The Sacramento Monarchs were in the WNBA playoffs for seven years straight, while the New York Liberty were in the Eastern Conference finals last season, but they would seem to be first teams out of this year’s race following losses on Friday.
Minnesota Lynx 100, Sacramento Monarchs 95
The Monarchs have been in the Western Conference basement since the first week of the season, and hinted at getting back into the race by winning four of five while limiting opponents to 70 points per game.
But the Monarch defense regressed to early season form, and after giving up 103 points to Atlanta and then 100 to Minnesota, Sacramento has dropped to 9-20 and are probably done.
The Lynx hit a team record 16 three-pointers in 28 tries. Kelly Miller was 4-for-4 on treys, and led the Lynx with 18 points.
Minnesota led by as much as 19 points with 2:36 left in the third, but Sacramento whittled the lead to 96-93 with 31.8 seconds left. Minnesota -2.5 no longer felt like a lock, but the Lynx hit four free throws to close.
The Lynx are four games under .500 at 12-16, but that is so far good enough for the #4 playoff spot in the West. It was just their second win ATS in August. Averaging 82 points per game, the Lynx are 7-0 SU, 6-1 ATS when they hit 95.
The Monarchs, traditionally a grinding defensive team, are 6-4 O/U when they cover the spread, and 10-7 O/U when they do not.
Chicago Sky 96, New York Liberty 77
The Sky, a 3-point favorite, led 62-57 with 2:39 left in the third quarter, and then went on a 26-7 run. The Liberty made eight turnovers during that stretch, leading to 11 Sky points.
The WNBA East is such a close race that Chicago moved from 6th place in the standings to 4th with the win. The Liberty are still just 2.5 behind the last playoff spot, but are trailing three teams.
New York had covered or pushed in five straight road games until Friday. Including Friday’s over, the Liberty are 2-4 O/U in road games since Anne Donovan took over as coach.
Chicago maintains the worst ATS record in the East. Their 10-4 home record SU belies inconsistency at the sportsbook — the Sky are 4-4 ATS in their last eight home games, 3-3 O/U in their last six at home.
