Cnotes August WNBA Best Bets + Pod's

[johnnylightning]

JNOTES 1. Connecticut Sun (6-14) at Washington Mystics (10-13), 4:00 PM ET



It's on NBA TV but if you're in Connecticut, turn on CPTV, and if you're in DC you gotta watch on the computer through Monumental Network.
DC won the first matchup between these teams when Mike Thibault returned to the Casino. That also happened to be during the Mystics' 4-1 start to the season.
Also, the Mystics are giving their annual season ticket holder giveaway which has been the case since last Sunday if I remember right. It's an autographed basketball by our favorite rookie who doesn't wear a mohawk.
2. Tulsa Shock (7-16) at Phoenix Mercury (11-11), 6:00 PM ET
This is also on NBA TV and it shouldn't be. It's only because of Griner and Diggins and the term that shall never be mentioned on this site.
Nothing much to add from Friday, but the Shock can definitely use a win tonight.
3. Minnesota Lynx (17-4) at Chicago (14-7), 6:00 PM ET
This game should be on NBA TV, NOT Shock vs. Mercury Part II. With the Lynx losing to DC last Thursday, I fully expect a fired up performance tonight. Easy game of the day. This could be the WNBA Finals right here.
4. New York Liberty (9-13) at Atlanta Dream (11-6), 6:00 PM ET
The Liberty after losing to the Sparks by a lot head down to ATL and need to win tonight in order to keep their playoff hopes alive, but as I said a number of times before, winning now isn't in their best interest.
5. San Antonio Silver Stars (8-14) at Seattle Storm (9-12), 9:00 PM ET
Nothing to repeat from Friday. This is de ja vu squared. Phoenix and Tulsa played on Friday and today, and now these two teams did the same

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Sky (15-7) at Sparks (16-7)

Date: August 13, 2013 10:30 PM EDT


After missing a pair of games, Elena Delle Donne has recaptured her shooting stroke, with the Chicago Sky benefiting in back-to-back victories.

They'll try to continue the perimeter onslaught Tuesday night in a road game against the Los Angeles Sparks, who lead the league in 3-point defense.

Chicago (15-7) has lost five in a row at Los Angeles but leads the Eastern Conference and has a chance to post consecutive victories over the only teams with better records. The Sparks (16-7) are second in the West to league-best Minnesota, which fell 94-86 in overtime to the Sky on Sunday.

They faced a 12-point deficit in the second half, but Delle Donne forced the extra frame by hitting a 3-pointer with four seconds left. The All-Star rookie finished with a season-high 32 points on 9-of-15 shooting, including 4 of 5 from beyond the arc, in her third game since returning from a concussion.

"Being down and to come back was incredible for us and many times before we haven't been able to do that," Delle Donne said. "To do that against the team with the best record in the league is a great statement for us."

She was also 4 of 5 from 3-point range in Chicago's 77-61 win over Connecticut on Friday. The Sky have hit 14 of 30 3-point attempts over their last two games. They were 14 for 64 (21.9 percent) in the previous four games, going 1-3.

Delle Donne leads the WNBA in 3-point shooting at 47.7 percent, while the Sparks limit opponents to a league-low 27.5 percent from that range.

Chicago is still the lone East team to record a win over Los Angeles this season, claiming a 94-82 home victory June 29 despite missing 10 of 12 3-point tries. Delle Donne was 7 of 19 from the field but managed 20 points while Epiphanny Prince scored 21.

Candace Parker scored a game-high 23 that day but is coming off a poor shooting performance, going 2 of 11 for 12 points in the Sparks' 85-67 win at New York on Saturday.

Los Angeles got another strong effort off the bench from Jantel Lavender, who finished with 18 points on 9-of-13 shooting. She's averaging 15.8 points over her last four games after averaging 5.4 in the previous 19.

"We're hitting our stride, but we certainly haven't peaked yet," Parker said. "It's definitely a good sign when we get production from everyone. Our bench has been playing well."

The Sparks ended their five-game trip with four straight wins, but have lost their last two home games after starting 9-0 in Los Angeles.

They haven't lost to Chicago at home since a 74-71 defeat July 1, 2007.

 

[johnnylightning]

JNOTES

The transition was from Division I to the WNBA, a significant step to say the least.In this case there was a similarity in team expectations: A'dia Mathies saw a situation of leaving one very successful organization to join another. Mathies starred at the University of Kentucky, a strong program that wound up advancing to the Elite Eight in the 2013 NCAA Tournament before meeting UCONN, the eventual national champion.
But one of the biggest adjustments for Mathies has been moving into a new role.
"In the league you are going from a primary option in many cases to another addition," she said.
At Kentucky she was that primary option and marquee player - she was a second team All-American last season. A two-time SEC Co-Player of the Year, Mathies is the only UK player (male or female) to record at least 1,900 points, 600 rebounds, 300 assists and 300 steals for a career.
Yet on a WNBA team with backcourt talent, the 5-9 guard is biding her time and learning.
"I have some great players who have been able to show me how to adapt to the professional game," Mathies said following the Sparks win over the New York Liberty at the Prudential Center, in which she played five minutes scoring two points. "Kristi (Toliver) and Linsay (Harding) have really helped bring me along."
And Candace Parker?
"Almost forgot," Mathies added with a laugh. "But Candace is outstanding and another great mentor and leader."


Mathies is averaging 11 minutes per outing. The 10th overall selection in this past Spring's 2013 WNBA Draft, she averages 2.9 points and 1.0 assists thus far in her rookie campaign. Several first-year players spoken with during the season echoed the same sentiments of Mathies: the WNBA is demanding, especially for new faces.
"You really can't take a play off here (WNBA)," Mathies said. "Anyone can beat you on a given play and you have to keep yourself in top shape."
At Kentucky Mathies came into a situation where she, "really didn't know what to expect." Under coach Matthew Mitchell, the UK women's program proved there is more to basketball excellence in Lexington than John Calipari's group. During her four years the Wildcats were in four NCAA tournaments, advancing to the Elite Eight on three occasions.
"I think the Kentucky women's program has moved to the elite," Mathies said. "Now top players want to come there and the program is very well respected. I am so proud to be a part of it all."
The Commonwealth in the rear view mirror, the focus is on the current club and a quest for WNBA excellence.
"We have a great team here," Mathies said. "I just have to stay prepared and work on both ends of the court on a daily basis."
A role changes, the commitment does not.

 

[johnnylightning]

Chicago

Sky are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games playing on 1 days rest. Sky are 11-4-1 ATS in their last 16 games following a ATS win. Sky are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Sky are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 road games. Sky are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 Tuesday games.

Los Angeles

Sparks are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record. Sparks are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 home games.

[h=3]OU Trends[/h]

Chicago

Under is 7-1-1 in Sky last 9 games playing on 1 days rest. Under is 13-3 in Sky last 16 Tuesday games. Under is 4-1 in Sky last 5 road games. Over is 4-1 in Sky last 5 vs. a team with a winning S.U. record.

Los Angeles

Under is 4-0 in Sparks last 4 games playing on 2 days rest. Under is 4-0 in Sparks last 4 overall. Under is 5-0 in Sparks last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. Under is 4-0 in Sparks last 4 games following a ATS win. Under is 4-0 in Sparks last 4 games following a S.U. win. Under is 5-1 in Sparks last 6 Tuesday games. Under is 8-2 in Sparks last 10 home games.

[h=3]Head to Head[/h]

Over is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings. Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings in Los Angeles. Sky are 1-4 ATS in the last 5 meetings in Los Angeles.

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA
Dunkel

Chicago at Los Angeles
The Sparks look to build on their 4-1 ATS record in their last 5 home games versus the Sky. Los Angeles is the pick (-6) according to Dunkel, which has the Sparks favored by 8 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-6). Here are all of today's picks.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 13

Game 601-602: Chicago at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 110.900; Los Angeles 119.356
Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 8 1/2; 154
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 6; 158 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-6); Under




WNBA
Long Sheet

Tuesday, August 13

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CHICAGO (15 - 7) at LOS ANGELES (16 - 7) - 8/13/2013, 10:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CHICAGO is 12-3 ATS (+8.7 Units) in road games off an upset win as an underdog since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 3-2 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 3-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
4 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Sunday, August 11

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Trend Report
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10:30 PM
CHICAGO vs. LOS ANGELES
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Chicago's last 7 games when playing on the road against Los Angeles
Chicago is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games on the road
Los Angeles is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Chicago
Los Angeles is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Chicago

 

[CNOTES]

Tuesday, August 13

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Chicago - 10:30 PM ET Los Angeles -6.5 500 POD # 2


Los Angeles - Under 160 500 POD # 1

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA
Dunkel

Atlanta at Connecticut
The Dream look to take advantage of a Connecticut team that is coming off a 74-63 loss to Washington and is 5-13 ATS in its last 18 games following a SU defeat. Atlanta is the pick (-1 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Dream favored by 4. Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-1 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 14

Game 651-652: Atlanta at Connecticut (7:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Atlanta 109.461; Connecticut 105.654
Dunkel Line & Total: Atlanta by 4; 145
Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 1 1/2; 150
Dunkel Pick: Atlanta (-1 1/2); Under

Game 653-654: Indiana at Phoenix (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 114.438; Phoenix 111.495
Dunkel Line & Total: Indiana by 3; 148
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 4; 145
Dunkel Pick: Indiana (+4); Over




WNBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, August 14

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ATLANTA (11 - 8) at CONNECTICUT (6 - 15) - 8/14/2013, 7:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
CONNECTICUT is 91-60 ATS (+25.0 Units) revenging a loss versus opponent since 1997.
ATLANTA is 15-5 ATS (+9.5 Units) in road games when playing with 2 days rest since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 9-3 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
ATLANTA is 7-5 straight up against CONNECTICUT over the last 3 seasons
7 of 11 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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INDIANA (11 - 11) at PHOENIX (12 - 11) - 8/14/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 90-126 ATS (-48.6 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
INDIANA is 64-89 ATS (-33.9 Units) when playing against a team with a winning record after 15+ games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 20-36 ATS (-19.6 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-20 ATS (-14.0 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in August or September games over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 12-23 ATS (-13.3 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 3-2 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 3-2 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Wednesday, August 14

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Trend Report
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7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. CONNECTICUT
Atlanta is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 5 games on the road
Connecticut is 3-6 SU in its last 9 games when playing Atlanta
Connecticut is 3-7 SU in its last 10 games at home

10:00 PM
INDIANA vs. PHOENIX
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Indiana's last 13 games when playing on the road against Phoenix
Indiana is 10-4 SU in its last 14 games
Phoenix is 2-9 ATS in its last 11 games when playing at home against Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of Phoenix's last 13 games when playing at home against Indiana

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Dream (11-8) at Sun (6-15)

Date: August 14, 2013 7:00 PM EDT

The Atlanta Dream are struggling to the point that making the playoffs can no longer be considered a given, while the last-place Connecticut Sun are running out of time for a postseason push.
One of these teams will end a three-game slide when the Sun host the Dream in the opener of a home-and-home set Wednesday night.
Atlanta (11-8) looked like a contender during a league-best 10-1 start, but catching Chicago for first place in the Eastern Conference is likely no longer a priority for the Dream, who have a three-game lead on fifth-place New York for the final postseason spot.
Connecticut (6-15) is three games behind the Liberty and 3 1/2 behind fourth-place Washington. The Sun would have been closer if not for a 74-63 defeat to the Mystics on Sunday which prompted a closed-door meeting afterward.
"It's hard for everybody," coach Anne Donovan said. "I'm no different than anybody in that locker room. Nobody likes to lose."
The Dream, who host the Sun on Friday, have taken the first two meetings. They won 78-77 at Connecticut on June 23 and their lone victory in this woeful eight-game stretch was by a 74-65 score over the Sun on July 24.
Angel McCoughtry scored a season-high 34 points in the first win and 22 in the second.
McCoughtry scored at least 30 for the second time in three games with exactly that number in an 88-82 loss to New York on Sunday. Atlanta was outrebounded 43-30.
"I just thought tonight we didn't get the loose balls and rebounds," coach Fred Williams said. "New York did."
The Dream overcame a 44-31 rebounding deficit in the first meeting with the Sun before recovering for a 44-40 edge in the next matchup.
Reigning league MVP Tina Charles is second in the WNBA with 13.0 rebounds per game, and is averaging 16.5 points and 14.0 boards in the season series.
Connecticut All-Star guard Allison Hightower has struggled versus Atlanta, averaging 8.0 points and 19.2 percent shooting against it compared to her career-best season marks of 12.8 points and 42.4 percent from the field.
The Sun are 4 of 24 on 3-pointers in the season series with Hightower - who leads the team with 66 attempts - going 1 of 7.
Connecticut shot 38.5 percent overall and made two of 12 from 3-point range Sunday.
"I thought we had great looks and people put themselves in position to shoot the shot that they practice,' said Charles, who had 18 points and 12 boards. "Sometimes we just weren't making it."

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WNBA HEAD TO HEAD
Jul 24, 2013 Score ATS Results
CONN 65 Cover: 0.5
ATL « 74 Under: 139
Tools: Recaps
Jun 23, 2013 Score ATS Results
ATL « 78 Over: 155
CONN 77 Cover: 3.5
Tools: Recaps

 

[CNOTES]

Wednesday, August 14

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Atlanta - 7:00 PM ET Atlanta -2 500 POD # 1


Connecticut - Under 150 500 POD # 2


Indiana - 10:00 PM ET Indiana +4 500 POD # 4


Phoenix - Under 147 500 POD # 3

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA
Dunkel

Chicago at Seattle
The Storm look to build on their 11-4 ATS record in their last 15 home games. Seattle is the pick (+3 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Sky favored by only 1. Dunkel Pick: Seattle (+3 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 15

Game 601-602: Chicago at Seattle (10:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Chicago 114.592; Seattle 113.806
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 1; 149
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 3 1/2; 145 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Chicago (-3 1/2); Under




WNBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, August 15

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CHICAGO (15 - 8) at SEATTLE (10 - 12) - 8/15/2013, 10:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 29-17 ATS (+10.3 Units) in home games over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SEATTLE is 3-2 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
SEATTLE is 3-2 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 5 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

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WNBA

Thursday, August 15

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Trend Report
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10:00 PM
CHICAGO vs. SEATTLE
Chicago is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Seattle
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing Seattle
Seattle is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 11 of Seattle's last 14 games

 

[CNOTES]

Thursday, August 15


Chicago - 10:00 PM ET Chicago -2.5 500 POD # 1


Seattle - Under 145.5 500 POD # 2

 

[johnnylightning]

Sun- DreamWhile the slumping Atlanta Dream were hoping to get back on track with two games against the Eastern Conference's last-place team, the best they can hope for is a split.
The Dream try to avoid losing five straight for the first time in five years when they conclude a home-and-home series against the visiting Sun on Friday night.
Atlanta (11-9) has dropped eight of nine, including its last four while allowing an average of 84.5 points. The Dream haven't lost five in a row since going 4-30 during their inaugural 2008 season.
"A lot of things have changed," coach Fred Williams said. "One factor is injuries. The other is being on the road a lot. (There's) been maybe two games in 30 days at home. That's a factor.
"We just have to get back in the scheme of things."
Continuing to play without former All-Star Sancho Lyttle (foot), the Dream saw their woes continue Wednesday in an 88-86 loss at Connecticut. WNBA leading scorer Angel McCoughtry stayed hot with 33 points as the Dream outscored the Sun 52-34 in the paint, but they came up short after Tan White made the winning jumper with 0.5 seconds left.
"We knew we wanted to run all the time off the clock to leave them no shot," said White, who scored a season-high 15 points while helping fill in for injured guard Allison Hightower. "We just did a really good job of reading what the defense gave us. It just happened to fall in my hands at the end. I took a great shot."
Tina Charles scored 25 points and Renee Montgomery added 18 for the Sun (7-15), who went 8 for 15 from 3-point range. Atlanta, shooting a WNBA-worst 26.2 percent from beyond the arc, made 3 of 11.
"(There were) a lot of heroes," said coach Anne Donovan, whose team snapped a three-game skid. "A good win for us, obviously."
The Sun's victory was their first in three tries against the Dream this season. After scoring a season-high 34 points in a 78-77 win at Connecticut on June 23, McCoughtry had 22 in a 74-65 home victory July 24.
The All-Star forward, averaging 22.0 points, has scored at least 30 in three of the last four games.
"She is something else," Sun forward Mistie Bass said. "She can score at will. She is the type of player who can orchestrate exactly what a defense is going to do, and she's really smart at what she does."
Containing McCoughtry could prove crucial as the Sun hit the road, where they have dropped six of seven. Hightower, averaging 12.8 points to rank third on the team, is uncertain to be available again due to a knee injury.
The Dream won their first eight home games by an average of 15.1 points before falling 88-82 to New York on Sunday.

 

[johnnylightning]

[h=3]Mystics-Liberty Preview[/h]Cappie Pondexter motivated the New York Liberty with her words before their most recent game. She's also provided a boost with her play on the court.
Pondexter will try for another big game Friday night while leading the Liberty to a sixth straight win over the Washington Mystics and third in 17 days.
With her team still stinging from an 85-67 drubbing to Los Angeles a day earlier, Pondexter gave a speech before Sunday's game in Atlanta. She also had 33 points - one shy of matching a season high - seven assists and six rebounds in an 88-82 victory.
"Cappie before the game was very vocal about how it's time to start winning some games, and for everybody to step up mentally and physically," coach Bill Laimbeer said. "She set the tone, no question about it."
The result helped New York (10-13) stay one-half game behind Washington (11-13) for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.
"It was about not wanting to leave and go overseas right now. That's seven months of being away from family and not enjoying home,'' Pondexter said. "If it's something to motivate us to play better, make the playoffs and advance, it's great motivation I think."
Pondexter has topped 20 points in each of the past three games and boosted her season average to 19.0, third-best in the league. She had 21 points in a 93-88 win over Washington on Aug. 6, and Alex Montgomery scored a career-high 21 off the bench while helping the Liberty overcome a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
That loss was part of a four-game skid for the Mystics, which began with an 88-78 home loss to New York on July 31, but they've since won two in a row. After snapping Minnesota's 18-game home win streak on Aug. 8, Washington held on for a 74-63 victory over visiting Connecticut on Sunday.
Crystal Langhorne had a team-best 18 points for the Mystics, who nearly blew a 21-point lead, and Ivory Latta contributed 14, including a key 3-pointer with 44.5 seconds left.
"We're just trying to survive in the playoff race," coach Mike Thibault said. "That's the only focus we have right now. That's all we talk to our players about."
Langhorne scored 24 points, made 10 of 14 shots and pulled down 11 rebounds in last week's loss at New York. She's averaging 18.8 points on 60.4 percent shooting in the last four games.
Langhorne was held to eight points in the season's first matchup between the teams on July 31. Kara Braxton had a season-high 22 points for New York and Pondexter added 19 despite missing 14 of 20 shots.
The Liberty have won three straight home games against the Mystics.

 

[johnnylightning]

[h=3]Shock-Lynx Preview[/h]After dropping back-to-back games for the first time this season, the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx find themselves in an unfamiliar situation.
A matchup with the league-worst Tulsa Shock, though, could prove comforting.
With center Janel McCarville's status still unclear, the Lynx go for a 15th consecutive victory over the visiting Shock on Friday night.
After winning 10 straight and 18 in a row at home, the Lynx (17-5) were stunned 79-75 by Washington at the Target Center last Thursday. Minnesota had its hands full again Sunday at Eastern Conference-leading Chicago, falling 94-86 in overtime.
Seimone Augustus scored a season-high 26 points for the Lynx, who made all 17 of their free throws. The Sky, though, went 31 for 33 from the foul line.
"Obviously the two games that we've lost haven't gone our way," said McCarville, who missed both contests with a concussion. "We're looking to get back in the swing of things, trying to get back (to) our winning ways, and it starts in practice. Luckily we got a couple days before Tulsa to get back and prepare, and focus on the things that need to improve."
McCarville's absence down low has proved costly for Minnesota, which has allowed 38 points in the paint in each of the last two games. The Lynx were also outrebounded 44-24 by the Mystics.
"We understand we lost two in a row. People are angry about it, upset about it, and they're kind of using it to build something new," McCarville added. "We're taking it one game at a time. ... We're just focused on Friday. We know Tulsa's coming in, they got a strong inside presence with (Elizabeth) Cambage and (Glory) Johnson, so that's all we're really focused on."
Even if McCarville can't go, the Lynx still figure to have an edge over the Shock (7-17). Minnesota has taken the first three meetings this season, most recently winning 86-75 at Tulsa on July 13 behind a season-high 25 points from Lindsay Whalen and 22 from Maya Moore.
The Shock enter the weekend hoping to avoid an 0-4 road trip after suffering back-to-back losses to Phoenix. While Tulsa stayed close in a 70-67 defeat last Friday, it was blown out 77-56 two days later.
Johnson, leading the team with 16.0 points per game, was held out after hitting the floor hard in the first of those defeats.
"I just thought we really got tentative," said coach Gary Kloppenburg, whose team shot 27.5 percent. "We really weren't going anywhere. ... We just were not very aggressive, so I think they put us on our heels and I just didn't feel like we responded at all."
Cambage and rookie Skylar Diggins each scored 19 points Sunday, but they were the only Tulsa players to reach double figures.
"You just want to finish with a sense of pride," Diggins said. "You want to go down swinging."
The Shock are 2-11 as the visiting team.

 

[johnnylightning]

[h=3]Fever-Sparks Preview[/h]Candace Parker returned from a wrist injury in last week's game against the Indiana Fever and helped the Los Angeles Sparks keep their win streak going. The Sparks are still on a roll heading into the rematch.
Los Angeles has a chance to move into a tie for the Western Conference lead if it can earn a season high-tying sixth straight victory and fifth in a row over the Fever on Friday night.
Parker scored 17 points in a 74-64 win at Indiana on Aug. 8 after missing three games due to a bone bruise in her right wrist. Jantel Lavender had a team-best 18 points and nine rebounds off the bench for Los Angeles (17-7), which never trailed after building a 19-point lead early in the second quarter.
Parker led the way with 18 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the Sparks' latest win, 80-76 over East-leading Chicago on Tuesday. She also made seven of 12 shots after going 2 for 11 in an 85-67 victory at New York on Saturday.
"It's getting there," Parker said. "I felt the ball a little bit better today and was able to really follow through on my shot, which is something that has been tough the last couple of weeks."
Lavender reached double figures for the fifth straight game with 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting. She's averaging 14.6 - double her season average - during the Sparks' win streak while shooting 59.3 percent.
Parker and Lavender have helped Los Angeles climb within one game of first-place Minnesota in the West. The Lynx host Tulsa on Friday.
Indiana, meanwhile, is one game ahead of New York for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East. The Fever (11-12) have played their past two contests without one of their leading scorers, Shavonte Zellous (plantar fasciitis), and she remains day to day.
They handled Atlanta 80-66 on Saturday in the first of those games without Zellous, who is averaging a career-best 15.0 points, but were blown out 75-58 by Phoenix on Wednesday.
Indiana shot a season-low 31.3 percent and had its worst scoring performance of 2013 to kick off a three-game western trip. Tamika Catchings (16 points) and Erin Phillips (14) were the only Fever players in double figures.
"I thought we mentally looked like we were still on the plane," coach Lin Dunn said. "I think if anything came in to play, we just didn't seem sharp. So I thought we made some mental decisions that hurt us and I know we can play better."

 

[johnnylightning]

Dunkel

The Lynx look to build on their 6-1 ATS record in their last 7 games against teams with a losing SU record. Minnesota is the pick (-15 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Lynx favored by 18 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-15 1/2). Here are all of today's picks.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 16 Time Posted: 7:30 a.m. EST

Game 651-652: Connecticut at Atlanta (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Connecticut 109.625; Atlanta 109.800 Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 149 Vegas Line & Total: Atlanta by 8; 153 Dunkel Pick: Connecticut (+8); Under

Game 653-654: Washington at New York (7:30 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Washington 109.390; New York 107.446 Dunkel Line & Total: Washington by 2; 157 Vegas Line & Total: New York by 3 1/2; 152 Dunkel Pick: Washington (+3 1/2); Over

Game 655-656: Tulsa at Minnesota (8:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Tulsa 105.800; Minnesota 124.164 Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 18 1/2; 152 Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 15 1/2; 156 1/2 Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-15 1/2); Under

Game 657-658: Indiana at Los Angeles (11:00 p.m. EST) Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 110.683; Los Angeles 118.747 Dunkel Line & Total: Los Angeles by 8; 146 Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 6 1/2; 142 Dunkel Pick: Los Angeles (-6 1/2); Over

 

[johnnylightning]

WNBA CONNECTICUT at ATLANTA

Play Under - Home teams where the total is greater than or equal to 140 explosive offensive team - scoring 77+ points/game on the season, after scoring 45 points or more in the first half last game
89-45 over the last 5 seasons. ( 66.4% 39.5 units )
10-1 this year. ( 90.9% 8.9 units )

WNBA CONNECTICUT at ATLANTA

Play On - Favorites vs. the money line (ATLANTA) in a game involving two average defensive teams (40.5-43.5%), in a game involving two average rebounding teams (+/-3 reb/game) after 15+ games
229-82 since 1997. ( 73.6% 0.0 units )
8-3 this year. ( 72.7% 0.0 units )

WNBA INDIANA at LOS ANGELES

Play Under - Home teams where the first half total is between 65.5 and 70.5 points after 1 or more consecutive unders
423-273 since 1997. ( 60.8% 122.7 units )
18-14 this year. ( 56.3% 2.6 units )

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Sun (7-15) at Dream (11-9)

Date: August 16, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


While the slumping Atlanta Dream were hoping to get back on track with two games against the Eastern Conference's last-place team, the best they can hope for is a split.

The Dream try to avoid losing five straight for the first time in five years when they conclude a home-and-home series against the visiting Sun on Friday night.

Atlanta (11-9) has dropped eight of nine, including its last four while allowing an average of 84.5 points. The Dream haven't lost five in a row since going 4-30 during their inaugural 2008 season.

"A lot of things have changed," coach Fred Williams said. "One factor is injuries. The other is being on the road a lot. (There's) been maybe two games in 30 days at home. That's a factor.

"We just have to get back in the scheme of things."

Continuing to play without former All-Star Sancho Lyttle (foot), the Dream saw their woes continue Wednesday in an 88-86 loss at Connecticut. WNBA leading scorer Angel McCoughtry stayed hot with 33 points as the Dream outscored the Sun 52-34 in the paint, but they came up short after Tan White made the winning jumper with 0.5 seconds left.

"We knew we wanted to run all the time off the clock to leave them no shot," said White, who scored a season-high 15 points while helping fill in for injured guard Allison Hightower. "We just did a really good job of reading what the defense gave us. It just happened to fall in my hands at the end. I took a great shot."

Tina Charles scored 25 points and Renee Montgomery added 18 for the Sun (7-15), who went 8 for 15 from 3-point range. Atlanta, shooting a WNBA-worst 26.2 percent from beyond the arc, made 3 of 11.

"(There were) a lot of heroes," said coach Anne Donovan, whose team snapped a three-game skid. "A good win for us, obviously."

The Sun's victory was their first in three tries against the Dream this season. After scoring a season-high 34 points in a 78-77 win at Connecticut on June 23, McCoughtry had 22 in a 74-65 home victory July 24.

The All-Star forward, averaging 22.0 points, has scored at least 30 in three of the last four games.

"She is something else," Sun forward Mistie Bass said. "She can score at will. She is the type of player who can orchestrate exactly what a defense is going to do, and she's really smart at what she does."

Containing McCoughtry could prove crucial as the Sun hit the road, where they have dropped six of seven. Hightower, averaging 12.8 points to rank third on the team, is uncertain to be available again due to a knee injury.

The Dream won their first eight home games by an average of 15.1 points before falling 88-82 to New York on Sunday.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Mystics (11-13) at Liberty (10-13)

Date: August 16, 2013 7:30 PM EDT


Cappie Pondexter motivated the New York Liberty with her words before their most recent game. She's also provided a boost with her play on the court.

Pondexter will try for another big game Friday night while leading the Liberty to a sixth straight win over the Washington Mystics and third in 17 days.

With her team still stinging from an 85-67 drubbing to Los Angeles a day earlier, Pondexter gave a speech before Sunday's game in Atlanta. She also had 33 points - one shy of matching a season high - seven assists and six rebounds in an 88-82 victory.

"Cappie before the game was very vocal about how it's time to start winning some games, and for everybody to step up mentally and physically," coach Bill Laimbeer said. "She set the tone, no question about it."

The result helped New York (10-13) stay one-half game behind Washington (11-13) for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

"It was about not wanting to leave and go overseas right now. That's seven months of being away from family and not enjoying home,' Pondexter said. "If it's something to motivate us to play better, make the playoffs and advance, it's great motivation I think."

Pondexter has topped 20 points in each of the past three games and boosted her season average to 19.0, third-best in the league. She had 21 points in a 93-88 win over Washington on Aug. 6, and Alex Montgomery scored a career-high 21 off the bench while helping the Liberty overcome a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

That loss was part of a four-game skid for the Mystics, which began with an 88-78 home loss to New York on July 31, but they've since won two in a row. After snapping Minnesota's 18-game home win streak on Aug. 8, Washington held on for a 74-63 victory over visiting Connecticut on Sunday.

Crystal Langhorne had a team-best 18 points for the Mystics, who nearly blew a 21-point lead, and Ivory Latta contributed 14, including a key 3-pointer with 44.5 seconds left.

"We're just trying to survive in the playoff race," coach Mike Thibault said. "That's the only focus we have right now. That's all we talk to our players about."

Langhorne scored 24 points, made 10 of 14 shots and pulled down 11 rebounds in last week's loss at New York. She's averaging 18.8 points on 60.4 percent shooting in the last four games.

Langhorne was held to eight points in the season's first matchup between the teams on July 31. Kara Braxton had a season-high 22 points for New York and Pondexter added 19 despite missing 14 of 20 shots.

The Liberty have won three straight home games against the Mystics.

 

[CNOTES]

Preview: Shock (7-17) at Lynx (17-5)

Date: August 16, 2013 8:00 PM EDT


After dropping back-to-back games for the first time this season, the WNBA-leading Minnesota Lynx find themselves in an unfamiliar situation.

A matchup with the league-worst Tulsa Shock, though, could prove comforting.

With center Janel McCarville's status still unclear, the Lynx go for a 15th consecutive victory over the visiting Shock on Friday night.

After winning 10 straight and 18 in a row at home, the Lynx (17-5) were stunned 79-75 by Washington at the Target Center last Thursday. Minnesota had its hands full again Sunday at Eastern Conference-leading Chicago, falling 94-86 in overtime.

Seimone Augustus scored a season-high 26 points for the Lynx, who made all 17 of their free throws. The Sky, though, went 31 for 33 from the foul line.

"Obviously the two games that we've lost haven't gone our way," said McCarville, who missed both contests with a concussion. "We're looking to get back in the swing of things, trying to get back (to) our winning ways, and it starts in practice. Luckily we got a couple days before Tulsa to get back and prepare, and focus on the things that need to improve."

McCarville's absence down low has proved costly for Minnesota, which has allowed 38 points in the paint in each of the last two games. The Lynx were also outrebounded 44-24 by the Mystics.

"We understand we lost two in a row. People are angry about it, upset about it, and they're kind of using it to build something new," McCarville added. "We're taking it one game at a time. ... We're just focused on Friday. We know Tulsa's coming in, they got a strong inside presence with (Elizabeth) Cambage and (Glory) Johnson, so that's all we're really focused on."

Even if McCarville can't go, the Lynx still figure to have an edge over the Shock (7-17). Minnesota has taken the first three meetings this season, most recently winning 86-75 at Tulsa on July 13 behind a season-high 25 points from Lindsay Whalen and 22 from Maya Moore.

The Shock enter the weekend hoping to avoid an 0-4 road trip after suffering back-to-back losses to Phoenix. While Tulsa stayed close in a 70-67 defeat last Friday, it was blown out 77-56 two days later.

Johnson, leading the team with 16.0 points per game, was held out after hitting the floor hard in the first of those defeats.

"I just thought we really got tentative," said coach Gary Kloppenburg, whose team shot 27.5 percent. "We really weren't going anywhere. ... We just were not very aggressive, so I think they put us on our heels and I just didn't feel like we responded at all."

Cambage and rookie Skylar Diggins each scored 19 points Sunday, but they were the only Tulsa players to reach double figures.

"You just want to finish with a sense of pride," Diggins said. "You want to go down swinging."

The Shock are 2-11 as the visiting team.