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Storm vs. Mystics Prediction and Odds (Grab Over Early Despite Two Elite Defenses Tipping Off)

By Ben Heisler

Washington Mystics guard Natasha Cloud lead all Mystics players in their 87-77 win over the Dallas Wings with just 14 points.
Washington Mystics guard Natasha Cloud lead all Mystics players in their 87-77 win over the Dallas Wings with just 14 points. / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
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A pair of 18-11 squads fighting for control of the first quadrant of top WNBA contenders match up Saturday afternoon in Washington, D.C. when the visiting Seattle Storm take on the Mystics.

Seattle had one bad quarter in their Thursday matchup on the road in Connecticut, but got plenty of contributions from their top plays, as Breanna Stewart, Tina Charles, and Sue Bird all led the team in points, rebounds and assists respectively.

Now, as they stay out east, they have to re-tool their mind for a 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT start-time against a host Mystics team that's won three straight, five of their last six, and seven of eight.

Washington hasn't lost a game at home since June 12 in an uncharacteristic 99-90 point loss to the Phoenix Mercury; one of their worst defensive outings of the season.

Here are the latest odds from WynnBET Sportsbook for this afternoon's early tip from D.C..

Storm vs. Mystics Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Storm +3 (-110)
  • Mystics -3 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Storm +135
  • Mystics -160

Total:

  • 155.5 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Storm vs. Mystics Prediction and Pick

When evaluating both Seattle and Washington for the 2022 season, at first glance, it looks like a defensive battle from the get-go. Washington owns the league's best overall defensive rating at 94.4, while Seattle is second (95.3). However, if we limit the focus to just the first half, the defensive ranking drops for both Seattle (2nd to 5th) as well as Washington (1st to 2nd)

Furthermore, both teams' offense since the All-Star break rank seventh and eighth in offensive rating. Yet in the first half, Washington's moves up to top 3; a few percentage points way from second (currently held by the Phoenix Mercury).

I like the Mystics to win and cover at home where they've played exceptional basketball all season, but I feel more safe jumping on the total for the first half instead.

PICK: Storm vs. Mystics 1H OVER 77 (-110)

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

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