Time for a free WNBA pick! For the rest of the WNBA season, I’ll be posting free plays a few times a week so stay tuned for more. You can also check me out on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok @kateconstable.
Sun – 8.5, 1 unit*
Throughout the first half of the season, the Indiana Fever have been the worst team in the league (5-19) and four days off for the All-Star break isn’t going to change that. The Fever lost six straight heading into the break by an average of 17.6 points. Connecticut Sun players Brionna Jones, Jonquel Jones and Alyssa Thomas didn’t get quite as long of a break being they played in the ASG, but that won’t stop a Sun team that’s hungry to make a push for the top spot in the Eastern Conference with just a month left in the season.
Everything that the Sun does well, the Fever does poorly. For starters, Connecticut is both the best offensive rebounding team and the best overall rebounding team in the league. They also lead the league in second-chance points. The Sun outrebounded the Fever 41-29 the last time these two teams met, and I see that being the case again in this game. With Jonquel Jones 6’6” and Brionna Jones 6’3” the Fever are going to have a tough time keeping those two off the glass.
The Sun also leads the league in points off turnovers while the Fever rank dead last in opponent’s points off turnovers. Connecticut is active on the defensive end, forcing an average of 16.2 turnovers per game. Their perimeter defense will be especially important because Indiana guard Kelsey Mitchell is the engine that makes her team go. If the Sun can shut her down, or at least make life difficult for her, this should be an easy first win post ASG.
Despite struggling a bit heading into the All-Star break, I think we’ll see a Connecticut team that comes out ready to get back to their winning ways, setting the tone for the second half of the season. The Sun has balanced scoring and plays strong team basketball, something that the Fever needs to do more of. Lay the points with the Sun.
*All plays listed are to win that amount.
