Cnotes 2013 WNBA Best Bets + News,Stats Etc. !!

[CNOTES]

Mercury-Lynx Preview

Posted Jul 06 2013 1:45PM

The Phoenix Mercury have bounced back nicely from their worst start in five seasons.

However, they still haven't found a way to defeat the Minnesota Lynx.

Phoenix will try to extend its longest winning streak in two seasons to six - and take over the top spot in the Western Conference - Sunday night against a Lynx team that's posted a franchise-record 13 consecutive victories at home.

Expectations were high after the Mercury (8-4) chose Baylor's Brittany Griner with the No. 1 overall pick, but they struggled to integrate the 6-foot-8 center into the offense. They averaged 77.0 points while opening 0-3 for the first time since an 0-4 start to 2008.

Phoenix, though, has picked up the pace, scoring 90.3 per game during an 8-1 run.

"(Starting with three losses is) not what we felt we deserved," Diana Taurasi, the league leader with 23.0 points per game, told the team's official website following Tuesday's 94-87 victory New York.

"We were working hard, but we weren't putting all the energy into the right place. I think now you can see it, you can feel it. And we'll just have to keep our heads low and keep grinding away."

Phoenix hasn't won six in a row since July 1-15, 2011. If that's going to change Sunday, the Mercury will have to snap a nine-game skid to Minnesota (7-3) which includes two losses in the 2011 West finals. Phoenix has dropped both meetings this season - 99-79 at Minneapolis on June 6 and 80-69 at home June 19 in its lowest-scoring game of the season.

Minnesota has split four games since then, getting routed twice at Los Angeles in that stretch. After losing 87-59 to the Sparks on June 21, the two-time defending West champs fell 96-66 on Tuesday. It was the most points Minnesota has surrendered since a 99-84 loss to San Antonio on Sept. 23.

"It's no surprise that that's why we're giving up so many the other way," said point guard Lindsay Whalen, among the league leaders with 5.2 assists per game. "Whether it's execution or turnovers (13) or whatever it is, we're not able to make it happen. I don't know what it is, but we need to figure it out on the road in general. It's about executing and taking care of the ball. You give up 94 points, it's going to be hard to win any game."

The Lynx, though, are 5-0 at home, holding teams to 73.6 points per game on 38.8 percent shooting. The Mercury hit 41.2 percent June 6 in their fifth consecutive loss - including the playoffs - at Minnesota.

Maya Moore is scoring 24.0 points per game against Phoenix this season, 7.2 more than her team-leading season average.

Taurasi leads all players in the two matchups with 49 points, while Griner has totaled 26 with 12 rebounds.

Phoenix's last victory in this series was 85-80 at home Aug. 9, 2011. That ended Minnesota's then-franchise record of nine straight wins.

 

[CNOTES]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

07/06/13 6-*0-*0 100.00% +*3000 Detail
07/04/13 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
07/02/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*850 Detail

Totals 11-*5-*0 68.75% +2750


Sunday, July 7

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Chicago - 3:00 PM ET New York +1.5 500 POD # 4

New York - Under 152 500 POD # 3



Phoenix - 7:00 PM ET Minnesota -8 500 POD # 1

Minnesota - Under 175.5 500 POD # 2

 

[CNOTES]

Storm-Liberty Preview

Posted Jul 08 2013 6:28PM

The New York Liberty and Seattle Storm each have been plagued by turnover problems recently and have been unable to overcome them during unproductive stretches.

New York looks to avoid a sixth loss in seven games Tuesday night as it hosts a Seattle squad that has dropped four of five.

The Liberty (5-7) are committing a WNBA-worst 18.5 turnovers per game and finished with 15 in a 93-64 loss to Chicago on Sunday. It was their first home game since a four-game road trip, with the only positive result being a 67-62 victory June 28 at Seattle.

New York shot 33.3 percent from the field after shooting at least 43.0 percent in its previous five games.

"I tried to impress upon them they had to come and push through anything and we did not," coach Bill Laimbeer said. "I'm disappointed in not showing up. We didn't show up to win the game, we showed up to play the game.''

New York has three games left on what could be a key homestand.

"This stretch is big for us as far as positioning in the East,'' Laimbeer said.

The Storm (5-7) haven't been much better lately. They committed a season-worst 26 turnovers in a 62-59 loss to Washington on Saturday and are averaging only 64.6 points over their last five contests.

Camille Little had a chance to tie the score with 20.5 seconds remaining, but she missed one of two free throws. Seattle had trailed by as many as 18 points in the first half.

"We put ourselves in a hole and it's a thing we've done continuously all season long,'' said coach Brian Agler, whose team averages 15.1 turnovers. "Sometimes we've found a way to fight back, sometimes we don't.''

Tina Thompson (12.3 points per game), Little (12.0) and Temeka Johnson (11.9) are the team's top scorers, but they combined to score only 21 while shooting 5 of 18 on Saturday.

Shekinna Stricklen, however, scored a season-high 20 points and has continued to impress Agler.

"She's only a year and a half into her WNBA career," Agler said. "She's got great offensive talent, great instincts, and she'll just keep getting better, as well."

Seattle forced 22 turnovers and committed only 10 when it faced New York last month, though Cappie Pondexter's game-high 23 points proved to be too much. She's averaging 23.0 points in her last four.

Johnson scored a season-high 22 points for the Storm in that contest, though Stricklen finished with only three.

 

[CNOTES]

Dream-Lynx Preview

Posted Jul 08 2013 1:13PM

The Atlanta Dream have been rolling without Sancho Lyttle, and they may be even more dangerous with one of the league's best interior threats potentially returning.

The Minnesota Lynx hope Seimone Augustus won't have to miss any time as they seek a seventh straight victory in a battle of the WNBA's two best teams Tuesday night in Minneapolis.

Lyttle was averaging 15.4 points and 9.0 rebounds through five games before leaving to play for Spain's national team. Atlanta (10-1) hasn't skipped a beat without her, though, winning its last six contests, and it could get Lyttle back Tuesday.

Tiffany Hayes scored a game-high 19 points off the bench and Angel McCoughtry added 15 and nine assists as the Dream defeated San Antonio 93-67 on June 30.

"It's special to be 10-1,'' Hayes said. "For us, it's all about effort. Every win is a team win."

McCoughtry has been one of the major reasons for the team's current surge. She's averaging 20.2 points to rank second in the league, and leads the WNBA with 3.7 steals per contest.

Atlanta is holding opponents to a league-low 69.5 points per game and averaging 12.7 steals.

"I'm enjoying our success and staying in the moment,'' McCoughtry said. "It's a great feeling.''

The Dream have had eight days off heading into a stretch of four straight road games, though McCoughtry doesn't believe the long layoff will affect the team's momentum.

"Everybody can use a break,'' McCoughtry said. "Our bodies need it. It's a long season.''

Minnesota, though, is hoping Augustus doesn't need any time to rest a sprained left ankle she suffered in Sunday's 91-59 rout of Phoenix, which boosted the Lynx to 6-0 at home. She left with 7:01 remaining in the second quarter and did not return, though X-rays were negative.

Augustus, averaging 15.5 points, was scheduled to have an MRI on Monday to determine her status for this contest, but Minnesota has others waiting to step up if she can't go.

The Lynx (8-3) got a game-high 23 points from Maya Moore to help make up for the loss of Augustus, and Monica Wright, who confirmed her engagement to Oklahoma City star Kevin Durant after the game, scored a season-best 17 points off the bench.

"Coming out of the half we knew we were going to have to collectively step up and continue to bring the energy and aggression Seimone had brought,'' Moore said. "We're confident (Seimone will) make her return. In the meantime we're going to continue to do our best to get wins.''

Though the high-scoring effort was a positive after Minnesota suffered a 96-66 loss to Los Angeles in its previous contest, coach Cheryl Reeve was more impressed with her team's defensive performance.

The Lynx allowed their fewest points of the season and held Diana Taurasi, the WNBA's leading scorer, to just four points.

"Our commitment to the defensive game plan was really fun to watch and really difficult to play against,'' Reeve said.

Minnesota has won the last six meetings with Atlanta, including a three-game sweep in the 2011 WNBA finals.

 

[CNOTES]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

07/07/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
07/06/13 6-*0-*0 100.00% +*3000 Detail
07/04/13 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
07/02/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*850 Detail

Totals 13-*7-*0 65.00% +2650


Tuesday, July 9

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Seattle - 7:00 PM ET New York -6 500 POD # 1

New York - Under 141.5 500 POD # 2



Atlanta - 9:00 PM ET Atlanta +5 500 POD # 3

Minnesota - Over 159.5 500 POD # 4

 

[CNOTES]

Mystics-Sky Preview

Posted Jul 09 2013 1:47PM

The Chicago Sky have never qualified for the postseason, but that drought has a good chance of coming to an end with rookie Elena Delle Donne leading the way.

She'll look to help guide Chicago to a fifth win in six tries and 10th victory in its last 11 meetings with the visiting Washington Mystics on Wednesday afternoon.

Chicago's first seven WNBA seasons each ended with a sub.-500 record and without a playoff berth. After a third straight 14-20 campaign in 2012 it was afforded the opportunity to draft Delle Donne with the No. 2 overall pick, and she has been a key cog in the team's turnaround.

The Sky (8-4) are in second place in the Eastern Conference and coming off a 93-64 win over New York on Sunday, as Delle Donne scored a game-high 20 points.

``That was the prize,'' coach Pokey Chatman said of drafting the 6-foot-5 star out of Delaware. ``That was the blessing in disguise with the disappointment. Get a player like Delle Donne and also have that sour taste in your mouth from returning players. It worked out.''

Delle Donne is among the league leaders in scoring, averaging 18.9 points, and one of the leading vote-getters for the July 27 All-Star Game.

``Making the playoffs is always a goal,'' said Epiphanny Prince, who added 18 points Sunday. ``Having Elena now gives us another big offensive threat.''

Delle Donne hasn't been concerned with individual accolades and has remained focused on helping Chicago make its first playoff appearance.

Four players scored in double figures against the Liberty, as Swin Cash finished with 12 points and Sylvia Fowles scored 10 in limited minutes after missing a 69-60 loss to Seattle on July 2 with a sprained right ankle.

"We showed this team can be incredible when we're all on, and (we) have to figure out how to do that all the time,'' Delle Donne said.

The Sky have a solid recent history against the Mystics and won three of four meetings last season. Fowles averaged 18.3 points and 14.7 rebounds in the three games she played.

Washington (6-6) is a much different team this year under first-year coach Mike Thibault, though, having exceeded last season's win total with Saturday's 62-59 win over Seattle.

The victory gave Thibault a WNBA-record 212 career victories, surpassing former Houston Comets coach Van Chancellor.

"I plan on being around hopefully to see 300 wins or 400 wins," Thibault said.

The Mystics got 12 points from Crystal Langhorne and 11 from Ivory Latta as the team overcame shooting a season-worst 32.7 percent. They have won two straight after a five-game losing streak largely because of defense, though, also beating Tulsa 84-61 on June 30.

Washington allowed an average of 90.4 points during its skid.

``It shows that we can dig down deep and play great defense even when you're not scoring,'' Langhorne said. ``For a lot of teams when you don't score, you don't play defense either.''

The Mystics may have a tough time slowing down Chicago, which is averaging 83.5 points its last four games.

 

[CNOTES]

Silver Stars-Mercury Preview

Posted Jul 09 2013 3:54PM

About the only positive the Phoenix Mercury are drawing from their latest performance is that duplicating such a poor effort would be quite difficult.

The tough hits keep on coming for the struggling San Antonio Silver Stars, though.

Phoenix looks to bounce back from its worst loss of the year Wednesday when it hosts San Antonio, which recently learned veteran Becky Hammon will miss the rest of the season.

Diana Taurasi was averaging a league-best 23.0 points, and Phoenix had scored an average of 91.4 over its five-game winning streak before being routed by Minnesota 91-59 on Sunday.

The Mercury (8-5) were held 10 points below their previous season low and committed a season-worst 21 turnovers. Taurasi finished with four points and hit 2 of 6 from the field.

Phoenix attempted only five three throws - none by Taurasi - compared to Minnesota's 35.

"That's just me not being aggressive," said Taurasi, who still leads the WNBA at 21.5 points per game. "I have to do a better job of being aggressive and finding better spots to get more shots up."

Candice Dupree had a team-best 12 points and Brittney Griner finished with a season-high 11 rebounds but had a season-low eight points.

Coach Corey Gaines said he won't dwell on the poor performance.

"Just had a bad game," Gaines said. "We hadn't had one in a long time. A trash game. That's it. We have been getting better as the season goes on."

The Silver Stars (3-8) can't say the same, having lost three straight and seven of eight. They were routed 93-66 at Los Angeles on Saturday and lost Hammon to a torn left ACL in the second quarter.

The seven-time All-Star was playing in her first game after missing the first 10 with a broken finger. Hammon's loss marks another in a long list of injuries for San Antonio, which also has been without Sophia Young due to a torn ACL.

DeLisha Milton-Jones (leg), Shenise Johnson (knee) and Jayne Appel (concussion) were able to return for the last contest, though.

"We've been given some blows this year thus far that kind of seem unfair," said Milton-Jones, who scored 20 points Saturday. "For one team to have this many adverse situations thrown at us when it comes to dealing with injuries. Becky is definitely a key part of everything that we have here and we were anxiously awaiting her return."

San Antonio gave Phoenix a tough challenge in the first meeting, but Griner finished with 26 points, seven boards and five blocks in the Mercury's 83-77 win June 25.

Danielle Robinson, the WNBA leader in assists at 6.6 per game, handed out 10 for the Silver Stars and shared the team lead of 15 points with Danielle Adams and Shameka Christon.

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA
Dunkel

San Antonio at Phoenix
The Mercury look to take advantage of a San Antonio team that is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games against Western Conference opponents. Phoenix is the pick (-12 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the Mercury favored by 14 1/2. Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-12 1/2). Here are all of today's picks

WEDNESDAY, JULY 10

Game 601-602: Washington at Chicago (12:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Washington 108.887; Chicago 115.373
Dunkel Line & Total: Chicago by 6 1/2; 162
Vegas Line & Total: Chicago by 9 1/2; 157 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Washington (+9 1/2); Over

Game 603-604: San Antonio at Phoenix (3:30 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: San Antonio 102.484; Phoenix 117.005
Dunkel Line & Total: Phoenix by 14 1/2; 164
Vegas Line & Total: Phoenix by 12 1/2; 167 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Phoenix (-12 1/2); Under




WNBA
Long Sheet

Wednesday, July 10

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

WASHINGTON (6 - 6) at CHICAGO (8 - 4) - 7/10/2013, 12:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
WASHINGTON is 232-286 ATS (-82.6 Units) in all games since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 145-188 ATS (-61.8 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 19-36 ATS (-20.6 Units) on Wednesday since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 39-67 ATS (-34.7 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
WASHINGTON is 144-184 ATS (-58.4 Units) vs. division opponents since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
CHICAGO is 5-3 against the spread versus WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
CHICAGO is 7-1 straight up against WASHINGTON over the last 3 seasons
5 of 8 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SAN ANTONIO (3 - 8) at PHOENIX (8 - 5) - 7/10/2013, 3:35 PM
Top Trends for this game.
SAN ANTONIO is 20-9 ATS (+10.1 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 19-10 ATS (+8.0 Units) in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 13-3 ATS (+9.7 Units) revenging a home loss versus opponent over the last 3 seasons.
SAN ANTONIO is 14-3 ATS (+10.7 Units) in road games versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.
PHOENIX is 15-32 ATS (-20.2 Units) in all games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 5-17 ATS (-13.7 Units) in home games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 5-16 ATS (-12.6 Units) in a home game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 11-21 ATS (-12.1 Units) in May, June, or July games over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 8-21 ATS (-15.1 Units) vs. division opponents over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-20 ATS (-15.0 Units) after a division game over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 13-27 ATS (-16.7 Units) after allowing 75 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 7-17 ATS (-11.7 Units) after a loss by 10 points or more over the last 2 seasons.
PHOENIX is 6-16 ATS (-11.6 Units) when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
SAN ANTONIO is 6-4 against the spread versus PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
SAN ANTONIO is 6-4 straight up against PHOENIX over the last 3 seasons
6 of 10 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




WNBA

Wednesday, July 10

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:30 PM
WASHINGTON vs. CHICAGO
Washington is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Chicago
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington's last 7 games when playing Chicago
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games at home
Chicago is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games when playing Washington

3:30 PM
SAN ANTONIO vs. PHOENIX
San Antonio is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of San Antonio's last 7 games when playing Phoenix
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Phoenix's last 7 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Phoenix's last 5 games at home

 

[CNOTES]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

07/09/13 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*950 Detail
07/07/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
07/06/13 6-*0-*0 100.00% +*3000 Detail
07/04/13 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
07/02/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*850 Detail

Totals 16-*8-*0 66.67% +3600


Wednesday, July 10

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Washington - 12:30 PM ET Chicago -9 500 POD # 3


Chicago - Under 157 500 POD # 4




San Antonio - 3:30 PM ET San Antonio +12 500 POD # 1


Phoenix - Under 167.5 500 POD # 2

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA
Dunkel

Los Angeles at Tulsa
The Shock look to take advantage of a Los Angeles team that is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 road games. Tulsa is the pick (+7 1/2) according to Dunkel, which has the game Even. Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+7 1/2). Here are all of today's picks

THURSDAY, JULY 11

Game 651-652: Minnesota at Indiana (12:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 118.861; Indiana 110.102
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 9; 144
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 4 1/2; 149 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-4 1/2); Under

Game 653-654: Los Angeles at Tulsa (9:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Los Angeles 113.229; Tulsa 113.665
Dunkel Line & Total: Even; 170
Vegas Line & Total: Los Angeles by 7 1/2; 163 1/2
Dunkel Pick: Tulsa (+7 1/2); Over




WNBA
Long Sheet

Thursday, July 11

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (9 - 3) at INDIANA (4 - 7) - 7/11/2013, 12:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 62-88 ATS (-34.8 Units) in July games since 1997.
INDIANA is 86-124 ATS (-50.4 Units) as an underdog since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
INDIANA is 4-4 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 4-4 straight up against MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
4 of 8 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LOS ANGELES (8 - 4) at TULSA (3 - 11) - 7/11/2013, 9:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
LOS ANGELES is 14-26 ATS (-14.6 Units) in road games over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 10-24 ATS (-16.4 Units) in a road game where where the total is greater than or equal to 150 over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 21-38 ATS (-20.8 Units) in road games when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 8-19 ATS (-12.9 Units) in road games vs. division opponents over the last 3 seasons.
LOS ANGELES is 27-47 ATS (-24.7 Units) in road games after a win by 10 points or more since 1997.
LOS ANGELES is 2-9 ATS (-7.9 Units) in road games when playing against a team with a losing record over the last 2 seasons.
TULSA is 6-0 ATS (+6.0 Units) vs. division opponents this season.

Head-to-Head Series History
TULSA is 8-0 against the spread versus LOS ANGELES over the last 3 seasons
LOS ANGELES is 7-3 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
5 of 9 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




WNBA

Thursday, July 11

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. INDIANA
The total has gone OVER in 11 of Minnesota's last 16 games when playing Indiana
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
Indiana is 14-6 SU in its last 20 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games at home

9:00 PM
LOS ANGELES vs. TULSA
Los Angeles is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
Los Angeles is 0-5 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
Tulsa is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Los Angeles
The total has gone OVER in 8 of Tulsa's last 12 games at home

 

[CNOTES]

Lynx-Fever Preview

Posted Jul 10 2013 2:12PM

Following a big home win over the WNBA's current top team, the Minnesota Lynx are hoping to be at full strength as they try to knock off the defending champions.

Seimone Augustus likely will be a game-time decision for the Lynx on Thursday when they visit the Indiana Fever in the teams' first meeting since Indiana won the 2012 WNBA Finals.

Playing without its second-leading scorer, Minnesota (9-3) rolled to its second straight victory - routing Atlanta 94-72 on Tuesday in a battle between the league's two best clubs.

Monica Wright filled the void of Augustus' absence with a season-high 22 points. Wright, who recently confirmed her engagement to Oklahoma City star Kevin Durant, has totaled 39 points on 13-of-22 shooting and six steals in the last two games.

Lindsay Whalen added 20 points and Maya Moore, the team's leading scorer at 17.5 per game, chipped in 19.

"(Wright) was great and it's not a surprise to us when she steps into the starting lineup and does this for us,'' said Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve. "She was really pleased with her defense and her overall game. And this game was for Seimone.''

Reeve said Augustus, who sprained her left ankle in Sunday's win over Phoenix, will travel with the team as it begins a four-game road trip to Indiana, Tulsa, San Antonio and Phoenix, but gave no timetable for her return. If the 2011 WNBA Finals MVP is unable to play, Minnesota may need another solid effort from Wright against an Indiana team that has been tough on the defensive end.

The Fever (4-7) limited Connecticut to 23 first-half points en route to a 78-66 home win Saturday and has held opponents to 66.0 points per game during their season-best three game winning streak.

Tamika Catchings, who averaged 22.3 points against the Lynx while earning WNBA Finals MVP last year, has keyed her team's recent resurgence. She's scored 22.7 points per game on 47.6 percent shooting over the past three contests after missing the previous two because of a lower back injury.

Catchings also matched a season high with six steals in Saturday's win and is second in the league with 3.2 per game.

"It's what we've talked about a lot - just getting better as a team," Catchings said. "The progression the last three or four games, you sort of see people coming out of their shells."

Injuries, however, have prevented Indiana from getting back to a championship level. Katie Douglas (back), Erin Phillips (torn right meniscus), Jeanette Pohlen (torn left ACL) and Jessica Davenport (left tibia stress fracture) are all currently sidelined.

While the Lynx rank near the top of the WNBA with 83.8 points per game while shooting 44.9 percent, they've averaged 62.5 points on 35.1 percent shooting - including 3 for 24 from 3-point range - while losing their last two road contests by a combined 58 points.

Minnesota won at Indiana during the 2012 regular season, but lost both contests there during the WNBA Finals.

 

[CNOTES]

Sparks-Shock Preview

Posted Jul 10 2013 3:42PM

While the Los Angeles Sparks have seemed to be unbeatable at home, they haven't been able to carry that success to the road.

The Sparks will try to finally break through on an opponent's court Thursday night when they take on the WNBA-worst Tulsa Shock.

Los Angeles (8-4) continued its home dominance with Saturday's 93-66 victory over San Antonio that extended the franchise's regular-season home winning streak to 18.

Nneka Ogwumike had season highs with 24 points and 16 rebounds, while Candace Parker added 18 and nine as the Sparks won their third in a row.

Los Angeles has won its eight home games by an average of 22.4 points but has been outscored by 14.3 in dropping its four road contests. The Sparks haven't been nearly as effective offensively on the road, scoring 76.3 per game compared to 89.3 at home.

They're hoping to end that trend against a Tulsa team that is among the league leaders with an average of 83.7 points allowed.

"That's the one thing we discussed after the game is that we need to be road warriors," said Ogwumike, who has totaled 39 points in her last two games. "So we want to come out and practice hard. Coach (Carol Ross) said we're going to work on the fundamentals when we come back from our day off and bring it to the road because Tulsa's going to be hard to win at their place."

Los Angeles had a difficult time putting the Shock (3-11) away June 8 before finally outscoring them 10-3 in overtime for a 76-69 home victory.

Kristi Toliver led the way for the Sparks with 21 points, Lindsey Harding had 20 and Parker added 17 and 13 rebounds.

Glory Johnson, who leads Tulsa with 16.5 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, finished with a team-best 17 points and eight boards.

Johnson, though, will attempt to end her recent slump as she's averaging 9.7 points on 9-of-34 shooting in her last three games.

The Shock return home after capping an 0-4 road trip with an 88-69 loss to Connecticut on July 2.

Rookie guard Skylar Diggins struggled again with four points on 1-of-8 shooting. Diggins, the third overall pick in the 2013 draft, has totaled eight points on 3-of-19 shooting in her last three contests.

Although the Shock have averaged 66.3 points in their last three road games, they've scored 92.7 per game in their last three at home.

They'll try to avoid their longest losing streak of the season by winning their third straight on their own floor.

Los Angeles and Tulsa split four meetings last season with the home team earning the victory in each. Toliver averaged 20.0 points for the Sparks in the season series.

Guard Riquna Williams, who paced the Shock with 23 points against the Sun, scored 16.8 per game versus Los Angeles last season.

 

[CNOTES]

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

07/10/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
07/09/13 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*950 Detail
07/07/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
07/06/13 6-*0-*0 100.00% +*3000 Detail
07/04/13 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
07/02/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*850 Detail

Totals 17-*11-*0 60.71% +2450


Thursday, July 11

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Minnesota - 12:00 PM ET Minnesota -4.5 500 POD # 4


Indiana - Under 148 500 POD # 3


Los Angeles - 9:00 PM ET Tulsa +7.5 500 POD # 1


Tulsa - Over 163 500 POD # 2

 

[varkeyboy]

Nice 2-0 start my friend! Stay HOT!

 

[CNOTES]

Wazzzzzzzzzzzzzzz up Varkey Boy................

Date WLT Pct Net Units Record

07/11/13 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*950 Detail
07/10/13 1-*3-*0 25.00% -*1150 Detail
07/09/13 3-*1-*0 75.00% +*950 Detail
07/07/13 2-*2-*0 50.00% -*100 Detail
07/06/13 6-*0-*0 100.00% +*3000 Detail
07/04/13 0-*2-*0 0.00% -*1100 Detail
07/02/13 5-*3-*0 62.50% +*850 Detail

Totals 20-*12-*0 62.50% +3400


Friday, July 12

Game Score Status Pick Amount

Chicago - 7:00 PM ET Connecticut +4 500 POD # 2


Connecticut - Over 159.5 500 POD # 3


Washington - 8:00 PM ET Washington +3 500 POD # 1


San Antonio - Under 155 500 POD # 4

 

[CNOTES]

Sky-Sun Preview

Posted Jul 11 2013 2:15PM

Following one of her best performances of the season, Sylvia Fowles is poised to follow that up against a team she dominated last time out.

Reigning league MVP Tina Charles, however, might have something to say about that.

Fowles and the Sky look for their sixth win in seven games as they visit Charles and the East Conference-worst Connecticut Sun on Friday night.

After missing a 69-60 loss to Seattle on July 2 with a right ankle sprain and being limited to 10 points in 21 minutes in Sunday's 93-64 win at New York, Fowles appeared fully healthy with a season-high 26 points and 18 rebounds - including a season-best 10 on the offensive end - in an 89-85 victory over Washington on Wednesday.

"She was in beast mode,'' said Chicago coach Pokey Chatman, whose club has averaged 86.8 points while winning five straight with Fowles in the lineup.

Fowles had one of the best games of her career May 31 against the Sun, totaling 24 points and a season-high 22 rebounds in an 86-75 home win. She is one of 10 WNBA players to post a 20-20, which has been done only 13 times in league history.

Rookie Elena Delle Donne, averaging a team-best 18.8 points, had 20 and Epiphanny Prince added 17 for the Sky in that victory as Chicago outrebounded Connecticut 46-32. The two combined to add 33 points in Wednesday's victory over the Mystics as Chicago (9-4), which has never made the playoffs in franchise history, opened up a three-game lead for second place in the East.

Fowles, who leads the WNBA in rebounding at 12.2 per game, and the Sky may be able to continue their strong interior play versus the short-handed Sun (3-8), who have been outscored in the paint by an average of 10.7 points in their last six contests.

Charles had 16 points despite shooting 8 of 24 and pulled down a season-high 15 rebounds in the loss to Chicago. The only player in the top five in the league in both points (18.6) and rebounds (10.4), Charles also has a WNBA-best three career 20-20 games.

The Sun, however, have struggled after reaching the East finals last season, dropping five of six as they continue to play without Kara Lawson (knee), Tan White (broken ring finger) and Renee Montgomery (left ankle sprain).

Allison Hightower and forward Kelsey Griffin each had 17 points in a 78-66 loss at Indiana on Saturday. Charles finished with 14 and six rebounds before getting ejected with two technical fouls early in the fourth quarter.

Hightower, who had a season-high 20 points in this year's loss to the Sky, has made 6 of 9 from beyond the arc in the last two games. The Sun, who have made 12 of 24 from 3-point range their last two games, rank near the top of the WNBA with a 35.5 3-point percentage.

That could be an area of concern for Chicago, which has the second-worst 3-point defensive shooting percentage (36.3).

Without Fowles in two trips to Connecticut last year, Swin Cash totaled 35 points and 21 rebounds to help the Sky earn a split. Charles had 39 and 14, respectively, for the Sun.

 

[CNOTES]

Mystics-Silver Stars Preview

Posted Jul 11 2013 1:43PM

Not much has gone well for the San Antonio Silver Stars this season, but they proved in their most recent contest how well they can play when on top of their game.

The Washington Mystics certainly wish they could play at that level more consistently.

San Antonio seeks a fifth straight victory over Washington when the teams meet Friday night in Texas.

Battling a plethora of injuries - including season-ending ACL tears to Becky Hammon and Sophia Young - the Silver Stars (4-8) have languished near the bottom of the Western Conference while trying to get on track.

But after dropping three straight and seven of its previous eight, San Antonio set a season best for points and beat Phoenix 88-80 on Wednesday. Danielle Adams came off the bench to score a team-high 19 points while helping the Silver Stars score 44 points in the paint.

"We've been getting the ball to our post and hoping we can get some cut action and score off of that," Adams said.

Coach Dan Hughes was more than pleased with the effort as his club shot 53.0 percent from the field. DeLisha Milton-Jones added 16 points while Jayne Appel hit all five of her field-goal attempts.

"To be honest, if you've got six players in double figures you're probably going to have a good day,'' said Hughes, whose team also forced 20 turnovers. "We shot the ball well so it was just one of those games that fell our way.''

That's been the case in each of the last four meetings with Washington, which last beat San Antonio on Aug. 17, 2010 - its only win in the last seven matchups.

The Mystics (6-7) had won two straight to surpass last season's win total, but they fell 89-85 to Chicago on Wednesday despite battling back from a 14-point second-half deficit to even the score with 44 seconds left.

Crystal Langhorne scored 18 points and Ivory Latta added 17 for Washington, which fell to 2-5 on the road.

"It is frustrating,'' said Latta, who averaged just 11.0 points over her previous five games. "You fight back so hard and fall short.''

Inconsistency has been an issue for the Mystics. They won three straight from June 7-16 before allowing an average of 90.4 points during a five-game skid.

They then held Tulsa and Seattle to 61 and 59 points, respectively, before Wednesday's defeat.

Washington's 75-72 loss to San Antonio on Aug. 21 began a 13-game losing streak to end the 2012 season. Langhorne finished with 17 points in that contest while Danielle Robinson had 16 for the Silver Stars.

The teams will meet again Tuesday in the nation's capital in the Mystics' next game. San Antonio will first visit Connecticut on Sunday.

 

[CNOTES]

WNBA
Dunkel

Indiana at New York
The Liberty look to take advantage of an Indiana team that is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games in New York. New York is the pick (-2) according to Dunkel, which has the Liberty favored by 7 1/2. Dunkel Pick: New York (-2). Here are all of today's picks

SATURDAY, JULY 13

Game 651-652: Indiana at New York (6:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Indiana 106.102; New York 113.488
Dunkel Line & Total: New York by 7 1/2; 145
Vegas Line & Total: New York by 2; 139
Dunkel Pick: New York (-2); Over

Game 653-654: Minnesota at Tulsa (8:00 p.m. EST)
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 118.861; Tulsa 106.140
Dunkel Line & Total: Minnesota by 12 1/2; 155
Vegas Line & Total: Minnesota by 10; 160
Dunkel Pick: Minnesota (-10); Under




WNBA
Long Sheet

Saturday, July 13

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INDIANA (4 - 8) at NEW YORK (6 - 7) - 7/13/2013, 6:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
INDIANA is 86-125 ATS (-51.5 Units) as an underdog since 1997.
NEW YORK is 71-48 ATS (+18.2 Units) when playing with 3 or more days rest since 1997.

Head-to-Head Series History
NEW YORK is 7-5 against the spread versus INDIANA over the last 3 seasons
INDIANA is 7-5 straight up against NEW YORK over the last 3 seasons
8 of 12 games in this series have gone OVER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MINNESOTA (10 - 3) at TULSA (3 - 12) - 7/13/2013, 8:05 PM
Top Trends for this game.
MINNESOTA is 63-88 ATS (-33.8 Units) in July games since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 66-92 ATS (-35.2 Units) in road games vs. division opponents since 1997.
MINNESOTA is 21-10 ATS (+10.0 Units) after a non-conference game over the last 3 seasons.
MINNESOTA is 27-14 ATS (+11.6 Units) versus poor defensive teams - allowing 77+ points/game over the last 3 seasons.

Head-to-Head Series History
TULSA is 6-5 against the spread versus MINNESOTA over the last 3 seasons
MINNESOTA is 11-0 straight up against TULSA over the last 3 seasons
6 of 11 games in this series have gone UNDER THE TOTAL over the last 3 seasons

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




WNBA

Saturday, July 13

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trend Report
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6:00 PM
INDIANA vs. NEW YORK
Indiana is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing on the road against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 6 of New York's last 8 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 9 of New York's last 13 games when playing Indiana

8:00 PM
MINNESOTA vs. TULSA
Minnesota is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games when playing Tulsa
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Minnesota's last 13 games when playing on the road against Tulsa
Tulsa is 0-5 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
Tulsa is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games when playing at home against Minnesota

 

[CNOTES]

Fever-Liberty Preview

Posted Jul 12 2013 4:04PM

After numerous injuries led to a disastrous start, the defending champion Indiana Fever are hoping a successful homestand helped them begin to turn the corner.

They just hope it's not too late to make their ninth consecutive trip to the postseason.

The Fever look for their fourth win in five games Saturday night when they visit a New York Liberty team that has lost five of seven.

Following a 1-7 start, Indiana (4-8) opened its four-game homestand with three wins before Thursday's 69-62 loss to Western Conference-best Minnesota.

Despite falling to the Lynx, the Fever had a reason to be optimistic when their starting five from the 2012 finals - Erin Phillips, Briann January, Shavonte Zellous, Tamika Catchings and Erlana Larkins - played together for the first time this season.

Phillips had eight points off the bench in her season debut after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus on May 22.

The Fever, though, continue to play without star guard Katie Douglas, who missed her 10th consecutive game with a bulging disk in her back. Eight different Indiana players have missed time due to injuries.

Catchings, who leads the Fever with 17.8 points per game, looks to bounce back after finishing with a season-low nine points on 2-of-10 shooting against the Lynx.

She had 21 points and eight boards in Indiana's 75-68 overtime loss at New York (6-7) on June 5. The Fever led by 11 late in the third quarter of that contest before missing 13 of 16 field-goal attempts in the fourth.

New York's Essence Carson had a team-high 21 points in that meeting, but she's out for the season with a knee injury.

Indiana still will have to contend with Cappie Pondexter, the Liberty's leader with 18.5 points per game, in her new position. Pondexter started at point guard for the first time in 2013 Tuesday at Seattle, and though she only finished with 13 points on 5-of-19 shooting in the 66-57 win, coach Bill Laimbeer was encouraged.

"I think in the long term, whether the long term is this year or for sure next year, I think that is her position," Laimbeer said. "I think she learned in the last few games, in games that were out of control. She did very well in her first time."

Laimbeer hopes the move can help the team reduce its league-worst 18.5 turnovers per game. Pondexter had a team-high four Tuesday and now faces the Fever, among the WNBA leaders in forcing miscues at 17.0 per game.

The Liberty committed 18 turnovers against the Storm, but forced 19 and held Seattle to 33.9 percent shooting as they ended a season-worst three-game losing streak.

They'll try to put together a similar defensive effort against the Fever, who rank near the bottom of the WNBA with 68.7 points per game.

 

[CNOTES]

Lynx-Shock Preview

Posted Jul 12 2013 2:54PM

Monica Wright made news last week when she confirmed she was engaged to Oklahoma City Thunder start Kevin Durant.

That hasn't caused any distractions on the court for the Minnesota Lynx guard.

Wright and the Western Conference-leading Lynx go for a season-best fourth straight victory and 14th in a row over the conference-worst Tulsa Shock on Saturday night.

With the Lynx (10-3) trading top reserve Candice Wiggins to Tulsa in a three-team offseason deal, Wright has upped her game, averaging career highs of 11.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.4 steals. She's been even better in the starting lineup the last two games with second-leading scorer Seimone Augustus out with a sprained left ankle. Wright has scored 22 points each time, while totaling 12 rebounds, nine assists and six steals.

"We never have to tell Moni to be aggressive. That's just her everyday life, that just what she does,'' coach Cheryl Reeve said Thursday after Minnesota opened its four-game road stretch with a 69-62 victory over Indiana. "She's not doing anything different than if she was coming off the bench. That's nice for us. We basically have six starters.''

If Augustus can't go, Wright will likely be in the first unit again as the two-time defending conference champs make their final appearance in Tulsa this season. Minnesota defeated the host Shock 83-74 on June 14, then won 88-79 nine days later with Augustus and Maya Moore both scoring 22 points, Lindsay Whalen adding 19 and nine assists and Rebekkah Brunson chipping in 11 points and 11 rebounds.

"Just pick your poison with that team,'' rookie point guard Skylar Diggins said after the Lynx denied the Shock a season-best third straight victory.

Minnesota's win streak against Tulsa is tied for third-longest all-time in WNBA history and the longest current active streak for one team over another.

Tulsa's skid has reached a season-high five after losing 94-78 to Los Angeles on Thursday. The Shock (3-12) trailed by 12 after 10 minutes.

"We're just a team that can't have any lapses against these high-level teams," said coach Gary Kloppenburg, whose team was going for a third consecutive home win.

Tulsa also can't afford to keep giving up so many points. The team is among the worst in the league in scoring defense (84.4 ppg) and field goal defense at 47.7 percent.

The Shock are also shooting a league-worst 38.7 percent, but they're making 40.0 percent against the Lynx.

Minnesota, though, has held opponents to 36.2 percent during its winning streak after giving up a season-low 21 field goals Thursday.

"(Our defensive effort has) carried us," Reeve said.

However, slowing down Shock leading scorer and rebounder Glory Johnson has been a problem, as she's totaled 46 points and 17 boards against the Lynx this season.

The second-year forward, though, has missed 27 of 40 field-goal tries and is scoring 10.0 points per game - 6.1 less than her season average - since the June 23 defeat.

The Shock haven't dropped six straight since an 0-9 start last year. Their last win over Minnesota was 92-79 at home June 4, 2010.