Liberty vs. Sky Prediction and Odds for WNBA Playoffs First Round (Back Chicago to Start Hot at Home)
By Ben Heisler
The defending champs look to do something for the first time in 20 years tonight when the WNBA Playoffs tip-off from Chicago tonight.
The Chicago Sky host the New York Liberty in Game 1 of their three-game first round playoff series at 8 p.m. ET as they try to become the first back-to-back champion in 20 years since the L.A Sparks repeated in 2001-2022.
Chicago one-upped its championship season with a franchise record 26 wins in the regular season, and getting contributions from one of the deepest rosters in the league including Candace Parker, Kahleah Copper, Courtney Vandersloot, Emma Meesseman, Allie Quigley and Azura Stevens.
Meanwhile, the Liberty got a record-setting season from All-Star guard Sabrina Ionescu; becoming the first player in league history to finish with 500-plus points, as well as 200-plus rebounds and 200-plus assists.
How will the start of their series shake out in Chicago?
Here are the latest odds for Game 1 from Wintrust Arena over at PointsBet Sportsbook:
HERE'S EVERYTHING BETTORS NEED TO KNOW AHEAD OF THE 2022 WNBA POSTSEASON!
Liberty vs. Sky Odds, Spread and Total
Spread:
- Liberty +8 (-110)
- Sky -8 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Liberty +285
- Sky -375
Total:
- 165.5 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)
Liberty vs. Sky Prediction and Pick
As I mentioned in my final power rankings, I have Chicago as the top team heading into the postseason despite the Las Vegas Aces' owning the No. 1 seed as well as the shortest odds to win the Finals.
However, the Sky absolutely should take the Liberty seriously. Over the final two weeks of the season, New York finished with the second-best defensive rating in the league.
While they only went 1-3 against Chicago during the regular season, the Liberty did go 2-1-1 against the spread; keeping a few games closer than anticipated.
That's why I'm backing Chicago early in the first quarter. The Sky were terrific starters throughout the entire season, finishing with a +14.6 net rating, as well as the No. 2 offensive and defensive rating in the first 10 minutes. Meanwhile, the Liberty were awful all year long in the early going, ranking second-to-last in offensive rating and 10th in net rating.
Two points is a breeze for Chicago to cover in the early going, especially if Ionescu and company start to heat up from the second quarter on.
PICK: Sky 1Q -2 (-110)
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