So, the Indiana Fever (7-11) and Seattle Storm (10-6) are set to clash on Thursday at Climate Pledge Arena. The tip-off is at 10 p.m. ET and you can catch it on Prime Video. Now, let’s break down FanDuel Sportsbook’s odds and see if we can make some smart WNBA picks and predictions.
Quick Season Recap: Storm on Top
The season series currently has the Storm leading 2-0. The Fever started the season with a rough 1-8 straight-up (SU) record but have managed to turn things around recently, winning 4 of their last 5 games and covering the spread in all of those matches.
A Closer Look at Previous Matchups
Indiana already faced Seattle this season and lost 85-83 on May 22. However, they managed to cover as 5.5-point underdogs, and the Over (167) hit in that game. In another matchup on May 30 in Indianapolis, Seattle came out on top with a 103-88 victory, covering as 5.5-point favorites, and the Over (167.5) hit again.
Key Player Performances
- Seattle’s Jewell Loyd: Dropped 22 points, 6 assists, and hit 2 triples in the May 30 game in Indianapolis.
- Indiana’s Rookie Caitlin Clark: Put up an impressive 20 points, 9 assists, and nailed 3 treys.
- NaLyssa Smith (Fever): Scored 23 points and grabbed 10 boards.
- Aliyah Boston (Fever): Achieved a double-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists.
Recent Form and Betting Trends
The Storm have had a bit of a rough patch, losing 2 of their last 3 games and going 1-2 against the spread (ATS). However, they have been strong at home, winning 5 in a row and covering the spread in 4 of those games. Their last non-cover at Climate Pledge Arena was against the Fever on May 22.
Betting Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook
- Moneyline (ML): Fever +350 (bet $100 to win $350) | Storm -480 (bet $480 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Fever +9.5 (-110) | Storm -9.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 167.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Expert Picks and Predictions
Prediction:
Storm 89, Fever 84
Moneyline
Seattle (-480) is just too risky for the return, costing nearly 5 times the potential payout. Indiana (+350), on the other hand, is playing with much more confidence than they did in the earlier matchups this season and almost pulled off an upset in their first visit to Climate Pledge Arena.
Verdict: PASS
Against the Spread
Back INDIANA +9.5 (-110) as a solid underdog play in Seattle.
The Fever are coming into this game with a season-high 5 consecutive covers, winning 4 of those games outright. Although Seattle did rout Indiana by 15 points in their last meeting on May 30 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Fever have shown significant improvement since then. Players like Clark, Boston, Smith, and Kelsey Mitchell are starting to jell nicely as a team.
Over/Under
OVER 167.5 (-110) is the best play on the board.
Indiana has been all about the Over lately, cashing in 8 straight games and 11 of the last 12 outings, including their most recent meeting with Seattle on May 30. The Storm scored 103 points on the Fever in their last battle, and the Over has hit in both of their previous matchups this season. Seattle’s 103-point performance was a season-high, and the Over has a slight 3-2 edge in the Storm's past 5 games.
Final Thoughts
- Recent Performances: Both teams have had their ups and downs, but Indiana seems to be on an upward trend while Seattle holds a strong home record.
- Key Players to Watch: Keep an eye on Jewell Loyd from Seattle and the dynamic trio of Clark, Smith, and Boston from Indiana. Their performances could be crucial.
- Betting Strategy: Given Indiana’s recent form and the tendency for high-scoring games between these teams, betting on Indiana to cover the spread and taking the Over could be wise moves.
This matchup promises to be an exciting one, with the Fever looking to continue their recent good form and the Storm aiming to maintain their dominance at home. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or just a fan of the game, this is one to watch.
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