It didn’t take long on the WNBA schedule for Courtney Vandersloot to return to Chicago. One of the league’s best point guards returns to play the Chicago Sky, who she spent her first 12 seasons with, with her new team, the New York Liberty, as one of several WNBA games today. Meanwhile, the Sky (3-2) are off to an impressive start due to their defense, which faces its biggest test yet.
Here is a breakdown of each team, WNBA odds, and Liberty vs. Sky picks.
New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky Odds
The Liberty are heavy favorites at -550 on the moneyline and -10 (-110) against the spread, while the Sky are +425 on the moneyline and +10 (-110) against the spread. The over/under is 161 points with -110 odds on either side of the spread.
The Liberty’s implied team total is 85.5 points, while the Sky’s implied team total is 75.5 points, with -115 odds on either side of those spreads.
New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky Information
New York Liberty vs Chicago Sky
Location of the game: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL
Date & Time: Friday, June 2, 2023, 6:00 p.m. ET
How to watch: ION | WNBA League Pass
New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky Analysis
New York Liberty Performance Recap and Analysis
The Liberty have won three straight since a disappointing loss to the Washington Mystics in the season opener. One of two super WNBA teams, the Liberty are expected to be playing for a championship as Vandersloot, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart all signed in free agency.
The Liberty have the second-best defense in the league. They are allowing 74.0 points per game and holding teams to 38.7% on field goal attempts and 29.8% on 3-point shots, which ranked third.
Offensively, they are scoring 80.3 points per game, which is fifth, and converting 44.6% from the field (second) and 36.8% on 3-point shots (fourth). They have so many weapons that it is difficult to defend everybody.
Key Injuries
The Liberty listed Marine Johannes out indefinitely due to personal reasons.
Betting Trends to Know
The Liberty are 2-2 against the spread and on over/unders this season. They have covered three of the last six meetings, going 3-2-1 against the spread in that span with the over/under 3-3.
Chicago Sky Performance Recap and Analysis
The Sky are 11th in scoring 76.0 points per game, sixth in making 40.8% of field goal attempts, and fifth in making 33.3% of 3-point shots. They limit possessions at times but have been efficient.
It will be curious to see how James Wade’s defense is drawn up. The Sky are fourth at holding teams to 75.4 points per game, third at holding opponents to 38.9% on field goal attempts, and fourth at 32.3% on 3-point shots. That will be the key to Liberty vs. Sky picks.
Key Injuries
The Sky remains without forwards Ruthy Hebard (personal) and Isabelle Harrison (knee) indefinitely. Forwards Li Yueru (lower body, season) and Morgan Bertsch (ankle, mid-June) are also out. The most recent addition to the injury report is Rebekah Garnder (foot), who is out indefinitely.
Betting Trends to Know
The Sky are 4-1 against the spread and 1-4 on over/under this season. The over is 9-1 in the last 11 meetings in Chicago and 13-6 in the last 19 meetings overall. The Sky are 6-2 in the last eight meetings.
New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky Betting Picks
Here are our Liberty vs. Sky picks:
- Moneyline: Liberty -550; The Liberty are contending for a title and the Sky are in a slight rebuild.
- Over/Under: Over 161; A rarity for two quality defensive teams, but the Liberty offense will push this over.
- Spread: Liberty -10; New York has faced some massive spreads and covered.
New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky Score Prediction
Those making WNBA picks favor the Sky with 72% of bets and the under with 52% of bets.
- WNBA Pick: Liberty 89, Sky 74
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