Connecticut Sun vs Chicago Sky Prediction, Picks, Odds, News, Injury Report 8/23/24

With a chasm between these teams in the WNBA standings, it’s no surprise the spread is tilted heavily in the favour of the home team. That gives us a lot to consider when it comes to our Sun vs Sky prediction for Friday night.

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese might have had the most social media attention this season, but her team are languishing in the standings, while the Connecticut Sun are almost keeping pace with the high-flying New York Liberty. Connecticut is again poised for a deep postseason run.

With the WNBA campaign back up and running after the Olympics, our Expert Insights are stacked with basketball betting tips. Expert Sam Cox will have his best bets throughout the regular season.

Sun vs Sky Prediction and Picks: Backing The Favourites

• Selection: Connecticut Sun -10.5
• Best Odds: 1.91
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stakes: 3/10

 Updated on August 23rd 2024. 

The Sky have two double-digit losses since the Olympics. Their dependence on Angel Reese’s offensive rebounding leaves them very vulnerable to this Sun team, which does an excellent job at protecting the defensive glass.

Yes, Connecticut did not cover this spread in either of their two previous games against the Sky, but they did run out winners on both occasions. We feel the gap between the teams has only grown since then, with the Sun boasting elite numbers at both ends of the floor.

Chicago, in contrast, have not impressed at either end. Their offence could well be stifled by this Sun defence, with Connecticut doing enough on offence to secure a double-digit win.

Sun vs Sky Game Info

• Stadium: Mohegan Sun Arena
• Location: Uncasville, Connecticut
• Start time: 00:30 UK time

Connecticut Sun News, Injury Report, Schedule: First Night Of Back-To-Back

Sitting second in the WNBA standings, the Sun’s main aim for the remainder of the regular season is holding off the Minnesota Lynx. Per Basketball Reference, Connecticut holds the second-best net rating in the league, with the third-ranked offence and second-ranked defence.

This game falls on the first night of a back-to-back. The Sun face the New York Liberty on Saturday. While they will inevitably have an eye on that game, clocking a regulation win over the Sky should be the priority. It will be interesting to see how Stephanie White manages her starters’ minutes in this game, however, given that they are heavy favourites.

Chicago Sky News, Injury Report, Schedule: Biggest Strength Nullified By Sun

Elizabeth Williams is out for the rest of the season. Other than that, the Chicago Sky have a clean bill of health coming off two losses in three games since the season resumed. Chicago has struggled mightily on the defensive end over those three games, and their offence has been a weakness all year.

The Sky are dead-last in three-point attempts. They are second-last in three-point percentage and assists. Offensive rebounding is a huge part of their offensive game, powered by Angel Reese dominating the offensive glass. It’s going to be difficult to exploit that against a Sun team which ranks third in defensive rebounding rate.

Sun vs Sky H2H: Last Few Years All Sun

The Connecticut Sun have a 35-32 advantage over the Chicago Sky in the all-time series. The teams have split their 10 playoff matchups five wins apiece. Connecticut has won both of the games against Chicago so far this season, though the most recent of those was on 12th June.

Between 2019 and 2022, the Sky did not lose a regular-season series to the Sun. It has been all Connecticut since then, however, with five wins in the last six. The Sun crucially got the better of the Sky in the semifinals of the 2022 playoffs, too.

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