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2025-hall-of-fame-photo-gallery

Photo Gallery: 2025 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

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The 2025 WNBA regular season has officially entered its final week, with the playoff picture still simmering. Only Minnesota has locked in their spot at the top, while the race for the remaining seven remains wide open.
The postseason tips off on September 14, and two teams are heating up at exactly the right time: the Las Vegas Aces have surged to clinch a playoff berth behind an incredible 13-game winning streak, while the Phoenix Mercury are keeping pace, riding momentum into the postseason.
Let’s take a look at the latest <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA odds</a> for the WNBA Finals, give a weekend preview, and I’ll share my best bets for Friday and Saturday&#8217;s games on DraftKings Sportsbook You can also find more WNBA previews, picks, and daily content on <a href="https://dknetwork.com/?source=WNBAArticlebyMeghan">DraftKings Network.</a>
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<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=team-futures&amp;subcategory=champion">2025 WNBA Finals Odds</a>
The Favorite: MIN Lynx (+120)
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There hasn’t been much shake-up in the WNBA Finals market. Minnesota holds steady as the favorite at +120, leading the league at 32–9 with a comfortable cushion in the standings. Backed by the league’s top offensive and defensive ratings, the Lynx secured the No. 1 seed with authority and continue to prove their dominance by winning seven of their last 10 contests.
With Napheesa Collier anchoring their attack, a defense capable of shutting down any opponent, and the depth to wear teams down, Minnesota stands as the undeniable frontrunner to capture the championship.
WNBA Best Bets and Weekend Preview
Los Angeles Sparks at Atlanta Dream — Friday, September 5th, 7:30 PM ET
With the Atlanta Dream already locked into the postseason, all the pressure shifts to the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday. The Sparks have dropped five of their last 10 — including an 86–75 loss to Atlanta in their last matchup — and find themselves scrambling on the playoff bubble. In that game, Dearica Hamby dropped 21 points and nine boards while Kelsey Plum added 18 points and seven assists, but the Sparks couldn’t match the Dream’s depth. Rhyne Howard poured in 19, Brionna Jones notched her 12th double-double, and five Atlanta players finished in double figures.
Atlanta brings the league’s second-best offensive rating into a matchup with Los Angeles’ shaky defense, ranked fourth-worst overall and prone to giving up clean looks from deep. Unless the Sparks find defensive consistency in a hurry, the Dream are poised to make it two straight, and I&#8217;m liking Howard to lead the charge from beyond the arc.
Lean: ATL -6.5
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-threes&amp;subcategory=threes-o-u">PICK: Rhyne Howard Over 3.5 Three-Pointers Made (+135)</a>
New York Liberty at Seattle Storm — Friday, September 5th, 10:00 PM ET
It’s been anything but smooth sailing for the Liberty this season, with injuries derailing the reigning champions and stars missing extended stretches — the latest setback being Sabrina Ionescu’s absence. Without her steady scoring presence, New York has dropped two straight, including a rough 66–58 loss to the Golden State Valkyries. While they&#8217;ve still officially clinched a playoff spot, the Liberty have their work cut out for them as the playoffs near.
Up next is Seattle, a team that’s been wildly inconsistent down the stretch, beating Finals favorite Minnesota 93–79 one night, then coughing up a 17-point lead to fall 91–85 against Los Angeles two games later. If the Storm can close the season with back-to-back wins, they’ll hit the postseason at .500 and with momentum. However, to knock off New York, they’ll need a locked-in defensive effort and big outings from Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike to overcome the Liberty’s still-lethal attack, which ranks third in the league in offensive rating (105.6).
Lean: NY +2
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-points&amp;subcategory=points-o-u">PICK: Nneka Ogwumike Over 17.5 Points (-120)</a>
Phoenix Mercury at Connecticut Sun — Saturday, September 6th, 1:00 PM
The Mercury are scorching right now. Winners of six straight, Phoenix finally has its big three, Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper, and Alyssa Thomas, all healthy and rolling at the same time. Thomas has been nothing short of electric, racking up a league-record seven triple-doubles while stuffing the stat sheet on a nightly basis, and the Mercury’s surge has pushed them into the top three in the standings. Fresh off a 75–69 win over the Mystics, they head into Saturday with a prime chance to keep the streak alive against a fading Connecticut team. 
The Sun are already out of the playoff picture, stuck near the bottom of the standings with the league’s worst offensive rating (96.2) and third-worst defensive rating (108.8). This is exactly the kind of matchup Phoenix should dominate, and with a playoff spot already locked up, I expect the Mercury to treat the rest of the season as chemistry and momentum building reps.
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=game-lines&amp;subcategory=game">PICK: PHO -10.5 (-110)</a>
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All season long, I’ll be tracking the <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA Odds</a> for MVP, Finals Winner and more right here!
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All odds and lines provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (<a href="tel:18004262537">1-800-426-2537</a>) (AZ/CO/DC/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/ME/MI/NC/NJ/NH/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), <a href="tel:8003275050">(800) 327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY / text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
Please Gamble Responsibly. Call <a href="tel:18887897777">1-888-789-7777</a> / visit <a href="http://ccpg.org/">ccpg.org</a> (CT), or visit <a href="http://www.1800gambler.net/">www.1800gambler.net</a> (WV). Void where prohibited.
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weekend-preview-and-wnba-champion-odds-september-5

WNBA Best Bets for September 5: Weekend Preview and WNBA Finals Odds

NEW YORK, Sept. 4, 2025 – Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has been suspended one game after receiving her eighth technical foul of the 2025 season, the WNBA announced today.
Under WNBA rules, a player or coach is automatically suspended without pay for one game upon receiving an eighth technical foul during the regular season. For every two additional technical fouls received during that regular season, the player or coach will be automatically suspended for an additional game.
Reese incurred her eighth technical foul with 0:46 remaining in the second quarter during Wednesday’s game versus the Connecticut Sun. She will serve her suspension on September 5, when the Sky visits the Indiana Fever.
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angel-reese-technical-foul-suspension

Chicago Sky's Angel Reese Suspended After Reaching Technical Foul Limit

The playoff picture is beginning to come into focus. In the past week, the Lynx clinched the best record in the league, while the Aces, Dream and Mercury all punched their tickets to the playoffs.
That means we have four teams in, we have four teams out and four spots left with five teams still in the mix.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Who’s In: Lynx (clinched No. 1 seed), Aces, Dream, Mercury</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Who’s Out: Mystics, Sun, Sky, Wings</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Who’s In The Mix: Liberty, Storm, Valkyries, Fever, Sparks</li>
</ul>
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<h2>Who’s In: Clinched Playoff Berth</h2>
<h3>1. Minnesota Lynx (31-8) ↔️</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202817" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232324175-1.jpg" alt="Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx handles the ball" width="960" height="640" />
Last Week: 1 
This Week: Mon vs. DAL, Thur. at LVA, Sat. at GSV
Minnesota’s win over Connecticut on Saturday not only clinched the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, it also set a Lynx franchise record for wins in a season (31), surpassing the mark they set last year (30) with five games to play. One of those remaining games is a marquee matchup with the red-hot Aces on Thursday. While the game won’t affect Minnesota’s playoff position, it can impact both the scoring title and MVP races between Napheesa Collier (23.41 ppg) and A’ja Wilson (23.36) – who enter the week in a dead heat in scoring average while Minnesota leads the season series 3-0.
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<h3>2. Las Vegas Aces (26-14) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 2
This Week: Thur. vs. MIN, Sun. vs. CHI
Tiebreakers (Top 4 Race): 3-0 vs. ATL, 3-1 vs. PHX, 1-2 vs. NYL
It was another perfect week for the Aces with road wins at Chicago and Atlanta to extend their win streak to a franchise-record-tying 12 games. Wilson continues to dominate both ends of the court – averaging 26.8 points, on 50.4% FG, 45% 3P, 87.9% FT shooting splits, along with 12.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals. Las Vegas will look to set a new mark in Thursday’s showdown with Minnesota.
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<h3>3. Atlanta Dream (25-14) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 3 
This Week: Mon at CON, Wed. vs. LAS, Fri. vs. LAS
Tiebreakers (Top 4 Race): 3-0 vs. PHX, 2-2 vs. NYL, 0-3 vs. LVA
At 12-5, the Dream have been the second best team since the All-Star break. However, three of those five losses have come to the Aces, who have passed the Dream in the standings and own the head-to-head tiebreaker should it be needed at season’s end. Atlanta enters the week tied with Phoenix at 25-14, but holds the No. 3 spot in the standings after sweeping the season series with the Mercury (3-0).
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<h3>4. Phoenix Mercury (25-14)</h3>
Last Week: 4 ↔️
This Week: Tue. vs. IND, Thur. at WAS, Sat. at CON
Tiebreakers Top 4 Race: 3-1 vs. NYL, 1-3 vs. LVA, 0-3 vs. ATL
The Mercury are riding a four-game win streak as they look to secure a top-four finish and home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. Phoenix enters this week tied with Las Vegas and Atlanta in the loss column (14) but does not hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over either team, making a climb to No. 2 or No. 3 more challenging. However, Phoenix does hold a two-loss edge and the tiebreaker over No. 5 New York as the Mercury try to hold off the defending champs.
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<h2>Who’s In The Mix: Race For Playoffs</h2>
<h3>5. New York Liberty (24-16) ↔️</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202818" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232368398.jpg" alt="Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty looks on during the game against the Phoenix Mercury" width="960" height="640" />
Last Week: 5 
This Week: Tue. at GSV, Fri. at SEA
Tiebreakers (Top 4 Race): 2-1 vs. LVA, 2-2 vs. ATL, 1-3 vs. PHX
Tiebreakers (Playoff Race): 3-0 vs. GSV (1 left), 3-1 vs. IND, 2-1 vs. LAS,  0-2 vs. SEA (1 left)
The Liberty enter this week in a unique position – they are the only team that is still in contention for a top-four finish while not having clinched a playoff berth. New York enters this week with a magic number of one, meaning they need one win (first chance is Tuesday at Golden State) or one Sparks loss (first chance is Monday at Seattle) to punch their fifth straight postseason ticket. After getting Natasha Cloud back on Saturday, New York hopes to get back to full health with Sabrina Ionescu (toe) and Nyara Sabally (knee) soon.
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<h3>6. Golden State Valkyries (21-18) ⬆️</h3>
Last Week: 7
This Week: Tue. vs. NYL, Thur. vs. DAL, Sat. vs. MIN
Tiebreakers (Playoff Race): 3-0 vs. IND, 3-1 vs. LAS, 2-1 vs. SEA (1 left), 0-3 vs. NYL (1 left) 
A three-game win streak has helped Golden State’s effort to become the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season, but there is still work to be done. Four of the Valkyries’ final five games come against teams that have either clinched a playoff berth (two games vs. Minnesota) or remain in the playoff mix (New York and Seattle). Can Veronica Burton continue dishing dimes &#8212; she has 13+ assists in three of her last five games &#8212; and help Golden State make history?
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<h3>7. Seattle Storm (22-19) ⬇️</h3>
Last Week: 6
This Week: Mon. vs. LAS, Fri. vs. NYL
Tiebreakers (Playoff Race): 2-0 vs. NYL (1 left), 1-2 vs. GSV (1 left), 1-2 vs. LAS (1 left), 0-3 vs. IND
On Thursday in Minnesota, the Storm overcame a 21-point deficit to rally past the league-leading Lynx for a statement road win after Seattle entered the game 0-10 on the season when trailing by 16+ points. That was one of the Storm’s five wins over their last six games as they look to close the season strong and secure their playoff berth. Tonight’s game against Los Angeles is big as a loss would drop Seattle to 20 losses (even with L.A.) and give the Sparks the head-to-head tiebreaker.
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<h3>8. Indiana Fever (21-19) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 8
This Week: Tue. at PHX, Fri. vs. CHI, Sun. at WAS
Tiebreakers (Playoff Race): 3-0 vs. SEA, 1-3 vs. NYL, 1-3 vs. LAS, 0-3 vs. GSV
After opening the week with wins over Seattle and Los Angeles to climb to sixth place in the standings, the Fever lost Sunday’s game against Golden State to drop back down to eighth. While the Fever hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over Seattle, they do not have tiebreakers against the Liberty, Sparks or Valkyries, which are the three teams closest to Indy in the playoff race. This week, the Fever head to Phoenix to face the playoff-bound Mercury before a pair of games against teams that have already been eliminated.
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<h3>9. Los Angeles Sparks (18-20) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 9
This Week: Mon. at SEA, Wed. at ATL, Fri. at ATL, Sun. vs. DAL
Tiebreakers (Playoff Race): 3-1 vs. IND, 2-1 vs. SEA (1 left), 1-2 vs. NYL, 1-3 vs. GSV
No team has a busier remaining schedule than the Sparks – who have played in a league-low 38 games and have six games over the season’s final 11 days, including four this week – as L.A. looks to snap a four-year playoff drought. Monday night&#8217;s game at Seattle is crucial as a win will prevent L.A. from dropping further from the pack in the loss column, while tying the season series with the Storm. It is the first of four remaining road games for the Sparks, who have been better away (10-8) than at home (8-12) this season.
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<h2>Who’s Out: Eliminated From Playoffs</h2>
<h3>10. Washington Mystics (16-25) ↔️</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202819" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232431372.jpg" alt="Sonia Citron #22 of the Washington Mystics dribbles the ball against the Seattle Storm" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232431372.jpg 4570w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232431372-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Last Week: 10
This Week: Thur. vs. PHX, Sun. vs. IND
Saturday&#8217;s loss at Golden State not only marked Washington&#8217;s largest margin of defeat (-37) since 2008, it also officially eliminated the Mystics from the playoffs. Sunday’s loss in L.A. made it seven straight for the Mystics, who will finish 10th in the standings regardless of the outcome of all remaining games – they can’t catch any team in the top nine and can’t be caught by any of the teams below them.
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<h3>11. Connecticut Sun (10-29) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 11
This Week: Mon. vs. ATL, Wed. at CHI, Sat. vs. PHX
Despite Sunday’s loss to Minnesota, the Sun have played their best ball of the season down the stretch – going 5-3 in their last eight games. During this stretch, veterans Tina Charles (17.3 ppg) and Marina Mabrey (15.1 ppg) have led the way, but they are followed in scoring by a trio of rookies &#8212; Leïla Lacan (11.6 ppg, 5.8 apg, 2.6 spg), Saniya Rivers (10.0 ppg, 44.8% 3P) and Aneesah Morrow (8.6 ppg, 9.3 rpg).
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<h3>12. Chicago Sky (9-30) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 12
This Week: Wed. vs. CON, Fri. at IND, Sun. at LVA
Monday’s game against Las Vegas saw the Sky retire Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey during a halftime ceremony. That game also saw Angel Reese pass Tina Charles (45) for the most double-doubles through a player’s first two seasons in WNBA history. With two more double-doubles last week, Reese is up to 48 and counting. The Sky enter this week looking to snap a four game slide as Chicago has gone just 2-17 in its last 19 games.
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<h3>13, Dallas Wings (9-31) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 13
This Week: Mon. at MIN, Thur. at GSV, Sun. at LAS
The injuries and the losses continue to climb for Dallas, which has eight players listed on its injury report entering Monday’s game in Minnesota. That includes rookie sensation Paige Bueckers (left calf), who is on pace to finish in the top 10 in scoring (18.9 ppg), assists (5.4 apg) and steals (1.6) in her first season as a pro. The Wings have dropped seven straight and are 3-18 over their last 21 games.

2025-power-rankings-week-13

2025 WNBA Power Rankings: Week 13

The 2025 WNBA regular season is in its final stretch, and the competition is HOT. The expansion Golden State Valkyries are chasing history as they fight to clinch a postseason berth in their inaugural year, while Indiana’s Caitlin Clark inches closer to a long-awaited return. Meanwhile, Alyssa Thomas continues to redefine versatility with a record-breaking seventh triple-double, fueling Phoenix’s late push.
With the playoff picture tightening and sportsbooks adjusting daily, this weekend offers bettors compelling angles tied directly to the league’s biggest headlines
Let’s take a look at the latest <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA odds</a> for the WNBA Finals, give a weekend preview, and I’ll share my best bets for Friday and Saturday&#8217;s games on DraftKings Sportsbook You can also find more WNBA previews, picks, and daily content on <a href="https://dknetwork.com/?source=WNBAArticlebyMeghan">DraftKings Network.</a>
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<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=team-futures&amp;subcategory=champion">2025 WNBA Finals Odds</a>
The Favorite: MIN Lynx (+135)
Minnesota remains the Finals favorite at +135, and for good reason. The Lynx sit atop the league at 30-7 with a six-game cushion, having beaten the defending champion Liberty three times this season and held down the best defense and offense in the league.
Napheesa Collier’s return only strengthens their case, dropping 32 points and nine rebounds in her first game back, reasserting her MVP status. With a playoff berth locked and depth pieces like Jessica Shepard and Courtney Williams delivering in big spots, Minnesota’s mix of elite scoring, defense, and veteran leadership makes them the clear team to beat.
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WNBA Best Bets and Weekend Preview
Dallas Wings at Atlanta Dream — Friday, August 29, 7:30 PM ET
The Atlanta Dream enter the weekend looking to rebound after falling to the red-hot Las Vegas Aces, who have ripped off 12 straight wins. Rhyne Howard and Brionna Jones each dropped 19 points in that loss, but Atlanta has now failed to crack 80 points in five straight contests despite still owning the third-best offensive rating in the league (106.4).
The Dallas Wings, meanwhile, are trending in the opposite direction, dropping six in a row and 11 of their last 12, sliding to the bottom of the standings. Scoring hasn’t been their issue, but their second-worst defense — especially in transition — continues to sink them. That’s a suboptimal matchup against an Atlanta team that thrives when they can get out and run.
From a betting perspective, this feels like a spot where the Dream should control the pace and cover. Look for Allisha Gray (18.8 PPG, 38.8% from three) to shine in a revenge game against her former team, making her scoring props an intriguing angle alongside a play on Atlanta against the spread.
Lean: ATL -13
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-points&amp;subcategory=points-o-u">PICK: Allisha Gray Over 16.5 Points (-115)</a>
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Indiana Fever at Los Angeles Sparks — Friday, August 29, 10:00 PM ET
The Indiana Fever are in must-win mode to stay in the playoff picture, but injuries have taken a toll. They’ve gone 10–11 without Caitlin Clark and just 3–6 in their last nine, though Clark’s recent return to non-contact drills hints she could be back soon. The Los Angeles Sparks, meanwhile, sit ninth in the standings but have already swept the season series 3-0, including a 100–91 win on Aug. 5. With Kelsey Plum averaging 20.4 PPG (23.1 over her last six), L.A. has the momentum and matchup edge. From a betting standpoint, even with Indiana’s desperation factor, the Sparks on the moneyline remain the play I&#8217;m eyeing.
Lean: LA ML
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-threes&amp;subcategory=threes-o-u">PICK: Kelsey Plum Under 2.5 Three-Pointers Made (-140)</a>
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Washington Mystics at Golden State Valkyries — Saturday, August 30, 8:30 PM ET
The Golden State Valkyries are closing in on history, sitting seventh in their inaugural WNBA season and looking to become the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in Year 1. They’ll lean heavily on Veronica Burton, who’s already delivered two of the only eight games in league history with 24+ points and 13+ assists, as they try to lock in that postseason spot down the stretch.
The Washington Mystics, meanwhile, are reeling after an 89–63 blowout loss to the Liberty on Thursday, their fifth straight defeat. With a bottom-third offense (10th in rating) and only average defense (7th), they’ll need big nights from rookie standouts like Sonia Citron (15.2 PPG) and Kiki Iriafen to stay alive in the playoff hunt.
From a betting lens, momentum leans heavily toward Golden State. The Valks’ depth and Burton’s elite playmaking make them a strong pick against a struggling Mystics squad.
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/was-mystics-%40-gs-valkyries/32720915">PICK: GS -5.5 (-105)</a>
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All season long, I’ll be tracking the <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA Odds</a> for MVP, Finals Winner and more right here!
All odds and lines provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (<a href="tel:18004262537">1-800-426-2537</a>) (AZ/CO/DC/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/ME/MI/NC/NJ/NH/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), <a href="tel:8003275050">(800) 327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY / text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
Please Gamble Responsibly. Call <a href="tel:18887897777">1-888-789-7777</a> / visit <a href="http://ccpg.org/">ccpg.org</a> (CT), or visit <a href="http://www.1800gambler.net/">www.1800gambler.net</a> (WV). Void where prohibited.
21+ (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/DC/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/KY/LA(select parishes)/MA/MD/ME/MI/NC/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at <a href="http://draftkings.com/sportsbook">draftkings.com/sportsbook</a>. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino &amp; Resort (KS).

wnba-best-bets-august-29

WNBA Best Bets for August 29: Weekend Preview and WNBA Finals Odds

With less than two weeks remaining in the regular season, every game takes on added importance when it comes to reaching the postseason and securing playoff position.
We continue our series of players to watch with another mix of superstars and x-factors that will help determine their team’s fate.
Stats, rankings and standings through games played on Aug. 28, 2025
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<h2>1. Minnesota: Alanna Smith &amp; DiJonai Carrington</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202614" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230504475.jpg" alt="Alanna Smith #8 of the Minnesota Lynx looks on during the game against the New York Liberty" width="960" height="640" />
Despite Thursday’s loss to Seattle, the Lynx remain on track to lock up the No. 1 overall seed in the playoffs. Napheesa Collier’s return from an ankle injury is huge, as is the play of fellow All-Stars Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams (who we highlighted last week). Two more key players on this deep squad are starting center Alanna Smith and newcomer DiJonai Carrington off the bench. Both were All-Defensive Team selections last season (Smith alongside Collier in Minny, while Carrington was in Connecticut) and have helped the Lynx to a league’s best 97.7 defensive rating. Smith joins Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson as the only players averaging 2+ blocks and 1+ steals this season.
<h2>2. Las Vegas: A’ja Wilson</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202612" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2232442140.jpg" alt="A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces reacts after their 81-75 win over the Atlanta Dream" width="960" height="647" />
The reigning MVP is making a run for her fourth such honor with a post All-Star tear that has coincided with Vegas’ 12-game win streak to race up the standings. Wilson and the Aces are off until next Thursday when they host the Lynx in a clash of the top two teams in the standings and the top two scorers in the league. Wilson is averaging 26.8 points with six 30+ point games during Las Vegas’ win streak, boosting her season average to 23.4 ppg, just 0.2 ppg  behind Collier in the race for the scoring title. Wilson also ranks second in rebounding (10.1), first in blocks (2.2) and eighth in steals (1.6). 
<h2>3. Atlanta: Allisha Gray</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202615" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230332656.jpg" alt="Allisha Gray #15 of the Atlanta Dream shoots a free throw during the game against the Las Vegas Aces" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230332656.jpg 5763w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230332656-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230332656-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
No player in the WNBA has played more total minutes this season than Gray’s 1,337. The ironwoman has appeared in all 38 of Atlanta’s games (after playing all 40 last season). Only two players have splashed more 3-pointers than Gray’s 92 as the 3-time All-Star is averaging a career-best 2.4 triples per game on 38.8% shooting – her highest mark in three seasons with the Dream and second-highest in her nine-year career. She’s on pace to set career-best marks in points (18.7), rebounds (5.4) and assists (3.6) and has Atlanta in contention for a top-four playoff berth.
<h2></h2>
<h2>4. Phoenix: Kahleah Copper &amp; Satou Sabally</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202616" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2220323852.jpg" alt="Satou Sabally #0 of the Phoenix Mercury goes around a screen by Kahleah Copper #2" width="960" height="678" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2220323852.jpg 4013w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2220323852-300x212.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2220323852-1024x723.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2220323852-1536x1085.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Copper played only five games in June after missing the first month of the season with a knee injury. She played only five games in July due to a rib injury. In August, she has played 12 games, averaging 16.7 ppg, including Thursday’s 28-point performance against Chicago. As for Sabally, who is averaging a team-high 16.7 ppg – keep an eye on her points column. When she scores over 15 points, the Mercury are 11-4 this season, compared to 9-9 when she scores 15 or less.
<h2>5. New York: Breanna Stewart</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202617" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231845933.jpg" alt="Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty handles the ball during the game against the Washington Mystics" width="960" height="640" />
After missing a month with a bone bruise in her right knee that cost her 13 games, Stewart returned to the court this past week. With a minutes restriction keeping her under 25 minutes in her first two games back, Stewart still averaged 15.5 points and seven rebounds in a pair of New York wins. How will her knee respond to an increase in minutes and an increase in pressure once the Liberty begin their title defense in the postseason? With key members of the roster out – Sabrina Ionescu (toe), Jonquel Jones (illness), Natasha Cloud (nose) and Nyara Sabally – can Stewart and the rest of the Liberty maintain their playoff position over these closing weeks?
<h2>6. Indiana: Aliyah Boston &amp; Odyssey Sims</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202618" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230296917.jpg" alt="Aliyah Boston #7 and Odyssey Sims #1 of the Indiana Fever celebrate a basket" width="960" height="663" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230296917.jpg 8100w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230296917-1024x707.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
In Tuesday’s win, the Fever got 20+ point games from Boston, Sims and Kelsey Mitchell (who we discussed last week) as Indy avoided a three-game skid. Boston has been a constant for the Fever – a top 20 scorer, a top 10 rebounder and shot blocker – while racking up the 4th most double-doubles in the league (15). Sims, on the other hand, has had to strike fast. Working on her third 7-day contract with a Fever team ravaged by guard injuries, Sims has averaged 9.8 points, 4.2 assists and 38.5% 3-point shooting over six games, with a top-20 assist/turnover ratio (2.48), giving the Fever a veteran presence in the backcourt.
<h2>7. Seattle: Gabby Williams</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202613" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231165234.jpg" alt="Gabby Williams #5 of the Seattle Storm poses for a photo during the game against the Washington Mystics" width="960" height="640" />
In Thursday’s comeback win over the Lynx, Williams put up 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks, one steal and four 3-pointers in 30 minutes. It was the type of stuff-the-box-score performance that earned Williams the nickname “French Army Knife” from her head coach Noelle Quinn. The All-Star’s versatility can be seen in her season averages – 12.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.3 apg and 2.3 spg – marks that have only been hit by two other players in WNBA history: Tamika Catchings in 2007 and Angel McCoughtry in 2013. And neither of them averaged Williams’ 1.2 3-pointers per game.
<h2>8. Golden State: Tiffany Hayes &amp; Iliana Rupert</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202619" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230839283.jpg" alt="Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries looks on against the Atlanta Dream" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230839283.jpg 6000w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230839283-1024x682.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Already wearing a mask to protect a broken nose, Hayes went down with a knee injury during a collision with Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper last week. She’s listed as day-to-day with seven games to play. Her return will be critical as Golden State finds itself in a four-team battle for the final three spots in the playoff picture. With the Valkyries potentially making history as the first WNBA expansion franchise to reach the playoffs, getting Hayes back on court, and continued production and shooting from Rupert will be key. Rupert – a 6-foot-4 center from France, is the WNBA leader in 3-point percentage (31-of-67, 46.3%), giving Golden State a proven stretch five.
<h2>9. Los Angeles: Dearica Hamby &amp; Azurá Stevens</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202620" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2215292233.jpg" alt="Azura Stevens #23, Head Coach Lynne Roberts , and Dearica Hamby #5 of the Los Angeles Sparks " width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2215292233.jpg 4946w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2215292233-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
When looking at this year’s season leaders across seven key categories – averages in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, as well as field goal percentage and 3-point percentage – only seven players appear in the top 10 in at least three categories:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">5 Categories: Napheesa Collier</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">4 Categories: A&#8217;ja Wilson, Alyssa Thomas, Dearica Hamby</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">3 Categories: Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Azurá Stevens</li>
</ul>
Two of those seven players – and the only teammates on this list – are Hamby (18,1 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 57.5 FG%) and Stevens (7.8 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 41.0 3P%) – who have both used their diverse talents to keep the Sparks in the hunt for a playoff berth.
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<h2>10. Washington: Shakira Austin</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202621" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231845741.jpg" alt="Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics looks on during the game against the New York Liberty" width="960" height="639" />
On Sunday, Austin put up a career-best 30 points (10-15 FG, 10-10 FT) with five boards and four blocks, but her effort was thwarted by Nneka Ogwumike&#8217;s game-winning buzzer-beater for Seattle. In her fourth season after being selected 3rd overall in 2022, Austin&#8217;s scoring has risen each year, up to this season&#8217;s 12.9 ppg to go with 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks. Can Austin help Washington snap its five-game losing streak and avoid playoff elimination this weekend when the Mystics visit Golden State and Los Angeles?
<h2>11. Connecticut: Tina Charles &amp; Marina Mabrey</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202622" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231542513.jpg" alt="Tina Charles #31 and Marina Mabrey #3 of the Connecticut Sun play against the Washington Mystics" width="960" height="640" />
Last week, we highlighted a pair of promising rookies for the Sun. This week, it’s time to show some love to the vets. Tina Charles enters the weekend needing 19 field goals to pass Diana Taurasi (3,341) for the most in WNBA history. Averaging 5.9 buckets per game, Charles is on pace to break the record in four games. Meanwhile, Mabrey has been key to Connecticut’s late season resurgence. The Sun are 7-9 since she returned from injury on July 24 after going 3-19 prior.
<h2>12. Chicago: Kamilla Cardoso</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202623" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231393934.jpg" alt="Kamilla Cardoso #10 of the Chicago Sky looks on against the New York Liberty" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231393934.jpg 4794w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231393934-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231393934-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
After discussing Angel Reese last week, it’s time to add Cardoso to the watch list. I’m particularly intrigued by watching more of Cardoso and Reese sharing the court and playing off one another. So far this season, Cardoso has assisted Reese 18 times, while Reese has returned the favor 23 times. While Chicago has been eliminated from the playoffs, the development of this front line tandem is key to the Sky’s future success.
<h2>13. Dallas: Maddy Siegrist</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202624" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2232075735.jpg" alt="Maddy Siegrist #20 of the Dallas Wings shoots the ball against the Golden State Valkyries " width="960" height="623" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2232075735.jpg 7297w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2232075735-768x498.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
With eight players listed on the injury report ahead of Friday&#8217;s game in Atlanta, Siegrist will have the opportunity to build on her already career-best numbers &#8212; 12.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.6 steals, 0.6 blocks &#8212; when the Wings face the Dream. Siegrist, the third overall pick in the 2023 Draft, is averaging 15.3 points on 56.2% shooting over 10 games in August. Can she close out the month strong as the season winds down?

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