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The Los Angeles Sparks (4-11) and New York Liberty (12-3) meet Thursday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Sparks vs. Liberty odds, and make our expert WNBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; Liberty swept series last season 3-0
The Sparks have gotten off to a poor start, and Los Angeles has dropped the past 4 games, while splitting 2-2 against the spread (ATS). The news got worse for LA, too, as rookie F Cameron Brink was lost for the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee Tuesday during a loss to the Connecticut Sun.
The Liberty suffered a 99-93 loss in Phoenix Tuesday, losing outright as 5-point favorites with the Over (171.5) cashing. The setback halted an 8-game win streak and came on the heels of a 5-1 ATS run. The Over has cashed in 3 of the past 4 games for New York.
Sparks at Liberty odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Sparks +900 (bet $100 to win $900) | Liberty -1600 (bet $1,600 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Sparks +14.5 (-110) | Liberty -14.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 163.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Sparks at Liberty picks and predictions
Prediction
Liberty 92, Sparks 73
Moneyline
New York (-1600) will set you back 16 times your potential return, and there is never a reason to back such a huge favorite either on a standalone bet or as part of a multi-leg parlay. Including the Liberty in a parlay would suck all of the value out of the ticket.
While Los Angeles (+900) is tempting at this high price, it’s certain to be a little sluggish with its 1st-round pick and blocked shots leader Brink done for the season.
PASS and concentrate on the spread instead.
Against the spread
NEW YORK -14.5 (-110) is a big number, so be careful. However, the Liberty have a tremendous lineup from top to bottom, and there is a giant crater in the middle of the Los Angeles frontcourt with Brink no longer there swatting shots.
The Sparks are 4-1 ATS this season as double-digit underdogs, but this is their 1st game without their top rookie.
The Liberty will be happy to be back home, although there is risk. New York is just 1-6 ATS at Barclays Center this season.
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Over/Under
OVER 163.5 (-115) is the lean, but go with a half-unit play at most.
The total has gone Over in 3 of the past 4 games for the Liberty, while hitting in each of the past 3 home outings.
For the Sparks, again, without Brink clogging up the lane, the Liberty should be able to operate in the paint with impunity.
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