Betsided

Mystics vs. Wings Prediction and Odds for Thursday, July 28 (Back the Points Early Before Defenses Settle In)

By Ben Heisler

Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings ranks fourth in the WNBA in scoring this season with 19.9 PPG.
Arike Ogunbowale of the Dallas Wings ranks fourth in the WNBA in scoring this season with 19.9 PPG. / WNBA Media
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The Dallas Wings (12-15) return home after playing four of their last five games on the road when they welcome the Washington Mystics (17-11) to town tonight.

Both teams come off comfortable wins, with Washington taking down the New York Liberty 79-68 all the way back on July 21. Meanwhile, the Wings snapped a two-game skid with back-to-back losses to the Chicago Sky; defeating the last-place Indiana Fever 96-86 on the 24th.

Washington looks to firmly be in contention for the No. 5 spot in the postseason, while the Wings are bunched up with several teams vying the the last spot left in the playoffs.

Both of these two teams are the best in the league against the spread this year, with Washington 18-10-0 vs. the number, while Dallas comes in at 16-10-1. Who has the edge tonight?

Here are the latest odds from DraftKings Sportsbook for Thursday's matchup in Dallas.

Mystics vs. Wings Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Mystics +2 (-110)
  • Wings -2 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Mystics +105
  • Wings -125

Total:

  • 158 (OVER -115 | UNDER -105)

Mystics vs. Wings Prediction and Pick

The Mystics have the best defensive rating in the league, so why even consider an over play against Dallas?

Turns out, the Mystics aren't just a defensive juggernaut. Since the All-Star break, they rank fifth in offensive rating in the first half compared to eighth for the entire game. Meanwhile, their defensive rating falls from first to fourth in the first half.

As for Dallas, they're the third-best offensive rated team in the WNBA during the first half, trailing only the Las Vegas Aces and Connecticut Sun in the first 20 minutes.

Eventually, this game will slow down in the second half, but as long as the lines aren't adjusted for that, take advantage of a favorable number and back the over in the first half in Dallas.

PICK: Mystics-Wings 1H OVER 79.5 (-110)

Follow all of Ben's betting plays in real-time HERE!

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