It seems that the Illinois sportsbooks were not swayed by the Chicago Sky’s 101-95 double-overtime win against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday. The playoff lines for the Chicago Sky ahead of Game 2 on Thursday remain nearly unchanged from before Game 1.
It’s not just a basic conversation, but the potential increase in opportunities for bettors is not straightforward. Several factors could result in varying outcomes on Thursday night.
A look at the Thursday postseason lineups for the Chicago Sky
On Tuesday, PointsBetSportsbook set the line for Sky + 250, while FanDuel Sportsbook had Chicago + 7.5%. The betting lines are currently active on Illinois online sports betting apps.
| Sportsbook | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetRivers Sportsbook | Chicago + 6 6 112 Connecticut – 6 5 – 112 |
– 110 Over 155.5 Under 155.5 – 113 |
210 Chicago + 265 Massachusetts |
| Casinos in William Hill | Chicago + 7. 5 – 115 Ct: 7. 5 – 115 |
Between 155.5 and 115 Between 155.5 and 115 |
+ 270 Chicago 350 Massachusetts |
| DraftKings Sportsbook | 7 – 110 in Chicago – 110 Connecticut – 7 |
between 154.5 and 120 fewer than 154.5 + 100 |
+ 250 Chicago 320 Massachusetts |
| FanDuel Sportsbook | Chicago + 7. 5 – 115 Ct: 7. 5 – 105 |
– 106 Over 155.5 Between 155.5 and 114 |
+ 250 Chicago 325 Massachusetts |
| PointsBet Sportsbook | Chicago + 7. 5 – 115 Ct: 7. 5 – 105 |
– 110 Over 155.5 Between 155.5 and 110 |
+ 250 Chicago 320 Massachusetts |
Chicago is performing with a level of efficiency rarely seen from the Sky during the regular season, and they have continued this trend in the postseason. Point guard Courtney Vandersloot’s recording of just the second triple-double in WNBA playoff history is evidence of their impressive performance.
As a result, there is a debate on whether sportsbooks should make further adjustments or maintain their current handicapping of the matchup between these teams. Both perspectives are backed by solid evidence.
Why the traces on Thursday evening might be accurate
Connecticut may have achieved one of the best defensive performances in WNBA history in 2021. Their impressive 26-6 record against the spread during the regular season was largely attributed to their dominant defense.
Moreover, there were multiple occurrences of teams playing back-to-back games on the same court during the previous regular season. To minimize travel expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the WNBA made modifications to the schedule.
Most of the time, the scores in the second games of back-to-backs were lower. Today’s final score is consistent with the average scores from the three regular-season matchups between these teams.
However, the significance of this information lies in the fact that it is derived from the regular season. Throughout the finals, Chicago has demonstrated a significant change in their performance. Bettors should take note of this trend and consider adjusting their strategies accordingly.
Taking the Sky and the Over suddenly to handle?
Failing to anticipate the Sun’s adjustment to the Sky’s stellar performance on Tuesday would have been unwise, as it effectively hindered Connecticut from executing a deliberate, dominant offense in the half-court. In hindsight, it’s evident that the Sun limited Chicago to only 84 points during regulation.
The Sun knows that no team has ever come back from a 0-2 deficit in a best-of-five game to win the series since the WNBA changed its playoff format. However, planning and executing this comeback are two separate challenges.
In the playoffs so far, no team has been able to stop the Sky’s offense or defense for an extended period of time, preventing any team from establishing a significant lead in any game. Chicago has only faced a six-point deficit in these playoffs.
Bookmakers may be most concerned about whether The Sky can sustain their current level of play. Tonight, they may be up against a determined team, as another loss would require a significant comeback effort.
