Armadillo: Wednesday's six-pack
Odds on random football games this coming fall..........
-- Week 2: Colts @ Broncos (-4)
-- Week 3: Bears @ Cowboys (-6)
-- Week 4: Dolphins @ Bengals (-6.5)
-- Week 5: Giants @ Packers (-7)
-- Week 6: Falcons @ Seahawks (-9.5)
-- Week 7: Patriots @ Steelers (-1.5)
**********
Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Good to be home after vacation......
13) 76ers won the NBA Draft Lottery, will probably take Ben Simmons, seeing as how coach Brett Brown coached Simmons' dad in Australia a long time ago.
12) Cavaliers 115, Raptors 84-- Cleveland is now 9-0 this postseason. Looks like the drama in this round will be in the series out west.
11) Warriors' Klay Thompson scored 25 points in first three quarters of Game 1 with the Thunder, but was scoreless in the fateful 4th quarter.
10) MLB suspended Rougned Odor eight games after Sunday's fight with Toronto, but because of a ridiculous appeal system MLB has, Odor is playing this week. Once the suspension is announced, the player should be suspended immediately. The way it is now, the player basically gets to choose when he is suspended.
9) Rays 12, Jays 2-- Toronto lost its last four games, was outscored 25-4 in the last two; they've also lost four in a row at home.
8) Indians 13, Reds 1-- Cincinnati reliever Stever Delabar issued four consecutive bases-loaded walks, first time a pitcher has done that.
7) Braves fired manager Fredi Gonzalez, then lost 12-9 to the Pirates, with one of its top pitching prospects giving up nine runs in less than two innings. No bueno.
6) Pirates gave catcher Dominic Cervelli $31M for three years, a sign of the ballclub's commitment to winning. Good for them.
5) Had great seats for the Marlins-Phillies game in Philly Monday night. Sat right next to ballgirl in right field. They don't have an easy job.
When the Phillies change pitchers, the ballgirl sprints out to the bullpen in centerfield to get the pitcher's jacket from the clubhouse attendant- they're not allowed to interact with the players directly. When the visiting team changes pitchers, the ballgirl down the leftfield line gets the jacket.
There are 22 ballgirls in Philly; they rotate between field duty and running the team's 50-50 raffle for charity and working in the team's recycling drive.
4) Restaurant recommendations: Crab Trap in Ocean City, NJ and the Anchorage Tavern in Somers Point, where I got a piece of chicken parm that looked like it could tip over Fred Flintstone's car.
3) A's 8, Rangers 5-- Khris Davis homered three times, the last one a walk-off grand slam to send everyone home happy. Oakland has won four of last five games since the epic pounding their pitching staff took in Boston last week.
2) Good to see Mets fans give Daniel Murphy an ovation on his return to Citi Field last night; he was my dad's favorite player and is hitting .399 this year.
1) My dad passed away a year ago today; I miss him a lot. Would be great to sit and watch a game with him one more time- he really loved baseball, especially the Mets.
Odds on random football games this coming fall..........
-- Week 2: Colts @ Broncos (-4)
-- Week 3: Bears @ Cowboys (-6)
-- Week 4: Dolphins @ Bengals (-6.5)
-- Week 5: Giants @ Packers (-7)
-- Week 6: Falcons @ Seahawks (-9.5)
-- Week 7: Patriots @ Steelers (-1.5)
**********
Armadillo: Wednesday's List of 13: Good to be home after vacation......
13) 76ers won the NBA Draft Lottery, will probably take Ben Simmons, seeing as how coach Brett Brown coached Simmons' dad in Australia a long time ago.
12) Cavaliers 115, Raptors 84-- Cleveland is now 9-0 this postseason. Looks like the drama in this round will be in the series out west.
11) Warriors' Klay Thompson scored 25 points in first three quarters of Game 1 with the Thunder, but was scoreless in the fateful 4th quarter.
10) MLB suspended Rougned Odor eight games after Sunday's fight with Toronto, but because of a ridiculous appeal system MLB has, Odor is playing this week. Once the suspension is announced, the player should be suspended immediately. The way it is now, the player basically gets to choose when he is suspended.
9) Rays 12, Jays 2-- Toronto lost its last four games, was outscored 25-4 in the last two; they've also lost four in a row at home.
8) Indians 13, Reds 1-- Cincinnati reliever Stever Delabar issued four consecutive bases-loaded walks, first time a pitcher has done that.
7) Braves fired manager Fredi Gonzalez, then lost 12-9 to the Pirates, with one of its top pitching prospects giving up nine runs in less than two innings. No bueno.
6) Pirates gave catcher Dominic Cervelli $31M for three years, a sign of the ballclub's commitment to winning. Good for them.
5) Had great seats for the Marlins-Phillies game in Philly Monday night. Sat right next to ballgirl in right field. They don't have an easy job.
When the Phillies change pitchers, the ballgirl sprints out to the bullpen in centerfield to get the pitcher's jacket from the clubhouse attendant- they're not allowed to interact with the players directly. When the visiting team changes pitchers, the ballgirl down the leftfield line gets the jacket.
There are 22 ballgirls in Philly; they rotate between field duty and running the team's 50-50 raffle for charity and working in the team's recycling drive.
4) Restaurant recommendations: Crab Trap in Ocean City, NJ and the Anchorage Tavern in Somers Point, where I got a piece of chicken parm that looked like it could tip over Fred Flintstone's car.
3) A's 8, Rangers 5-- Khris Davis homered three times, the last one a walk-off grand slam to send everyone home happy. Oakland has won four of last five games since the epic pounding their pitching staff took in Boston last week.
2) Good to see Mets fans give Daniel Murphy an ovation on his return to Citi Field last night; he was my dad's favorite player and is hitting .399 this year.
1) My dad passed away a year ago today; I miss him a lot. Would be great to sit and watch a game with him one more time- he really loved baseball, especially the Mets.
WNBA
Long Sheet
Wednesday, May 18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINNESOTA (29 - 15) at CHICAGO (22 - 15) - 5/18/2016, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road games after allowing 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 14-30 ATS (-19.0 Units) after scoring 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 3-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX (22 - 16) at INDIANA (26 - 19) - 5/18/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 12-28 ATS (-18.8 Units) in May games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) against Eastern conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 54-33 ATS (+17.7 Units) on Wednesday since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 3-1 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 2-2 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DALLAS (18 - 18) at WASHINGTON (19 - 18) - 5/18/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 279-335 ATS (-89.5 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 31-49 ATS (-22.9 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 31-52 ATS (-26.2 Units) in home games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 167-213 ATS (-67.3 Units) after a division game since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-1 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 3-1 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WNBA
Wednesday, May 18
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Minnesota's last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
7:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Phoenix is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing Phoenix
7:00 PM
DALLAS vs. WASHINGTON
Dallas is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
WNBA
Dunkel
Wednesday, May 18
Minnesota @ Chicago
Game 601-602
May 18, 2016 @ 12:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
115.225
Chicago
120.409
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
158
by 5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 2
164 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+2); Under
Phoenix @ Indiana
Game 603-604
May 18, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
111.288
Indiana
117.799
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
153
by 6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 3
158 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+3); Under
Dallas @ Washington
Game 605-606
May 18, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
108.511
Washington
113.477
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
161
by 5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 2 1/2
152
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-2 1/2); Over
Long Sheet
Wednesday, May 18
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINNESOTA (29 - 15) at CHICAGO (22 - 15) - 5/18/2016, 12:30 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 5-14 ATS (-10.4 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 6-15 ATS (-10.5 Units) in road games after allowing 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
CHICAGO is 14-30 ATS (-19.0 Units) after scoring 75 points or more over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
MINNESOTA is 3-1 against the spread versus CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 3-1 straight up against CHICAGO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX (22 - 16) at INDIANA (26 - 19) - 5/18/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
PHOENIX is 13-24 ATS (-13.4 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 12-28 ATS (-18.8 Units) in May games since 1997.
PHOENIX is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) against Eastern conference opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) in non-conference games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 54-33 ATS (+17.7 Units) on Wednesday since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 3-1 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 2-2 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DALLAS (18 - 18) at WASHINGTON (19 - 18) - 5/18/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 279-335 ATS (-89.5 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 31-49 ATS (-22.9 Units) as a home favorite of 3 points or less since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 31-52 ATS (-26.2 Units) in home games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 167-213 ATS (-67.3 Units) after a division game since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 2-1 against the spread versus DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 3-1 straight up against DALLAS over the last 3 seasons
2 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WNBA
Wednesday, May 18
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12:30 PM
MINNESOTA vs. CHICAGO
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 6 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 14 of Minnesota's last 21 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Minnesota
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Chicago's last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota
7:00 PM
PHOENIX vs. INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Phoenix is 5-11 SU in its last 16 games when playing on the road against Indiana
Indiana is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games when playing Phoenix
7:00 PM
DALLAS vs. WASHINGTON
Dallas is 1-5 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Dallas's last 6 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
Washington is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
WNBA
Dunkel
Wednesday, May 18
Minnesota @ Chicago
Game 601-602
May 18, 2016 @ 12:30 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Minnesota
115.225
Chicago
120.409
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Chicago
158
by 5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Minnesota
by 2
164 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Chicago
(+2); Under
Phoenix @ Indiana
Game 603-604
May 18, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Phoenix
111.288
Indiana
117.799
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Indiana
153
by 6 1/2
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 3
158 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Indiana
(+3); Under
Dallas @ Washington
Game 605-606
May 18, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Dallas
108.511
Washington
113.477
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Washington
161
by 5
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Washington
by 2 1/2
152
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(-2 1/2); Over
WNBA offering detailed box scores
May 16, 2016
NEW YORK (AP) The WNBA announced Monday that it will offer detailed box scores after each game. They will include such categories as effective field goal percentage, player impact estimate, true shooting percentage and defensive rating.
The box scores will be available on WNBA.com shortly after each game.
The league is also updating its archive with regular box scores from every game over its 20-year history. Currently every game since 2007 is available on the website. Soon every game from 1997-2006 will be added.
The league felt it was an important project with the league celebrating its 20th season. The WNBA has also launched a video vault that will feature highlights.
May 16, 2016
NEW YORK (AP) The WNBA announced Monday that it will offer detailed box scores after each game. They will include such categories as effective field goal percentage, player impact estimate, true shooting percentage and defensive rating.
The box scores will be available on WNBA.com shortly after each game.
The league is also updating its archive with regular box scores from every game over its 20-year history. Currently every game since 2007 is available on the website. Soon every game from 1997-2006 will be added.
The league felt it was an important project with the league celebrating its 20th season. The WNBA has also launched a video vault that will feature highlights.
WNBA Betting Recap: 5/14-5/15
May 17, 2016
League Betting Notes (Saturday, May 14 through Sunday, May 15)
-- Favorites went 6-1 straight up
-- Favorites went 6-1 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 4-3 SU record
-- Road teams posted a 4-3 ATS record
-- The 'over' went 4-3
Team & League Betting Notes
-- Six of the seven outcomes in the first weekend were decided by double digits.
-- The largest margin took place on Sunday May 15 with the Los Angeles Sparks dominating the Seattle Storm 96-66 in wire-to-wire fashion.
-- The New York Liberty opened the season with back-to-back victories, beating Washington 87-76 on the road before knocking off Dallas 79-71 at home.
-- The anticipated showdown between the defending WNBA champions Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury ended in a blowout. The Lynx hammered the Mercury 96-76 as a four-point home favorite and the ‘over’ (154) connected with help from a big first-half (94 points).
-- The Dallas Wings, formerly the Tulsa Shock, earned its first win of the season with a 90-79 victory on Saturday over Indiana. The Wings were the only underdog (+4) to cash over weekend.
May 17, 2016
League Betting Notes (Saturday, May 14 through Sunday, May 15)
-- Favorites went 6-1 straight up
-- Favorites went 6-1 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 4-3 SU record
-- Road teams posted a 4-3 ATS record
-- The 'over' went 4-3
Team & League Betting Notes
-- Six of the seven outcomes in the first weekend were decided by double digits.
-- The largest margin took place on Sunday May 15 with the Los Angeles Sparks dominating the Seattle Storm 96-66 in wire-to-wire fashion.
-- The New York Liberty opened the season with back-to-back victories, beating Washington 87-76 on the road before knocking off Dallas 79-71 at home.
-- The anticipated showdown between the defending WNBA champions Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury ended in a blowout. The Lynx hammered the Mercury 96-76 as a four-point home favorite and the ‘over’ (154) connected with help from a big first-half (94 points).
-- The Dallas Wings, formerly the Tulsa Shock, earned its first win of the season with a 90-79 victory on Saturday over Indiana. The Wings were the only underdog (+4) to cash over weekend.
Preview: Lynx (1-0) at Sky (1-0)
Date: May 18, 2016 12:30 PM EDT
The Minnesota Lynx proved they've still got the hunger in their season opener, while the Chicago Sky showed they can indeed succeed without Elena Delle Donne.
Both look to build off impressive 2016 debuts in Wednesday's matchup at Allstate Arena, with Delle Donne expected to play after missing the opener with an illness.
Chicago didn't look at all short-handed with Delle Donne sidelined by a stomach virus, cruising to a 93-70 victory over visiting Connecticut on Saturday. The Sky offset the 2015 WNBA MVP's absence with a dominant defensive effort, holding the Sun to 18 points in the paint, and 33.8 percent shooting and scoring 20 points off 18 turnovers.
"A lot of good things, but a lot more to work on," coach Pokey Chatman said. "We've got an important game coming up on Wednesday, but overall pleased with the process and the outcome."
The performance was indeed encouraging considering Chicago's defensive issues last season and its past struggles with Delle Donne out of the lineup. The Sky went 6-12 in games the star forward missed with Lyme disease complications in 2014 and allowed 78.8 points per game - the league's second-highest mark - last season.
Wednesday's contest should provide more of an indicator of Chicago's progress on that end, as the defending champion Lynx possess considerably more established talent than the rebuilding Sun. That skill was fully on display in Saturday's 95-76 rout of rival Phoenix, regarded as perhaps the biggest threat to Minnesota's quest for a repeat.
The Lynx overcame a slow start to build a lead as high as 24, receiving 27 points and 10 assists from Maya Moore and 21 points on 10-of-15 shooting from Seimone Augustus. Sylvia Fowles added 17 points and 14 rebounds to help Minnesota own a 40-24 rebounding advantage and a 42-26 edge in points in the paint.
Minnesota, which downed Indiana in five games to claim its third WNBA title in five years in October, is attempting to become the first repeat champion since Los Angeles in 2002.
"We want to take advantage of the special group we have right now, and we want to make sure we show it every time we play," said Moore, whose 20.6 points per game last season trailed only Delle Donne's 23.4 for tops in the league. "I'm glad it translated into execution and defensive focus. There are still ways we can improve. But I'm glad we were able to start off Game 1, (the) home opener doing the things we've been talking about all through training camp."
The Lynx have won four of the last five meetings with the Sky but have lost three of four in Chicago, including a 90-83 defeat last season.
Date: May 18, 2016 12:30 PM EDT
The Minnesota Lynx proved they've still got the hunger in their season opener, while the Chicago Sky showed they can indeed succeed without Elena Delle Donne.
Both look to build off impressive 2016 debuts in Wednesday's matchup at Allstate Arena, with Delle Donne expected to play after missing the opener with an illness.
Chicago didn't look at all short-handed with Delle Donne sidelined by a stomach virus, cruising to a 93-70 victory over visiting Connecticut on Saturday. The Sky offset the 2015 WNBA MVP's absence with a dominant defensive effort, holding the Sun to 18 points in the paint, and 33.8 percent shooting and scoring 20 points off 18 turnovers.
"A lot of good things, but a lot more to work on," coach Pokey Chatman said. "We've got an important game coming up on Wednesday, but overall pleased with the process and the outcome."
The performance was indeed encouraging considering Chicago's defensive issues last season and its past struggles with Delle Donne out of the lineup. The Sky went 6-12 in games the star forward missed with Lyme disease complications in 2014 and allowed 78.8 points per game - the league's second-highest mark - last season.
Wednesday's contest should provide more of an indicator of Chicago's progress on that end, as the defending champion Lynx possess considerably more established talent than the rebuilding Sun. That skill was fully on display in Saturday's 95-76 rout of rival Phoenix, regarded as perhaps the biggest threat to Minnesota's quest for a repeat.
The Lynx overcame a slow start to build a lead as high as 24, receiving 27 points and 10 assists from Maya Moore and 21 points on 10-of-15 shooting from Seimone Augustus. Sylvia Fowles added 17 points and 14 rebounds to help Minnesota own a 40-24 rebounding advantage and a 42-26 edge in points in the paint.
Minnesota, which downed Indiana in five games to claim its third WNBA title in five years in October, is attempting to become the first repeat champion since Los Angeles in 2002.
"We want to take advantage of the special group we have right now, and we want to make sure we show it every time we play," said Moore, whose 20.6 points per game last season trailed only Delle Donne's 23.4 for tops in the league. "I'm glad it translated into execution and defensive focus. There are still ways we can improve. But I'm glad we were able to start off Game 1, (the) home opener doing the things we've been talking about all through training camp."
The Lynx have won four of the last five meetings with the Sky but have lost three of four in Chicago, including a 90-83 defeat last season.
Preview: Mercury (0-1) at Fever (0-1)
Date: May 18, 2016 7:00 PM EDT
The Indiana Fever swept two games from the Phoenix Mercury a season ago, although they didn't have to face Diana Taurasi.
Taurasi is now back for the visiting Mercury ahead of Wednesday night's contest against the Fever, who hope that guard Marissa Coleman makes her season debut in a matchup of teams coming off season-opening defeats.
Indiana had lost four straight to Phoenix before winning twice in 2015. The Fever took advantage of the absence of Taurasi and Brittney Griner in a 77-74 home win June 12 behind Tamika Catchings' 27 points and 13 boards before they led by as many as 23 in a 75-63 road victory Aug. 16.
Mercury star DeWanna Bonner totaled 21 points on 6-of-28 shooting in those games with Taurasi sitting out the season for rest.
Taurasi returned Saturday with a team-high 18 points in a 95-76 loss at Minnesota. She made 7 of 17 shots while Penny Taylor also returned with 13 points after the Australian forward also sat out 2015.
Those players are stars in overseas leagues along with Coleman, who hopes to be on the court after she wasn't ready to go for Saturday's 90-79 loss to Dallas. Coleman returned to practice Monday after finishing a season playing in Turkey.
"I haven't touched a basketball since last Sunday, I just want to make sure that hopefully Wednesday I'm ready to play," said Coleman, who was a WNBA All-Star for the first time in 2015.
Rookie Tiffany Mitchell scored 18 for Indiana and Erlana Larkins had 14 and 13 boards. Catchings struggled for six points on 2-of-9 shooting as the Fever were outscored by 14 in the second half.
"It was the first game, we haven't really built chemistry with each other yet but there were a few bright spots," Larkins said.
Larkins wasn't conceding anything as far as her matchup at center Wednesday with the intimidating Griner.
"You have to approach her just like you do anyone else," Larkins said. "I'm pretty much undersized so I just have to use my strength to my advantage and keep her out of the paint because she's really efficient around the basket."
Date: May 18, 2016 7:00 PM EDT
The Indiana Fever swept two games from the Phoenix Mercury a season ago, although they didn't have to face Diana Taurasi.
Taurasi is now back for the visiting Mercury ahead of Wednesday night's contest against the Fever, who hope that guard Marissa Coleman makes her season debut in a matchup of teams coming off season-opening defeats.
Indiana had lost four straight to Phoenix before winning twice in 2015. The Fever took advantage of the absence of Taurasi and Brittney Griner in a 77-74 home win June 12 behind Tamika Catchings' 27 points and 13 boards before they led by as many as 23 in a 75-63 road victory Aug. 16.
Mercury star DeWanna Bonner totaled 21 points on 6-of-28 shooting in those games with Taurasi sitting out the season for rest.
Taurasi returned Saturday with a team-high 18 points in a 95-76 loss at Minnesota. She made 7 of 17 shots while Penny Taylor also returned with 13 points after the Australian forward also sat out 2015.
Those players are stars in overseas leagues along with Coleman, who hopes to be on the court after she wasn't ready to go for Saturday's 90-79 loss to Dallas. Coleman returned to practice Monday after finishing a season playing in Turkey.
"I haven't touched a basketball since last Sunday, I just want to make sure that hopefully Wednesday I'm ready to play," said Coleman, who was a WNBA All-Star for the first time in 2015.
Rookie Tiffany Mitchell scored 18 for Indiana and Erlana Larkins had 14 and 13 boards. Catchings struggled for six points on 2-of-9 shooting as the Fever were outscored by 14 in the second half.
"It was the first game, we haven't really built chemistry with each other yet but there were a few bright spots," Larkins said.
Larkins wasn't conceding anything as far as her matchup at center Wednesday with the intimidating Griner.
"You have to approach her just like you do anyone else," Larkins said. "I'm pretty much undersized so I just have to use my strength to my advantage and keep her out of the paint because she's really efficient around the basket."
Wings-Mystics Preview
Both the Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics are attempting to navigate challenging opening stretches while awaiting the returns of key players.
The teams also enter Wednesday night's matchup seeking to bounce back from tough losses to the same opponent.
Dallas (1-1) got its new era off to a soaring start with Saturday's 90-79 win at defending Eastern Conference champion Indiana, a result made more impressive by the absences of Skylar Diggins and Glory Johnson. The Wings couldn't maintain the momentum in Sunday's visit to Madison Square Garden, falling behind by 16 points early and trailing throughout a 79-71 loss to the New York Liberty.
The Wings have one test remaining against another 2015 playoff participant before the relocated Tulsa Shock play their first game in their new home Saturday against San Antonio. They're also hoping for an imminent return from Diggins with the All-Star point guard in the latter stages of her comeback from July's ACL tear.
"Still working it out. I have to go by how she feels," coach Fred Williams said. "It's day-by-day with her. Being on the road, I want her to be at least 99 percent. Never going to rush an injury for a player to get back."
Dallas is also without Johnson, who is serving a seven-game suspension for a domestic violence incident involving Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner in April 2015. The two-time All-Star missed all of last season while pregnant with twins.
Washington is dealing with its own injury issues with Ivory Latta recovering from a knee procedure performed last month. The veteran guard averaged a team-high 13.4 points per game last season.
Latta's experience was missed down the stretch of Saturday's 87-76 home loss to the Liberty. After tying the game at 73 on Bria Hartley's three-point play with 2:39 left, the youthful Mystics missed their final five shots while outscored 14-3 thereafter.
"I thought that for playing seven to eight players, we were tired," coach Mike Thibault said. "Nobody is going to feel sorry for us. We are going to have to figure out a way to do a better job. We did a decent job on the defensive end but we didn't on the offensive end."
Hartley finished with 17 points and Tayler Hill had 20, but New York neutralized the frontcourt tandem of Emma Meesseman and Stefanie Dolson. The duo were held to a combined 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting as the Liberty recorded a 42-22 advantage in the paint.
Courtney Paris could give Washington further trouble after compiling 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting and 12 rebounds Sunday.
The Mystics have won five of six in the series but were dealt an 86-82 loss by Tulsa at Verizon Center last season.
Both the Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics are attempting to navigate challenging opening stretches while awaiting the returns of key players.
The teams also enter Wednesday night's matchup seeking to bounce back from tough losses to the same opponent.
Dallas (1-1) got its new era off to a soaring start with Saturday's 90-79 win at defending Eastern Conference champion Indiana, a result made more impressive by the absences of Skylar Diggins and Glory Johnson. The Wings couldn't maintain the momentum in Sunday's visit to Madison Square Garden, falling behind by 16 points early and trailing throughout a 79-71 loss to the New York Liberty.
The Wings have one test remaining against another 2015 playoff participant before the relocated Tulsa Shock play their first game in their new home Saturday against San Antonio. They're also hoping for an imminent return from Diggins with the All-Star point guard in the latter stages of her comeback from July's ACL tear.
"Still working it out. I have to go by how she feels," coach Fred Williams said. "It's day-by-day with her. Being on the road, I want her to be at least 99 percent. Never going to rush an injury for a player to get back."
Dallas is also without Johnson, who is serving a seven-game suspension for a domestic violence incident involving Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner in April 2015. The two-time All-Star missed all of last season while pregnant with twins.
Washington is dealing with its own injury issues with Ivory Latta recovering from a knee procedure performed last month. The veteran guard averaged a team-high 13.4 points per game last season.
Latta's experience was missed down the stretch of Saturday's 87-76 home loss to the Liberty. After tying the game at 73 on Bria Hartley's three-point play with 2:39 left, the youthful Mystics missed their final five shots while outscored 14-3 thereafter.
"I thought that for playing seven to eight players, we were tired," coach Mike Thibault said. "Nobody is going to feel sorry for us. We are going to have to figure out a way to do a better job. We did a decent job on the defensive end but we didn't on the offensive end."
Hartley finished with 17 points and Tayler Hill had 20, but New York neutralized the frontcourt tandem of Emma Meesseman and Stefanie Dolson. The duo were held to a combined 15 points on 5-of-18 shooting as the Liberty recorded a 42-22 advantage in the paint.
Courtney Paris could give Washington further trouble after compiling 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting and 12 rebounds Sunday.
The Mystics have won five of six in the series but were dealt an 86-82 loss by Tulsa at Verizon Center last season.
Delle Donne, Moore Go Head-To-Head For First Time In 2016 On Wednesday
May 17, 2016
The last two MVPs, last year’s top two leading scorers, and two members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team: that’s who will be squaring off tomorrow afternoon in Chicago when the Sky welcome the visiting Minnesota Lynx.
Elena Delle Donne and Maya Moore are two of the brightest stars the league, and Wednesday they’ll meet for the first time in the 2016 season.
Thanks to impressive wins on opening weekend, both teams will enter the game at 1-0. While Delle Donne missed the Sky’s opener due to an illness, Chicago ultimately cruised to a win over the Connecticut. As for Moore, she was in prime form against the Phoenix in the league’s showcase game on ESPN on Saturday night, dropping 27 points and dishing out a career-high 10 assists as the Lynx also pulled away for an easy win.
With Delle Donne and Moore going head to head, Wednesday’s matchup will have a primetime feel despite being played in the middle of the afternoon. Delle Donne, of course, is one of the most unique talents to ever play in the league. Her athleticism and ability to play both inside and outside have made her, at times, simply unguardable. Last season’s MVP campaign, in which she put up averages of 23.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks was one of the best in league history.
Moore, who won the MVP in 2014, put up 20.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season and might have come away with a second straight MVP if not for Delle Donne’s legendary year. Moore’s smooth jumper and indefatigable drive to win has helped her lead the Lynx to three titles in just five seasons. On the way to the third of those championships last season, she sunk an iconic buzzer beater on the road in Game 3 to help turn the series in Minnesota’s favor.
The Sky and Lynx split their two meetings last year, with each team winning at home. In those two games, the marquee stars came to play. EDD averaged 19 points and 9.5 rebounds a night, while Moore averaged 29.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Will the two stars live up to their reputations and deliver a brilliant matchup Wednesday afternoon? All signs point to yes, but you’ll have to tune-in to WNBA League Pass at 12:30 p.m. ET to find out for yourself.
May 17, 2016
The last two MVPs, last year’s top two leading scorers, and two members of the 2016 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team: that’s who will be squaring off tomorrow afternoon in Chicago when the Sky welcome the visiting Minnesota Lynx.
Elena Delle Donne and Maya Moore are two of the brightest stars the league, and Wednesday they’ll meet for the first time in the 2016 season.
Thanks to impressive wins on opening weekend, both teams will enter the game at 1-0. While Delle Donne missed the Sky’s opener due to an illness, Chicago ultimately cruised to a win over the Connecticut. As for Moore, she was in prime form against the Phoenix in the league’s showcase game on ESPN on Saturday night, dropping 27 points and dishing out a career-high 10 assists as the Lynx also pulled away for an easy win.
With Delle Donne and Moore going head to head, Wednesday’s matchup will have a primetime feel despite being played in the middle of the afternoon. Delle Donne, of course, is one of the most unique talents to ever play in the league. Her athleticism and ability to play both inside and outside have made her, at times, simply unguardable. Last season’s MVP campaign, in which she put up averages of 23.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks was one of the best in league history.
Moore, who won the MVP in 2014, put up 20.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season and might have come away with a second straight MVP if not for Delle Donne’s legendary year. Moore’s smooth jumper and indefatigable drive to win has helped her lead the Lynx to three titles in just five seasons. On the way to the third of those championships last season, she sunk an iconic buzzer beater on the road in Game 3 to help turn the series in Minnesota’s favor.
The Sky and Lynx split their two meetings last year, with each team winning at home. In those two games, the marquee stars came to play. EDD averaged 19 points and 9.5 rebounds a night, while Moore averaged 29.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. Will the two stars live up to their reputations and deliver a brilliant matchup Wednesday afternoon? All signs point to yes, but you’ll have to tune-in to WNBA League Pass at 12:30 p.m. ET to find out for yourself.
Armadillo: Thursday's six-pack
Westgate Superbook's odds on random football games this coming fall..........
-- Week 8: Packers (-3.5) @ Atlanta
-- Week 9: Broncos @ Oakland (-1.5)
-- Week 10: Seahawks @ New England (-3.5)
-- Week 11: Bears @ NJ Giants (-4)
-- Week 12: Vikings (-1) @ Detroit
-- Week 13: Colts @ NJ Jets (-2.5)
**********
Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud......
13) Warriors 118, Thunder 91-- No one on Oklahoma City had more than 9 points, other than Durant/Westbrook. They need a third double figure scorer to compete.
12) Knicks are apparently going to name Jeff Hornacek head coach; good coach, good basketball guy, but kind of feel about him the same way I felt when the Mets hired Art Howe as manager-- not very New York-ish. Sometimes that matters.
11) Chicago White Sox turned their second triple play of the season last night; they are first team since '07 Phillies to turn two triple plays in same season.
10) A's 8, Rangers 1-- Khris Davis has nine HRs, 20 RBI in first 18 days of May.
9) NBA playoff favorites of 8+ points are 19-6 vs spread this season.
8) Why is the price of gasoline 45 cents a gallon cheaper in New Jersey than here in New York? Is Crhis Christie that good a governor that his constituents don't get ripped off like we do? By the way, in New Jersey they put the gas in your car for you.
7) NBA Summer League will be July 8-18 at UNLV and on TV every day on NBA TV. Solid entertainment; I'll be out there for the AAU tournaments later in the month.
6) Illinois got good news: big man Mike Thorne got a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, very important for John Groce's team.
5) More transfers, as number approaches 600 this year (there are 351 D-I teams):
-- Anthony Livingston goes from Arkansas State to Texas Tech.
-- Kendall Stephens goes from Purdue to Nevada
4) This will be the sixth NFL season for 49er QB Blaine Gabbert, who will have his sxith different head coach, sixth offensive coordinator, sixth QB coach. Oy.
3) Why would the Ravens intentionally break the NFL rule about not using full pads during rookie minicamps? Sounds like they did just that.
2) Minnesota Twins are 4-2 against the Cleveland Indians, 0-15 against the rest of the AL Central. No bueno. Minnesota is 5-12 in games where the winning run scores from the 7th inning on.
1) Werid story about Robert Griffin III and his relationship with his coaches in Washington; if that story is remotely true, Daniel Snyder is the worst owner in the NFL and the Browns may have made a colossal mistake acquiring RGIII, who appears to be a complete jerk if you believe the article, which is excerpted up above.
Westgate Superbook's odds on random football games this coming fall..........
-- Week 8: Packers (-3.5) @ Atlanta
-- Week 9: Broncos @ Oakland (-1.5)
-- Week 10: Seahawks @ New England (-3.5)
-- Week 11: Bears @ NJ Giants (-4)
-- Week 12: Vikings (-1) @ Detroit
-- Week 13: Colts @ NJ Jets (-2.5)
**********
Armadillo: Thursday's List of 13: Doing some thinking out loud......
13) Warriors 118, Thunder 91-- No one on Oklahoma City had more than 9 points, other than Durant/Westbrook. They need a third double figure scorer to compete.
12) Knicks are apparently going to name Jeff Hornacek head coach; good coach, good basketball guy, but kind of feel about him the same way I felt when the Mets hired Art Howe as manager-- not very New York-ish. Sometimes that matters.
11) Chicago White Sox turned their second triple play of the season last night; they are first team since '07 Phillies to turn two triple plays in same season.
10) A's 8, Rangers 1-- Khris Davis has nine HRs, 20 RBI in first 18 days of May.
9) NBA playoff favorites of 8+ points are 19-6 vs spread this season.
8) Why is the price of gasoline 45 cents a gallon cheaper in New Jersey than here in New York? Is Crhis Christie that good a governor that his constituents don't get ripped off like we do? By the way, in New Jersey they put the gas in your car for you.
7) NBA Summer League will be July 8-18 at UNLV and on TV every day on NBA TV. Solid entertainment; I'll be out there for the AAU tournaments later in the month.
6) Illinois got good news: big man Mike Thorne got a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA, very important for John Groce's team.
5) More transfers, as number approaches 600 this year (there are 351 D-I teams):
-- Anthony Livingston goes from Arkansas State to Texas Tech.
-- Kendall Stephens goes from Purdue to Nevada
4) This will be the sixth NFL season for 49er QB Blaine Gabbert, who will have his sxith different head coach, sixth offensive coordinator, sixth QB coach. Oy.
3) Why would the Ravens intentionally break the NFL rule about not using full pads during rookie minicamps? Sounds like they did just that.
2) Minnesota Twins are 4-2 against the Cleveland Indians, 0-15 against the rest of the AL Central. No bueno. Minnesota is 5-12 in games where the winning run scores from the 7th inning on.
1) Werid story about Robert Griffin III and his relationship with his coaches in Washington; if that story is remotely true, Daniel Snyder is the worst owner in the NFL and the Browns may have made a colossal mistake acquiring RGIII, who appears to be a complete jerk if you believe the article, which is excerpted up above.
WNBA
Long Sheet
Thursday, May 19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONNECTICUT (15 - 19) at SAN ANTONIO (8 - 26) - 5/19/2016, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 3-1 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 3-1 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WNBA
Thursday, May 19
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Connecticut's last 5 games on the road
Connecticut is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games
San Antonio is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games
WNBA
Dunkel
Thursday, May 19
Connecticut @ San Antonio
Game 651-652
May 19, 2016 @ 12:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Connecticut
103.901
San Antonio
109.328
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 5 1/2
154
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Connecticut
by 3 1/2
148 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(+3 1/2); Over
Long Sheet
Thursday, May 19
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONNECTICUT (15 - 19) at SAN ANTONIO (8 - 26) - 5/19/2016, 12:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 9-1 ATS (+7.9 Units) on Thursday over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games against Western conference opponents over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 27-15 ATS (+10.5 Units) after a division game over the last 3 seasons.
CONNECTICUT is 10-2 ATS (+7.8 Units) in road games in non-conference games over the last 3 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
CONNECTICUT is 3-1 against the spread versus SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
CONNECTICUT is 3-1 straight up against SAN ANTONIO over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WNBA
Thursday, May 19
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12:00 PM
CONNECTICUT vs. SAN ANTONIO
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Connecticut's last 5 games on the road
Connecticut is 2-8 SU in its last 10 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of San Antonio's last 5 games
San Antonio is 1-11 SU in its last 12 games
WNBA
Dunkel
Thursday, May 19
Connecticut @ San Antonio
Game 651-652
May 19, 2016 @ 12:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Connecticut
103.901
San Antonio
109.328
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
San Antonio
by 5 1/2
154
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Connecticut
by 3 1/2
148 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
San Antonio
(+3 1/2); Over
Sun-Stars Preview
The first matchup of the year between top rookies drafted from the University of Connecticut is already here.
Morgan Tuck and her Connecticut Sun visit former college teammate Moriah Jefferson and the San Antonio Stars on Thursday with both teams seeking their first victory.
One of the stories of the 2016 WNBA season was how Geno Auriemma's UConn program produced the top three picks in the draft, most notably with Breanna Stewart selected first overall by Seattle. Stewart has already drawn comparisons to the greats of the game.
It's been underreported that Jefferson went second to San Antonio and Tuck third to Connecticut. Tuck was second on Auriemma's Huskies in scoring with 13.7 points per game this past season while the sharpshooting Jefferson was third at 12.6.
Both rookies had rough debuts Saturday. Jefferson made 2 of 10 shots for six points in a 73-63 overtime home defeat to Atlanta while Tuck was 1 of 6 for five points in a 93-70 defeat at Chicago.
The rookie who outshined both of them was the Sun's Rachel Banham, chosen fourth out of Minnesota. Banham scored 13 points in 15 minutes as she made a case for a starting spot.
The Sun showed they are in dire need of offense after shooting 33.8 percent in their opener. Alex Bentley made just 6 of 19 shots for 14 points. Connecticut was also outrebounded 46-33.
Chiney Ogwumike had four points in 16 minutes for the Sun in her first game since missing the 2015 season due to knee surgery.
The Stars were led Saturday by Kayla McBride, who scored 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting while Dearica Hamby added 14.
Connecticut won both meetings a season ago, including a 73-72 victory at San Antonio. These teams were among the worst in the preseason AP WNBA Power Rankings, with the Stars last at No. 12 and the Sun at No. 10.
The first matchup of the year between top rookies drafted from the University of Connecticut is already here.
Morgan Tuck and her Connecticut Sun visit former college teammate Moriah Jefferson and the San Antonio Stars on Thursday with both teams seeking their first victory.
One of the stories of the 2016 WNBA season was how Geno Auriemma's UConn program produced the top three picks in the draft, most notably with Breanna Stewart selected first overall by Seattle. Stewart has already drawn comparisons to the greats of the game.
It's been underreported that Jefferson went second to San Antonio and Tuck third to Connecticut. Tuck was second on Auriemma's Huskies in scoring with 13.7 points per game this past season while the sharpshooting Jefferson was third at 12.6.
Both rookies had rough debuts Saturday. Jefferson made 2 of 10 shots for six points in a 73-63 overtime home defeat to Atlanta while Tuck was 1 of 6 for five points in a 93-70 defeat at Chicago.
The rookie who outshined both of them was the Sun's Rachel Banham, chosen fourth out of Minnesota. Banham scored 13 points in 15 minutes as she made a case for a starting spot.
The Sun showed they are in dire need of offense after shooting 33.8 percent in their opener. Alex Bentley made just 6 of 19 shots for 14 points. Connecticut was also outrebounded 46-33.
Chiney Ogwumike had four points in 16 minutes for the Sun in her first game since missing the 2015 season due to knee surgery.
The Stars were led Saturday by Kayla McBride, who scored 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting while Dearica Hamby added 14.
Connecticut won both meetings a season ago, including a 73-72 victory at San Antonio. These teams were among the worst in the preseason AP WNBA Power Rankings, with the Stars last at No. 12 and the Sun at No. 10.
Armadillo: Friday's six-pack
Golden Nugget sportsbook's college football over/unders for this coming fall..........
-- Clemson Tigers, 10, over -$120
-- Alabama Crimson Tide, 9.5
-- Florida State Seminoles, 10, over -$120
-- Oklahoma Sooners, 10, under -$130
-- LSU Tigers, 9.5, over 9.5 -$140
-- Michigan Wolverines, 9.5, over -$120
**********
Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here......
13) I'm tired of hearing people whine about baseball games lasting too long, as if an extra 8-10 minutes is going to ruin someone's day. Want to eliminate 8-10 minutes a game? Eliminate coaches/managers visiting the mound, that will do it. Whether a game is 2:52 or 3:05, baseball is great. Nothing wrong with spending more time having fun.
12) Saw couple of amazing catches in 9th inning of games last night; Minnesota CF Danny Santana made a fantastic catch, keeping the game 2-2 with the go-ahead run on second base and Rafael Ortega of the Angels made a sliding catch down left field line to help the Halos hold off the Dodgers 7-4.
11) Nationals 9, Mets 1-- Matt Harvey is 3-6, 5.77 and terribly overrated. Last year, New York media had him getting inducted in Cooperstown before he turned 27. Last night, Harvey went over the 500 innings mark in his career- he is 30-24.
10) Austin Russell, better known as Chumlee on Pawn Stars, somehow avoided jail time after at one time having 19 felony drug charges against him. Hope he realizes how lucky he is; when I was in Las Vegas in April, it seemed apparent that he was going to jail and maybe for a very long time.
9) Pro Bowl is moving from Honolulu to Orlando this comng year; for some reason, it was mentioned that Sydney, Australia was interested in hosting it. Why?
8) Orlando Magic gave Frank Vogel $22M for four years- first Magic-Pacer game next fall should be interesting.
7) Buck Showalter once managed a team in the NY-Penn League, a short-season farm team. He went 114-41 in Oneonta, hometown of ESPN's Mark May, and also the place where John Elway played his minor league baseball.
6) In case you are wondering, Elway hit .318 with a .432 OB% that year, for a 43-33 Oneonta team that was managed by former White Sox CF Ken Berry.
5) Drew Pomeranz has pitched well for San Diego but they haven't hit much for him; in Pomeranz' last four starts, a total of seven runs have scored.
4) Stan Musial hit three homers in a game at age 42, the oldest player to do so.
3) Angels are 22-1 in Mike Trout's career when he scores 3+ runs in a game.
2) Not only did Texas A&M's basketball team lose four senior starters this year, three of their assistant coaches also bolted for other jobs, so Billy Kennedy is totally rebuilding his program- he hired Don Maestri, who coached Troy State for 30 years and will now be someone Kennedy can lean on for advice. .
1) Chargers signed Zach Mettenberger as a backup QB; Giants/Bengals also had interest n the former LSU signal-caller. Backing up Philip Rivers seems like good duty; Rivers has started every San Diego game for the last decade.
Golden Nugget sportsbook's college football over/unders for this coming fall..........
-- Clemson Tigers, 10, over -$120
-- Alabama Crimson Tide, 9.5
-- Florida State Seminoles, 10, over -$120
-- Oklahoma Sooners, 10, under -$130
-- LSU Tigers, 9.5, over 9.5 -$140
-- Michigan Wolverines, 9.5, over -$120
**********
Armadillo: Friday's List of 13: Random stuff with weekend here......
13) I'm tired of hearing people whine about baseball games lasting too long, as if an extra 8-10 minutes is going to ruin someone's day. Want to eliminate 8-10 minutes a game? Eliminate coaches/managers visiting the mound, that will do it. Whether a game is 2:52 or 3:05, baseball is great. Nothing wrong with spending more time having fun.
12) Saw couple of amazing catches in 9th inning of games last night; Minnesota CF Danny Santana made a fantastic catch, keeping the game 2-2 with the go-ahead run on second base and Rafael Ortega of the Angels made a sliding catch down left field line to help the Halos hold off the Dodgers 7-4.
11) Nationals 9, Mets 1-- Matt Harvey is 3-6, 5.77 and terribly overrated. Last year, New York media had him getting inducted in Cooperstown before he turned 27. Last night, Harvey went over the 500 innings mark in his career- he is 30-24.
10) Austin Russell, better known as Chumlee on Pawn Stars, somehow avoided jail time after at one time having 19 felony drug charges against him. Hope he realizes how lucky he is; when I was in Las Vegas in April, it seemed apparent that he was going to jail and maybe for a very long time.
9) Pro Bowl is moving from Honolulu to Orlando this comng year; for some reason, it was mentioned that Sydney, Australia was interested in hosting it. Why?
8) Orlando Magic gave Frank Vogel $22M for four years- first Magic-Pacer game next fall should be interesting.
7) Buck Showalter once managed a team in the NY-Penn League, a short-season farm team. He went 114-41 in Oneonta, hometown of ESPN's Mark May, and also the place where John Elway played his minor league baseball.
6) In case you are wondering, Elway hit .318 with a .432 OB% that year, for a 43-33 Oneonta team that was managed by former White Sox CF Ken Berry.
5) Drew Pomeranz has pitched well for San Diego but they haven't hit much for him; in Pomeranz' last four starts, a total of seven runs have scored.
4) Stan Musial hit three homers in a game at age 42, the oldest player to do so.
3) Angels are 22-1 in Mike Trout's career when he scores 3+ runs in a game.
2) Not only did Texas A&M's basketball team lose four senior starters this year, three of their assistant coaches also bolted for other jobs, so Billy Kennedy is totally rebuilding his program- he hired Don Maestri, who coached Troy State for 30 years and will now be someone Kennedy can lean on for advice. .
1) Chargers signed Zach Mettenberger as a backup QB; Giants/Bengals also had interest n the former LSU signal-caller. Backing up Philip Rivers seems like good duty; Rivers has started every San Diego game for the last decade.
WNBA
Long Sheet
Friday, May 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOS ANGELES (15 - 22) at WASHINGTON (19 - 18) - 5/20/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 80-110 ATS (-41.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 153-194 ATS (-60.4 Units) after scoring 75 points or more since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 279-336 ATS (-90.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-1 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 3-1 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTA (15 - 19) at INDIANA (26 - 19) - 5/20/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 6-3 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 5-4 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEATTLE (10 - 24) at PHOENIX (22 - 16) - 5/20/2016, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in road games in May games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 14-28 ATS (-16.8 Units) in road games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
SEATTLE is 69-96 ATS (-36.6 Units) in road games after a division game since 1997.
PHOENIX is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in May games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 8-1 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 9-0 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WNBA
Friday, May 20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta's last 12 games on the road
Atlanta is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Indiana's last 17 games at home
7:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. WASHINGTON
Los Angeles is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
10:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. PHOENIX
Seattle is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Seattle is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing Seattle
Phoenix is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
WNBA
Dunkel
Friday, May 20
Seattle @ Phoenix
Game 605-606
May 20, 2016 @ 10:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
101.466
Phoenix
115.372
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix
by 14
153
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 11 1/2
160 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(-11 1/2); Under
Los Angeles @ Washington
Game 601-602
May 20, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
112.032
Washington
110.103
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles
by 2
150
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
by 6
155 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+6); Under
Atlanta @ Indiana
Game 603-604
May 20, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
114.656
Indiana
110.667
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 4
157
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 6
162
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+6); Under
Long Sheet
Friday, May 20
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOS ANGELES (15 - 22) at WASHINGTON (19 - 18) - 5/20/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 16-28 ATS (-14.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 80-110 ATS (-41.0 Units) after a win by 10 points or more since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 153-194 ATS (-60.4 Units) after scoring 75 points or more since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 2-10 ATS (-9.0 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 17-7 ATS (+9.3 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
WASHINGTON is 279-336 ATS (-90.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
WASHINGTON is 3-1 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
WASHINGTON is 3-1 straight up against LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
3 of 4 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATLANTA (15 - 19) at INDIANA (26 - 19) - 5/20/2016, 7:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 15-6 ATS (+8.4 Units) off an upset win as an underdog over the last 3 seasons.
ATLANTA is 14-5 ATS (+8.5 Units) as an underdog over the last 2 seasons.
Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 6-3 against the spread versus ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 5-4 straight up against ATLANTA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEATTLE (10 - 24) at PHOENIX (22 - 16) - 5/20/2016, 10:00 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SEATTLE is 5-15 ATS (-11.5 Units) in road games in May games since 1997.
SEATTLE is 14-28 ATS (-16.8 Units) in road games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
SEATTLE is 69-96 ATS (-36.6 Units) in road games after a division game since 1997.
PHOENIX is 13-25 ATS (-14.5 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 9-18 ATS (-10.8 Units) as a favorite over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 12-29 ATS (-19.9 Units) in May games since 1997.
Head-to-Head Series History
PHOENIX is 8-1 against the spread versus SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
PHOENIX is 9-0 straight up against SEATTLE over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WNBA
Friday, May 20
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7:00 PM
ATLANTA vs. INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Atlanta's last 12 games on the road
Atlanta is 8-16 SU in its last 24 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone OVER in 14 of Indiana's last 17 games at home
7:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. WASHINGTON
Los Angeles is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Los Angeles's last 5 games when playing on the road against Washington
The total has gone OVER in 7 of Washington's last 10 games when playing Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Washington's last 5 games
10:00 PM
SEATTLE vs. PHOENIX
Seattle is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Phoenix
Seattle is 1-8 ATS in its last 9 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 6 games when playing Seattle
Phoenix is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
WNBA
Dunkel
Friday, May 20
Seattle @ Phoenix
Game 605-606
May 20, 2016 @ 10:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Seattle
101.466
Phoenix
115.372
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Phoenix
by 14
153
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Phoenix
by 11 1/2
160 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Phoenix
(-11 1/2); Under
Los Angeles @ Washington
Game 601-602
May 20, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Los Angeles
112.032
Washington
110.103
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Los Angeles
by 2
150
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Los Angeles
by 6
155 1/2
Dunkel Pick:
Washington
(+6); Under
Atlanta @ Indiana
Game 603-604
May 20, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
Dunkel Rating:
Atlanta
114.656
Indiana
110.667
Dunkel Team:
Dunkel Line:
Dunkel Total:
Atlanta
by 4
157
Vegas Team:
Vegas Line:
Vegas Total:
Indiana
by 6
162
Dunkel Pick:
Atlanta
(+6); Under
Storm's Bird not ready to walk away yet
SEATTLE (AP) Sue Bird understands the Seattle Storm are evolving.
They are moving away from the time when the team was defined by the combination of Bird and Lauren Jackson, arguably the most recognizable set of teammates in the WNBA for nearly a decade, to the period where the team's next generation of No. 1 picks, Jewell Loyd last year and Breanna Stewart this year, are coming to the fore.
None of this needs to be explained to Bird, even as she remains one of the premier players in the league.
''She's a legend,'' Stewart said.
Bird began her 15th WNBA season last week in Seattle's season-opening loss at Los Angeles. She's now 35 years old, surrounded mostly by young players as the Storm continue to rebuild around Loyd and Stewart, who should eventually be the reason the Storm rediscover success.
But Bird still remains the American standard for point guards. It's why she's on yet another Olympic team bound for Brazil later this summer. And it's why Bird will be the one to decide when she's ready to walk away from the professional game.
When she re-signed with Seattle in the offseason, Bird made certain she had a multi-year deal. She didn't want her contract status to determine when the final year of her career arrives.
''Truthfully, the way I view it is a one-year plan. Everybody has their own (way). Tamika Catchings is an example of somebody who announced her retirement early. Then Ray Allen is somebody I communicate with and he is somebody that never announced it. Just stopped. But that was what was right for him,'' Bird said.
''I think every player when it comes to their retirement only knows how they are going to feel and how they want to do it. And right now what is working for me in my own little mind is a one-year plan. So I'm going to take it one year at a time and see how I feel health-wise and see how I feel mentally even and just go small little portions of time at a time. The multi-year deal, all that really did was not have my retirement (dictated) by a contract. What if I signed a one-year? Everybody would be asking about it. Multi-year just gives me the room to make the decision on my own.''
Even with Seattle's potential after rebuilding through the draft, Bird has been exposed to a level of losing the past two seasons that she's never faced before in her career. When she arrived in the WNBA as a rookie in 2002, the Storm started on a run of 10 straight seasons of finishing with a .500 record or better, including two league titles. Bird and the Storm won at least 16 games in each of her first 12 seasons in the league.
The last two years, Seattle has won 22 combined.
''Even though last year through all the losing it was still an enjoyable experience, and I knew we would be better and I knew it would be more enjoyable,'' Bird said.
Bird has started preparing for when the time comes to step away. She did not go to Europe for the second straight offseason and started working as a television analyst for women's college basketball games on ESPN. Bird already sees that as a way to stay connected whenever she decides to retire.
''The ESPN stuff has been awesome,'' Bird said. ''It definitely gets your juices flowing. Live television; you have to be on and ready. It's kind of cool in that way.''
SEATTLE (AP) Sue Bird understands the Seattle Storm are evolving.
They are moving away from the time when the team was defined by the combination of Bird and Lauren Jackson, arguably the most recognizable set of teammates in the WNBA for nearly a decade, to the period where the team's next generation of No. 1 picks, Jewell Loyd last year and Breanna Stewart this year, are coming to the fore.
None of this needs to be explained to Bird, even as she remains one of the premier players in the league.
''She's a legend,'' Stewart said.
Bird began her 15th WNBA season last week in Seattle's season-opening loss at Los Angeles. She's now 35 years old, surrounded mostly by young players as the Storm continue to rebuild around Loyd and Stewart, who should eventually be the reason the Storm rediscover success.
But Bird still remains the American standard for point guards. It's why she's on yet another Olympic team bound for Brazil later this summer. And it's why Bird will be the one to decide when she's ready to walk away from the professional game.
When she re-signed with Seattle in the offseason, Bird made certain she had a multi-year deal. She didn't want her contract status to determine when the final year of her career arrives.
''Truthfully, the way I view it is a one-year plan. Everybody has their own (way). Tamika Catchings is an example of somebody who announced her retirement early. Then Ray Allen is somebody I communicate with and he is somebody that never announced it. Just stopped. But that was what was right for him,'' Bird said.
''I think every player when it comes to their retirement only knows how they are going to feel and how they want to do it. And right now what is working for me in my own little mind is a one-year plan. So I'm going to take it one year at a time and see how I feel health-wise and see how I feel mentally even and just go small little portions of time at a time. The multi-year deal, all that really did was not have my retirement (dictated) by a contract. What if I signed a one-year? Everybody would be asking about it. Multi-year just gives me the room to make the decision on my own.''
Even with Seattle's potential after rebuilding through the draft, Bird has been exposed to a level of losing the past two seasons that she's never faced before in her career. When she arrived in the WNBA as a rookie in 2002, the Storm started on a run of 10 straight seasons of finishing with a .500 record or better, including two league titles. Bird and the Storm won at least 16 games in each of her first 12 seasons in the league.
The last two years, Seattle has won 22 combined.
''Even though last year through all the losing it was still an enjoyable experience, and I knew we would be better and I knew it would be more enjoyable,'' Bird said.
Bird has started preparing for when the time comes to step away. She did not go to Europe for the second straight offseason and started working as a television analyst for women's college basketball games on ESPN. Bird already sees that as a way to stay connected whenever she decides to retire.
''The ESPN stuff has been awesome,'' Bird said. ''It definitely gets your juices flowing. Live television; you have to be on and ready. It's kind of cool in that way.''
WNBA Betting Recap: 5/14-5/15
May 17, 2016
League Betting Notes (Saturday, May 14 through Sunday, May 15)
-- Favorites went 6-1 straight up
-- Favorites went 6-1 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 4-3 SU record
-- Road teams posted a 4-3 ATS record
-- The 'over' went 4-3
Team & League Betting Notes
-- Six of the seven outcomes in the first weekend were decided by double digits.
-- The largest margin took place on Sunday May 15 with the Los Angeles Sparks dominating the Seattle Storm 96-66 in wire-to-wire fashion.
-- The New York Liberty opened the season with back-to-back victories, beating Washington 87-76 on the road before knocking off Dallas 79-71 at home.
-- The anticipated showdown between the defending WNBA champions Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury ended in a blowout. The Lynx hammered the Mercury 96-76 as a four-point home favorite and the ‘over’ (154) connected with help from a big first-half (94 points).
-- The Dallas Wings, formerly the Tulsa Shock, earned its first win of the season with a 90-79 victory on Saturday over Indiana. The Wings were the only underdog (+4) to cash over weekend.
May 17, 2016
League Betting Notes (Saturday, May 14 through Sunday, May 15)
-- Favorites went 6-1 straight up
-- Favorites went 6-1 against the spread (ATS)
-- Home teams posted a 4-3 SU record
-- Road teams posted a 4-3 ATS record
-- The 'over' went 4-3
Team & League Betting Notes
-- Six of the seven outcomes in the first weekend were decided by double digits.
-- The largest margin took place on Sunday May 15 with the Los Angeles Sparks dominating the Seattle Storm 96-66 in wire-to-wire fashion.
-- The New York Liberty opened the season with back-to-back victories, beating Washington 87-76 on the road before knocking off Dallas 79-71 at home.
-- The anticipated showdown between the defending WNBA champions Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury ended in a blowout. The Lynx hammered the Mercury 96-76 as a four-point home favorite and the ‘over’ (154) connected with help from a big first-half (94 points).
-- The Dallas Wings, formerly the Tulsa Shock, earned its first win of the season with a 90-79 victory on Saturday over Indiana. The Wings were the only underdog (+4) to cash over weekend.
Preview: Sparks (1-0) at Mystics (0-2)
Date: May 20, 2016 7:00 PM EDT
The Los Angeles Sparks opened this season in dominant fashion behind a sparkling performance from Candace Parker.
The Sparks try to continue that momentum in Friday night's opener to a four-game road trip while dropping the Washington Mystics to 0-3.
Los Angeles blew out Seattle 96-66 on Sunday with Parker scoring 34 points on 12-of-20 shooting. She also had five rebounds, four assists and three steals as the Sparks forced 24 turnovers.
Parker is perhaps trying to show why it was a mistake to leave her off the United States' Olympic roster for the Rio Games this summer. Los Angeles will try to harness that potential motivation into a successful trek.
The Sparks are already off to a better start than last year's 0-7 mark, the worst in franchise history, and Parker rested for the first 16 games in 2015. The team also played without Alana Beard, Kristi Toliver and Nneka Ogwumike at times during that miserable beginning.
Among Los Angeles' early losses last season was an 84-80 defeat at Washington on June 23.
The Sparks, though, ended a three-game losing streak in the series with a 93-91 victory Sept. 3. Parker registered 26 points, 11 rebounds and six assists while Ogwumike had 24 points and 10 boards.
This time, they face a Mystics team that struggled to contain its two opponents in a season-opening three-game homestand. Washington fell 87-77 to Dallas on Wednesday and 87-76 to New York on Saturday.
The Mystics faced a manageable three-point deficit with 3:44 remaining against the Wings but gave up baskets on three straight possessions.
"We do not have time to dwell on the past because the next (game) is right in front of you," coach Mike Thibault said. "We just have to try and be better next time. I am frustrated with some of the mental breakdowns that have occurred that I think are correctable. I have faith we will figure this out."
Tayler Hill has scored 20 points in each of the first two games after averaging 7.5 in 2015. Emma Meesseman tallied 19 against Dallas and totaled 39 in last season's series against Los Angeles.
The Mystics haven't started 0-3 since dropping their first eight games in 2007.
Date: May 20, 2016 7:00 PM EDT
The Los Angeles Sparks opened this season in dominant fashion behind a sparkling performance from Candace Parker.
The Sparks try to continue that momentum in Friday night's opener to a four-game road trip while dropping the Washington Mystics to 0-3.
Los Angeles blew out Seattle 96-66 on Sunday with Parker scoring 34 points on 12-of-20 shooting. She also had five rebounds, four assists and three steals as the Sparks forced 24 turnovers.
Parker is perhaps trying to show why it was a mistake to leave her off the United States' Olympic roster for the Rio Games this summer. Los Angeles will try to harness that potential motivation into a successful trek.
The Sparks are already off to a better start than last year's 0-7 mark, the worst in franchise history, and Parker rested for the first 16 games in 2015. The team also played without Alana Beard, Kristi Toliver and Nneka Ogwumike at times during that miserable beginning.
Among Los Angeles' early losses last season was an 84-80 defeat at Washington on June 23.
The Sparks, though, ended a three-game losing streak in the series with a 93-91 victory Sept. 3. Parker registered 26 points, 11 rebounds and six assists while Ogwumike had 24 points and 10 boards.
This time, they face a Mystics team that struggled to contain its two opponents in a season-opening three-game homestand. Washington fell 87-77 to Dallas on Wednesday and 87-76 to New York on Saturday.
The Mystics faced a manageable three-point deficit with 3:44 remaining against the Wings but gave up baskets on three straight possessions.
"We do not have time to dwell on the past because the next (game) is right in front of you," coach Mike Thibault said. "We just have to try and be better next time. I am frustrated with some of the mental breakdowns that have occurred that I think are correctable. I have faith we will figure this out."
Tayler Hill has scored 20 points in each of the first two games after averaging 7.5 in 2015. Emma Meesseman tallied 19 against Dallas and totaled 39 in last season's series against Los Angeles.
The Mystics haven't started 0-3 since dropping their first eight games in 2007.
Preview: Dream (1-0) at Fever (1-1)
Date: May 20, 2016 7:00 PM EDT
It didn't take long for Layshia Clarendon to win over her new teammates and now she can show her former team how much she has improved.
The Atlanta Dream guard returns to face the Indiana Fever for the first time Friday night after an impressive debut with her new club.
Atlanta (1-0) acquired Clarendon from Indiana on May 10 in exchange for a second-round pick. She spent her first three seasons with the Fever after being drafted ninth overall in 2013.
Clarendon came off the bench for 12 points in Saturday's 73-63 overtime win at San Antonio, including a three-point play to start the extra session that put the Dream ahead for good.
She said there's been no jealousy from Atlanta with the newcomer quickly becoming a key figure.
"The girls believed in me too, it's not like they're, 'who's this kid who just came in and we're giving her the ball all of a sudden,'" Clarendon said. "I worked really hard in the offseason so I think this is my chance to be (in) my fourth year and really make a name."
Atlanta held a 12-2 scoring advantage in overtime. Angel McCoughtry led the Dream with 15 points.
"Overtime it was just about coming out and doing the things that we've been doing," coach Michael Cooper said.
Rookie first-round pick Bria Holmes had a busy weekend, scoring seven points in her debut one day before she graduated from West Virginia.
The Fever (1-1) posted their first victory, 97-93 over Phoenix on Wednesday. Shenise Johnson, Erica Wheeler and Devereaux Peters all scored 16 points and Erlana Larkins had 11 and 10 rebounds for her second straight double-double.
Indiana finished with a franchise-record seven players scoring in double digits.
"We try to play unselfish offensively and the result is seven players in double figures," Johnson said. "And you know, it won't be that every night but the important thing is that we're moving the ball and that we're playing together."
Indiana captured three of four 2015 meetings with Atlanta, splitting two at home.
Date: May 20, 2016 7:00 PM EDT
It didn't take long for Layshia Clarendon to win over her new teammates and now she can show her former team how much she has improved.
The Atlanta Dream guard returns to face the Indiana Fever for the first time Friday night after an impressive debut with her new club.
Atlanta (1-0) acquired Clarendon from Indiana on May 10 in exchange for a second-round pick. She spent her first three seasons with the Fever after being drafted ninth overall in 2013.
Clarendon came off the bench for 12 points in Saturday's 73-63 overtime win at San Antonio, including a three-point play to start the extra session that put the Dream ahead for good.
She said there's been no jealousy from Atlanta with the newcomer quickly becoming a key figure.
"The girls believed in me too, it's not like they're, 'who's this kid who just came in and we're giving her the ball all of a sudden,'" Clarendon said. "I worked really hard in the offseason so I think this is my chance to be (in) my fourth year and really make a name."
Atlanta held a 12-2 scoring advantage in overtime. Angel McCoughtry led the Dream with 15 points.
"Overtime it was just about coming out and doing the things that we've been doing," coach Michael Cooper said.
Rookie first-round pick Bria Holmes had a busy weekend, scoring seven points in her debut one day before she graduated from West Virginia.
The Fever (1-1) posted their first victory, 97-93 over Phoenix on Wednesday. Shenise Johnson, Erica Wheeler and Devereaux Peters all scored 16 points and Erlana Larkins had 11 and 10 rebounds for her second straight double-double.
Indiana finished with a franchise-record seven players scoring in double digits.
"We try to play unselfish offensively and the result is seven players in double figures," Johnson said. "And you know, it won't be that every night but the important thing is that we're moving the ball and that we're playing together."
Indiana captured three of four 2015 meetings with Atlanta, splitting two at home.
