Layup Lines: Mebounds on ABC

Happy Saturday morning and welcome back to Layup Lines, your quick recap of what’s going on in the WNBA. It’s a good day to have a good day.

This 439 word newsletter should take less than 2 minutes to read.

About last night

• Shakira Austin (career-high 28 points) almost led the Mystics to an upset of the Dream, while the Wings did everything they could to give the game to the Sun (4-16 on 3-pointers and 18 turnovers) — but both favorites held on in the fourth quarter to win.

• Even with the return of A’ja Wilson, the Aces continued to look undisciplined and sloppy in the loss to the Storm, their third defeat in a row.

• We went 2-1 with our bets and just missed Dallas -4.

Today’s games

• We’re 38-33 this season with a $120 profit off an initial $1,000 budget.

• There are two games today — Phoenix @ Chicago (1pm ET, ABC/ESPN) and Los Angeles @ Minnesota (8pm, NBA TV).

  • Angel Reese and her Mebounds have been fantastic over the Sky’s last two games, but this team still looks completely lost offensively without Courtney Vandersloot facilitating.

    • Bet: Phoenix -11, $50 to win $44.

    • Bet: Under 160.5 total points scored, $50 to win $45.

  • Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was asked yesterday about Napheesa Collier’s back injury and said, “For many years now she’s had a bulging disk. It’s not any worse, it’s not any better.” The superstar is officially questionable tonight with a back injury but even if Collier plays, I’d be surprised if it’s a full workload against the Sparks — keep in mind that the Lynx have four games from now until the Commissioner’s Cup Final on July 1.

    • Bet: Napheesa Collier under 21.5 points scored, $50 to win $50.

Good reads from around the league

• How foul discipline and defense contribute to WNBA success (Winsidr)

• 5 players who aren't getting enough love in All-Star voting (Sports Illustrated)

• WNBA files trademarks for the name “Portland Fire” (The Athletic)

Card of the day

Feels like I’ve posted a rookie card of an injured superstar once a week this season and I would like to stop doing that. Here’s hoping for a healthier rest of the year!

Layup Lines is written 100% by human beings and we appreciate your support. If you’re still reading, you must like this newsletter enough to share it with a friend. We’ll see you back here tomorrow for a 5-game Sunday slate.

— Everett Cook, Founder & Editor