New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky, Game 1: TV channel, live stream, prediction, odds

The New York Liberty and Chicago Sky will be looking for the upper hand as they kick off the WNBA Playoffs with their Game 1. Here’s how to watch.

The Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty will get the WNBA Playoffs started tonight with Game 1. The Sky will be looking to begin their title defense with a statement game in front of their home crowd.

The Liberty will be heavy underdogs, both in Game 1 and in the series. They took just a single game from the Sky during four regular-season matchups and were outscored by an average of 12.8 points per 100 possessions across the four games. However, the WNBA has changed their playoff format, doing away with single-game eliminations in the first round giving them a few more bites at the upset apple.

Tipoff from the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL will be at 8:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, August 17.

Here is what you need to know to watch the Liberty take on the Sky in Game 1 of their first-round matchup in the WNBA Playoffs.

New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky Game 1 TV channel

ESPN will carry the nationally televised game on Wednesday night.

New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky Game 1 live stream

If you want to watch online you’ll find an available live stream for Game 1 on WatchESPN or bundling streaming services like fuboTV.

New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky Game 1 prediction

The Chicago Sky feature a deep, versatile attack with six different players averaging double figures. They have size, depth, shot creation, outside shooting and one of the best defenses in the WNBA this season. They also have the benefit of continuity and five of those six top scorers were on last year’s championship-winning squad.

The Liberty won’t be pushovers though. Sabrina Ionescu is the engine for this team, averaging 17.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.1 steals per game this season. The Liberty were also a different team once they added some additional backcourt creators in Crystal Dangerfield Marine Johannes, and they went 7-3 in their last 10 games, outscoring opponents by an average of 6.7 points per 100 possessions.

This should be a competitive, well-played game but I think in the end, Chicago’s depth and experience are too much for New York.

Prediction: Sky 86, Liberty 78

New York Liberty vs. Chicago Sky Game 1 odds

For all your WNBA odds and betting information, check out BetSided.