effort to move the ball, make hard cuts, and at least stay active because there was a lot of standing (in Game 1) in L.A.'
That's precisely what got the Mercury in trouble in Game 2. Brittney Griner scored 18 points and DeWanna Bonner had 16, but no other Phoenix player scored more than seven.
Phoenix committed 12 of their 17 turnovers in the first half after totaling 10 in Game 1.
"The ball got stuck a lot in my hands, in (Bonner's) hands,' Taurasi said. "There wasn't enough movement, we didn't create enough for each other and when the game gets hard and the pressure is on you really rely on each other to get open and get good shots. We didn't do that.'
Los Angeles coach Carol Ross said her team made it a point to keep Taurasi from having the type of performance she had in Game 1, and they'll be looking for more of the same Monday.
"These are two pretty evenly matched teams, like two old heavyweight fighters slugging it out,' Ross said. "We just tried to emphasize the things that we do well and try to keep Taurasi from taking over.'
Phoenix coach Russ Pennell wants his club to recapture the attitude that helped it steal the opener.
"I just thought that they had a little bit more energy early on and played a little bit more desperate than we did,' Pennell said. "Sometimes you win a game like we did on the road, even at this level people's natural tendency is maybe to have a little bit of complacency. I didn't really sense that in our team but I know that Los Angeles had to win (Saturday). I thought we let them get away from us early.'
The Mercury won the last playoff series between these teams, beating Los Angeles in three games in the 2009 conference finals.
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WNBA HEAD TO HEAD
Sep 21, 2013 Score ATS Results
LOS « 82 Cover: 10
PHO 73 Under: 155
Tools: Recaps
Sep 19, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO « 86 Cover: 18.5
LOS 75 Under: 161
Tools: Recaps
Sep 15, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO 55 Under: 144
LOS « 89 Cover: 27
Tools: Recaps
Jul 18, 2013 Score ATS Results
PHO « 90 Cover: 18
LOS 84 Over: 174
Tools: Recaps
Jul 14, 2013 Score ATS Results
LOS « 88 Cover: 8
PHO 76 Under: 164
Tools: Recaps
Jun 14, 2013 Score ATS Results
LOS 81 Over: 178
PHO « 97 Cover: 19
Tools: Recaps
Date WLT Pct Net Units Record
09/22/13 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*950 Detail
09/21/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
09/20/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/19/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/15/13 4-*4-*0 50.00% -*200 Detail
09/14/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/13/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*850 Detail
09/12/13 0-*4-*0 0.00% -*2200 Detail
09/11/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
09/10/13 3-*2-*1 60.00% +*400 Detail
09/08/13 4-*2-*0 66.67% +*900 Detail
09/07/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
09/06/13 3-*7-*0 30.00% -*2350 Detail
09/04/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
09/02/13 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
09/01/13 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
Totals 42-*35-*1 54.55% +1750
Monday, September 23
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Washington - 8:00 PM ET Washington +6.5 500 POD # 2
Atlanta - Under 143.5 500 POD # 3
Phoenix - 10:00 PM ET Los Angeles -7 500 POD # 1
Los Angeles - Over 161 500 POD # 4
09/22/13 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*950 Detail
09/21/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
09/20/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/19/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/15/13 4-*4-*0 50.00% -*200 Detail
09/14/13 4-*0-*0 100.00% +*2000 Detail
09/13/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*850 Detail
09/12/13 0-*4-*0 0.00% -*2200 Detail
09/11/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
09/10/13 3-*2-*1 60.00% +*400 Detail
09/08/13 4-*2-*0 66.67% +*900 Detail
09/07/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
09/06/13 3-*7-*0 30.00% -*2350 Detail
09/04/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
09/02/13 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
09/01/13 2-*0-*0 100.00% +*1000 Detail
Totals 42-*35-*1 54.55% +1750
Monday, September 23
Game Score Status Pick Amount
Washington - 8:00 PM ET Washington +6.5 500 POD # 2
Atlanta - Under 143.5 500 POD # 3
Phoenix - 10:00 PM ET Los Angeles -7 500 POD # 1
Los Angeles - Over 161 500 POD # 4
Recap: Mercury 78, Sparks 77
Date: September 23, 2013 10:00 PM EDT
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Brittney Griner's performance had been up-and-down in her WNBA playoff debut. With veteran Diana Taurasi urging her on, the rookie calmly sank the winning basket.
Griner's turnaround jumper with 4.9 seconds left gave the Phoenix Mercury a 78-77 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday night in the deciding Game 3 of their first-round series.
``It doesn't matter what you do until the end,' said Griner, who finished with six points, four rebounds and four fouls. ``I wasn't nervous about it. I didn't think twice.'
Candice Dupree scored all but two of her 22 points in the first half, Dewanna Bonner added 19, and Taurasi had 18 points and 10 assists while improving to 6-0 in career elimination games with the Mercury.
Phoenix advanced to the Western Conference finals against top-seeded Minnesota. Game 1 is Thursday.
Kristi Toliver led the Sparks with 22 points. WNBA MVP Candace Parker added 18 points, and Nneka Ogwumike had 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Sparks were eliminated for the second straight year with a one-point loss. A year ago, they lost 80-79 to Minnesota, which swept the conference finals.
``I'm sick of always being on this podium talking after a loss,' Parker said. ``Clearly, we keep losing by one point at the end of the season so it's something we're doing.'
After Parker gave the Sparks just their second lead of the fourth on a layup with 7 seconds to go, Griner responded with the winning basket for the Mercury.
``The minute she caught it and made her motion to shoot I just knew it was going in,' Taurasi said. ``I've seen her make that shot all year. For her to be up-and-down all series and take that shot just tells you a lot about Brittney and how mentally strong she is. She's willing to do anything for this team to win.'
Parker missed a fling from the wing after getting trapped in the right corner as time expired, dashing her hopes of adding her first WNBA championship to her collection of NCAA titles and Olympic gold medals.
``I forced her out of the paint and I thought I contested,' Parker said glumly. ``She hit a good shot.'
Both teams shot poorly in the fourth quarter, when they each went more than 2 minutes without scoring. The Mercury was 5 of 18, and the Sparks were 5 of 17.
``The defense was pretty good and both teams were tired,' Phoenix coach Russ Pennell said. ``I'm tired from trying to get them not being tired.'
Taurasi found Jasmine James down low for a layin that extended the Mercury's lead to 76-73 with 1:15 left. Lindsey Harding got fouled and made both to draw the Sparks within one point.
Bonner missed a 3-pointer and after a timeout, Parker's layup put the Sparks ahead 77-76.
Taurasi then huddled up her teammates and Griner listened intently.
``She has a calming effect,' said Griner, who was the second choice behind Taurasi to take her team's last shot. ``She told us it's going to be OK, get the stop, get the ball back and we'll be fine.'
The Mercury clinched their fifth conference finals appearance and fourth in the last five years.
Phoenix saw most of its seven-point lead evaporate in the third, when Griner picked up her fourth foul and sat the rest of the period. Toliver's jumper beat the buzzer to leave the Sparks trailing 66-64 heading into the fourth.
``We played well in spurts, but didn't play well enough for 40 minutes,' Toliver said. ``We lost our composure a little bit, turned the ball over, regained it, got stops, got on the boards. It just went back and forth. We just couldn't capitalize on our last possession.'
The Sparks came in 0-for-21 from 3-point range in the series, and they finished the game 2 of 16.
The Mercury rallied from eight points down to lead 42-40 at halftime. Griner picked up her third foul and Taurasi got her second in the final 1:30 of the second quarter. Dupree, Taurasi and Bonner combined to score all of the Mercury's 23 points in the second, when they shot 73 percent.
Date: September 23, 2013 10:00 PM EDT
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Brittney Griner's performance had been up-and-down in her WNBA playoff debut. With veteran Diana Taurasi urging her on, the rookie calmly sank the winning basket.
Griner's turnaround jumper with 4.9 seconds left gave the Phoenix Mercury a 78-77 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday night in the deciding Game 3 of their first-round series.
``It doesn't matter what you do until the end,' said Griner, who finished with six points, four rebounds and four fouls. ``I wasn't nervous about it. I didn't think twice.'
Candice Dupree scored all but two of her 22 points in the first half, Dewanna Bonner added 19, and Taurasi had 18 points and 10 assists while improving to 6-0 in career elimination games with the Mercury.
Phoenix advanced to the Western Conference finals against top-seeded Minnesota. Game 1 is Thursday.
Kristi Toliver led the Sparks with 22 points. WNBA MVP Candace Parker added 18 points, and Nneka Ogwumike had 13 points and 10 rebounds.
The Sparks were eliminated for the second straight year with a one-point loss. A year ago, they lost 80-79 to Minnesota, which swept the conference finals.
``I'm sick of always being on this podium talking after a loss,' Parker said. ``Clearly, we keep losing by one point at the end of the season so it's something we're doing.'
After Parker gave the Sparks just their second lead of the fourth on a layup with 7 seconds to go, Griner responded with the winning basket for the Mercury.
``The minute she caught it and made her motion to shoot I just knew it was going in,' Taurasi said. ``I've seen her make that shot all year. For her to be up-and-down all series and take that shot just tells you a lot about Brittney and how mentally strong she is. She's willing to do anything for this team to win.'
Parker missed a fling from the wing after getting trapped in the right corner as time expired, dashing her hopes of adding her first WNBA championship to her collection of NCAA titles and Olympic gold medals.
``I forced her out of the paint and I thought I contested,' Parker said glumly. ``She hit a good shot.'
Both teams shot poorly in the fourth quarter, when they each went more than 2 minutes without scoring. The Mercury was 5 of 18, and the Sparks were 5 of 17.
``The defense was pretty good and both teams were tired,' Phoenix coach Russ Pennell said. ``I'm tired from trying to get them not being tired.'
Taurasi found Jasmine James down low for a layin that extended the Mercury's lead to 76-73 with 1:15 left. Lindsey Harding got fouled and made both to draw the Sparks within one point.
Bonner missed a 3-pointer and after a timeout, Parker's layup put the Sparks ahead 77-76.
Taurasi then huddled up her teammates and Griner listened intently.
``She has a calming effect,' said Griner, who was the second choice behind Taurasi to take her team's last shot. ``She told us it's going to be OK, get the stop, get the ball back and we'll be fine.'
The Mercury clinched their fifth conference finals appearance and fourth in the last five years.
Phoenix saw most of its seven-point lead evaporate in the third, when Griner picked up her fourth foul and sat the rest of the period. Toliver's jumper beat the buzzer to leave the Sparks trailing 66-64 heading into the fourth.
``We played well in spurts, but didn't play well enough for 40 minutes,' Toliver said. ``We lost our composure a little bit, turned the ball over, regained it, got stops, got on the boards. It just went back and forth. We just couldn't capitalize on our last possession.'
The Sparks came in 0-for-21 from 3-point range in the series, and they finished the game 2 of 16.
The Mercury rallied from eight points down to lead 42-40 at halftime. Griner picked up her third foul and Taurasi got her second in the final 1:30 of the second quarter. Dupree, Taurasi and Bonner combined to score all of the Mercury's 23 points in the second, when they shot 73 percent.
