Clark And Fever Will Feast On Miserable Mystics

Fever vs. Mystics, 7:30 ET

I've only written one article about the WNBA on Outkick this year, but the play was an easy winner. I've been giving out a lot of WNBA plays this season on Twitter and have done very well. So, I will try to work a few more into the rotation. If you don't like it, don't bet it. What I will mention though is that most people that comment on the WNBA don't watch it. I watch it, I was a season ticket holder for the Sky, and actually enjoy the games. That doesn't mean I'm some sort of expert, but my point is that I actually invest in this, not just talk about it because of Caitlin Clark. As always, remember if you bet $135 on the Super Bowl favorite at -135, you'd win $100. Same as if you take the Fever on the moneyline tonight and they win. 

If you are even vaguely familiar with the WNBA this season, it is likely because everyone and their mother has an opinion about Clark. Like everyone else, I have one too. Here is my opinion: She is really talented, but the struggles were a bit expected. I figured her defense would be an area where she could be exploited and it has been. I assumed her passing would be better than most, and it has been. We all know she can shoot, but you also need to remember, no one wants to be the team that Clark scores 40 against. One other bonus for you in terms of my opinions, the WNBA is stupid for how they are handling her, from the players to the league, everyone is stupid. Clark is their opportunity to be relevant. The better she does, the better the revenue, the better opportunities, and more exposure the league gets. If they protect her from dumb fouls, and even tell refs to let her get space (think about how NBA players complained about touching Jordan in the ‘90s) the highlights will be there, and more money will follow. I understand pride is getting in the way. There have been a ton of very talented women in the league before she stepped foot on the court, but sometimes you need the perfect storm and that’s what Clark can bring. But, to bring it back to this game, the Fever suck. In fact, the only worse team in the WNBA is the team they play tonight. The Fever are just 2-9 for the season and don't do much of anything well. Their offense looks disconnected, the defense allows too many easy baskets, and the team doesn't even really seem to be connecting well. I will mention their defense against the Chicago Sky was much improved, but the offense still looks lost. 

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 01: Aliyah Boston #7 and Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever celebrate after defeating the Chicago Sky in the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 01, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

The good news for the Fever is that tonight they play a Mystics team that has virtually nothing good going for them either. This hasn't been an easy start to the season for them. They don't have former MVP Elena Delle Donne on the team, and Natasha Cloud is on the Mercury now so they really don't have much in terms of talent. Ariel Atkins is a good player but she is closer to a second or third option than she is as a true leader of the team. Not only is the roster in a bad spot, the team has played six road games already, and had to face the Liberty and Sun twice through 10 games. Their only really clear opportunity they had was against the Sparks and maybe the Sky last night. They probably would've had a chance to win tonight if they didn't play yesterday, but this is the first of a back-to-back, and the third game in four nights for the Mystics. That's a lot to ask out of a team. 

I gave this out to my NBA clients last night, but I think we are still okay here to take the Fever on the moneyline at -135. I have the ticket already at +105 as they were underdogs last night and have shifted to the favorite. The Mystics took a lot out of themselves yesterday trying to get back into a game they had a comfortable lead in. They were up nine at halftime then down six after three quarters, so not ideal. I really doubt they were looking ahead, and I expect them to be gassed by the end of this game. Back the Fever at -135 or take -2.5 on the spread, your call. I'd back the moneyline though.

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024