We’ve got Thursday night WNBA action. The New York Liberty play visitor in Chicago to take on the Sky. Let’s talk hoops.
*Disclaimer: This is my second year watching the W and first year handicapping it. So, tail with caution!
Be sure to check out odds for this matchup, along with additional WNBA action at the best online sporsbooks available in the U.S.
WNBA Game Information
- Wintrust Arena – Chicago, IL
- (1-0) New York Liberty visit (0-1) Chicago Sky
- Previous Matchup: NYL 81-67, July 13, 2024
Sabrina Ionescu is just one of the many guards bringing attention to the WNBA.
New York Liberty @ Chicago Sky
Coming into this one, the Liberty are double digit favorites and rightfully so. The Liberty were victorious in their first matchup of the year. They beat the Las Vegas Aces 92-78.
Furthermore, last year’s WNBA Finals showcased the Liberty and the Lynx. The first-seeded Liberty advanced to their second consecutive finals. New York then defeated second-seeded Minnesota in five games. Sabrina Ionescu and the Liberty won their first WNBA Championship in franchise history.
BREAKING: The New York Liberty have raised capital from a group of investors in a deal that values the franchise at $450 million, sources tell The Athletic.
It’s the largest valuation ever for a pro women’s sports team.
More from @benpickman: https://t.co/lmHFo2JPVd pic.twitter.com/AeS2Dr8UBP
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 22, 2025
Conversely, The Chicago Sky had a rough time last year. Then, they opened up the season against Caitlin Clark and things did not get easier for this squad. Clark and company dismantled the Sky 93-58. This team is young with promise, but they’ll have to start winning soon or the public opinion on Angel Reese will never change. She’ll quickly go from the next Dennis Rodman to the next Andre Drummond.
Angel Reese opened her season with her fifth consecutive double-double, and she’s now closing in on another milestone.
She needs just 26 points and 37 rebounds to become the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 500 points and 500 rebounds.
At her current pace, Reese is also… pic.twitter.com/KDxAOPaT4Y
— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) May 22, 2025
Angel Reese had 17 rebounds to open the season.
WNBA Game Analysis – Sky vs. Liberty
It’s difficult to handicap this game when it’s a double digit spread and the data sets are from last season. However, New York is the heavy favorite because they have the superior talent and experience. This game could be a rebounding battle as Angel Reese is the W’s premier glass cleaner and last year’s Liberty were tied for the best mark on the year. Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese are premier prospects, but Chicago likely lacks the guard play to make any noise in this spot.
Last game, Chicago’s starting guard pair went 0-9, and the team was 6-27 from deep overall. Unfortunately, 22.2% shooting from three makes it hard to compete in modern basketball. Additionally, New York has several defensive playmakers, creating 14 steals and blocks to just six from the Aces in the opening game.
Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark deserve all the headlines, but sometimes as an outsider it feels like Sabrina Ionescu doesn’t get much love. Against the Aces she was a Swiss Army Knife, but struggled to shoot the basketball in the win. Bounce back spot against a poor squad?
Our resident WNBA sharp known as “wNZba” really believes Ionescu threes is in a ladder spot. Conclusively, this is the road team’s game to lose.
Also, be sure to check out his scribbles on the Fever vs. Dream!
Key Outlier.Bet Insights
- Sabrina Ionescu has exceeded 27.5 pts + reb + ast in 14 of her last 15 games vs. bottom 5 defenses for points allowed. Chicago had a bad defense last year and is yet to show any improvement. Ionescu averages 32.1 pts + reb + ast against bottom 5 defenses.
- Ariel Atkins has exceeded 1.5 three pointers in seven straight games at home (3.4 three pointers/game average). She was 2/2 in the opener. Chicago needs her scoring.
WNBA Best Bet: Courtney Vandersloot Under 5.5 Assists (+110)
I might be getting too cute here wagering against one of the most prolific passers in the history of the WNBA. However, she’s aging and spent the last two years with the Liberty before returning to the Sky. The Liberty have great defensive playmakers and Vandersloot has two young bigs she’s still learning to play with. Be cautious though. She had five assists in the first game of the season.
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