sports betting - The Money Baller

As the popularity of sports betting continues to soar and players like Caitlin Clark captivate audiences, the WNBA is experiencing a surge in interest. With the regular season set to kick off on Tuesday, May 14th, The Money Baller is your ultimate destination for comprehensive WNBA coverage. Our team has been at the forefront of analyzing and wagering on the league for several seasons, amassing a wealth of data, insights, and trends to give you the edge against the oddsmakers.

In this season preview, we’ll delve into each of the 12 teams in the WNBA, providing a forecast of their potential standings from bottom to top.

The Money Baller will be offering matchup pages with the same data, stats, and trends as our NBA matchup pages. Basic Access is free for until August 1, which will cover most of the WNBA season. Baller Access gets you access to profitable situational systems and exclusive breakdowns. Click here to sign up!

12. Chicago Sky

2023 Record & Result: 18-22 (8th place); Lost to Las Vegas in 1st Round
Key Additions: Teresa Weatherspoon (Coach), Kamilla Cardoso (Draft), Angel Reese (Draft)
Key Departures: James Wade (Coach), Kahleah Copper (Mercury), Courtney Williams (Lynx), Alanna Smith (Lynx)
The Chicago Sky have entered a full rebuild phase with a new coach. Despite this, they have added promising talents in Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese. However, Cardoso’s contribution will be delayed due to a shoulder injury, sidelining her for 4-6 weeks.
Last season, the Sky surpassed expectations with a 21-16-3 ATS record, despite losing key players like Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot from two seasons ago.
With the departures of Copper and Williams, the Sky’s outlook for the upcoming season looks dim. Yet, if last season’s performance is any indication, they might scrap their way to some backdoor covers.
The Sky held a 17-10 record to the first half (1H) under as underdogs in the previous season.

11. Los Angeles Sparks

2023 Record & Result: 17-23 (9th place); Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: Aari McDonald (Dream), Cameron Brink (Draft), Rickea Jackson (Draft)
Key Departures: Nneka Ogwumike (Storm), Jordin Canada (Dream)
Embracing a youth movement, the team traded former MVP Ogwumike and looking to develop their two draft picks, Brink and Jackson. Their veterans Azura Stevens and Dearica Hamby must set the tone and anchor the defense, and with their new personnel, this team has the potential to be one of the better defensive units in the league.
Last season, they played at a slow pace, evidenced by their 14-6 record to the under at home. This suggests that betting ‘unders’ might be a good look for this squad.

10. Washington Mystics

Key Additions: Aaliyah Edwards (Draft)
Key Departures: Elena Della Donne (Break), Natasha Cloud (Mercury)
The announcement of Delle Donne stepping away from the game this season was met with sadness from The Money Baller team, marking the absence of a true legend in the league. The absence of Delle Donne and Cloud paints a bleak picture for the Mystics’ 2024 prospects, evident in their low regular season win total projection of 11.5 games.
Shakira Austin and Brittney Sykes will be leaned on heavily this season.
Historically, the Mystics have excelled as an ‘unders’ team, boasting a 22-16-2 record to the under.
Last season, the Mystics showed shown strength in the first half, with a 23-17 ATS record. However, their performance dips slightly to 18-22 ATS for full games.

9. Indiana Fever

Key Additions: Caitlin Clark (Draft), Katie Lou Samuelson (FA)
Key Departures: None
There’s considerable hype surrounding Clark and the Indiana Fever, and rightfully so. Expectations are high, which could translate into inflated spreads for the Fever as fans and bettors alike rally behind this sensation. It could be worth fading this team in certain matchups as Clark faces the transition from college to the pros.
Kelsey Mitchell and Erica Wheeler’s leadership will be vital in helping build some synergy with their young stars.

8. Dallas Wings

2023 Record & Result: 22-18 (4th place); Lost to Las Vegas in Semifinals
Key Additions: Jacy Sheldon (Draft)
Key Departures: Crystal Dangerfield (Dream)
The Wings were a fun team last season – showcasing an entertaining run-and-gun style en route to an impressive 22-18 ATS record. Additionally, their games typically went over with a 24-16 record.
Unfortunately, the team faces a setback with the anticipated absence of Satou Sabally, their second-leading scorer, expected to miss time until the Olympic break (at the 25-game mark). Basketball Reference’s On/Off numbers revealed a significant decrease in Net Rating by 9.8 points when she was off the court.
While the Wings still possess a solid roster, Sabally’s absence will undoubtedly pose challenges, making it difficult for them to make that next leap. Arike Ogunbowale and Natasha Howard must continue their high level of play.

7. Minnesota Lynx

2023 Record & Result: 19-21 (tied for 5th place); Lost to Connecticut in 1st Round
Key Additions: Courtney Williams (Sky), Natisha Hiedeman (Sun), Alanna Smith (Sky), Alissa Pili (Draft)
Key Departures: Jessica Shepard (Prioritization Rule), Tiffany Mitchell (Sun), Aerial Powers (Dream)
The Lynx improved their backcourt, complementing star player Napheesa Collier with some solid, underrated acquisitions in Hiedeman and Williams. Anticipate an uptick in offensive performance with the addition of these playmakers to their roster.
Sophomores Diamond Miller and Dorka Juhász’s development in their second seasons is crucial to their success.
Last season, the Lynx’s games leaned towards the over, posting a 23-17 (57.5%) record. Given their upgrades on offense, it wouldn’t be unexpected if they continued trending in the same direction this season.

6. Phoenix Mercury

2023 Record & Result: 9-31 (12th place); Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: Natasha Cloud (Mystics), Rebecca Allen (Sun), Kahleah Copper (Sky), Nate Tibbetts (Coach)
Key Departures: Vanessa Nygaard (Coach), Skylar Diggins-Smith (Storm), Megan Gustafson (Aces)
The Mercury endured a disappointing season, finishing with a league-worst 14-26 ATS record. Expectations were high with Britney Griner’s return, but results fell short.
Their road performance was particularly dismal, with a pathetic 1-19 record SU and 5-15 ATS.
With a new coaching staff in place and notable acquisitions like Cloud and Copper, the Mercury are expected to turn things around. Both have championship experience and bring a winning pedigree to the team. Diana Taurasi and Griner’s health are crucial as they both missed time last season. Their team looks better on paper, but we need to see it on the court.

5. Atlanta Dream

2023 Record & Result: 19-21 (tied for 5th place); Lost to Dallas in 1st Round
Key Additions: Jordin Canada (Sparks), Tina Charles (FA), Aerial Powers (Lynx), Crystal Dangerfield (Wings)
Key Departures: None
Following their early exit from the playoffs, the Dream re-tooled their roster with solid acquisitions during the offseason. On paper, they have a strong and deep squad. If Tina Charles can still contribute at a high level and Rhyne Howard plays at an MVP caliber level, the Dream are poised to make significant noise in the league.
Despite playing at the fastest pace in the league last season, the Dream’s games leaned towards the under, posting a 23-17 record. This was largely attributed to their struggles on the offensive end. When favored, the Dream’s games trended heavily towards the under, with a 13-4 record in such scenarios.
The Dream had a strong contrast between their home and away games last season. They went 11-8-1 ATS at home, but 8-12 ATS on the road.
Much like their NBA counterpart, the Atlanta Hawks, the Dream excel in the first half but tend to falter in the second. Last season, they boasted a strong 23-17 ATS record in the first half, contrasting with 19-20-1 ATS record for full games.

4. Seattle Storm

2023 Record & Result: 11-29 (11th place); Missed Playoffs
Key Additions: Nneka Ogwumike (Sparks), Skylar Diggins-Smith (Mercury)
Key Departures: Gabby Williams (Prioritization Rule)
The Storm have made significant strides this offseason, aiming not just for a postseason return but eyeing a title run. Led by rising star Jewell Loyd, the team added Ogwumike and Diggins-Smith, forming a dangerous Big 3 combination. This infusion of talent addresses a crucial need for a team that ranked last in Offensive Rating last season.
The Storm faced challenges at home last season. They struggled to a 4-16 record and a disappointing 6-14 ATS performance in the first half at home. We expect them to turn it around but is something to monitor this season.

3. Connecticut Sun

2023 Record & Result: 27-13 (3rd place); Lost to New York in Semifinals
Key Additions: Tiffany Mitchell (Lynx), Moriah Jefferson (Mercury)
Key Departures: Natisha Hiedeman (Lynx), Rebecca Allen (Mercury)
Despite the departure of Jonquel Jones, the Sun defied expectations last season, led by the deadly trio of Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, and DeWanna Bonner. They finished with an impressive 27-13 record and ranked in the top four for both Offensive and Defensive Rating.
The Sun largely retained their core roster and didn’t make many significant offseason moves. The return of B. Jones will be crucial to their title chances. While this may not position them with powerhouses like the Aces and Liberty, they remain a disciplined, well-coached team poised for another successful campaign. They’ll need some stronger bench production from DiJontai Carrington and Olivia Nelson-Ododa.
Their performance in terms of totals exhibit intriguing splits last season: They leaned towards the over at home with a 13-6-1 record, while on the road, they trended towards the under with a 12-8 record.

2. New York Liberty

2023 Record & Result: 32-8 (2nd place); Lost to Las Vegas in WNBA Finals
Key Additions: Marquesha Davis (Draft)
Key Departures: Marine Johannes (Prioritization Rule), Stefanie Dolson (Mystics)
The Liberty will be seeking redemption after the loss to the Aces in the Finals last season. With a core consisting of Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Courtney Vandersloot, they aim to maintain that dominance.
Despite an impressive 32-8 record, they fell short of market expectations with a 19-21 ATS performance. However, with a full season to develop chemistry, we anticipate an improved performance this season.
Although the Liberty didn’t lose much last season, they showed resilience by bouncing back after defeats, posting a 4-1 ATS record following a loss.
One area of concern is the need for more reliable scoring off the bench, especially with the absence of Johannes. Addressing this could further bolster the team’s depth and overall performance.

1. Las Vegas Aces

2023 Record & Result: 34-6 (1st place); WNBA Champions
Key Additions: Megan Gustafson (Mercury)
Key Departures: Candace Parker (Retirement)
The Aces aim for a three-peat this season but lost a huge piece with the retirement of Candace Parker. The Aces had a +12.7 Net Rating with her on the court, as indicated by Basketball Reference On/Off numbers.
Despite Parker’s departure, the Aces maintain a dominant core featuring A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young.
However, there are concerns about potential championship hangover or fatigue, given the intensity of their previous seasons. The emergence of competitors like the Liberty, along with an improving Storm and Mercury, adds to the challenges the Aces may face this season. Winning a third consecutive title won’t be easy, but the Aces are poised to contend amidst tougher competition.

The Money Baller is excited to announce that we’ll be providing matchup pages packed with comprehensive data, statistics, and trends for the WNBA, just like our NBA matchup pages.

For a limited time, Basic Access is free until August 1, offering coverage for the majority of the WNBA season. Plus, with Baller Access, you’ll unlock access to profitable situational systems and exclusive breakdowns that can give you an edge in your betting strategy.

Don’t miss out! Click here to sign up and elevate your WNBA betting experience today!

NBA Playoffs | Round 2: Eastern Conference Preview

Posted on May 5, 2024May 24, 2024 by The Money Baller Team

With the Cavaliers surviving a seven-game series battle on Sunday, the matchups have been set for Round 2 in the Eastern Conference.

The first matchup is between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. The absence of Kristaps Porzingis leaves the Celtics with a void to fill. Can the Cleveland Cavaliers capitalize on this opportunity to level the playing field? With their own injury concerns, notably Jarrett Allen’s absence, and coming off a taxing seven-game series, the Cavaliers’ offense may continue to struggle.

Meanwhile, in a throwback to the 90s, we get flashbacks of Spike Lee and Reggie Miller with the matchup between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. The Knicks emerge from a captivating series against the 76ers, earning acclaim for their resilient and clutch performances. Their gritty, grind-it-out style contrasts sharply with the run-and-gun approach of the Indiana Pacers, setting the stage for an intriguing clash of styles in this upcoming series.

Similar to the first round, here are 3 bullet points for each team and a link to the matchup page where you can dive into advanced stats, trends, splits, and situational spots. Sign up for access to this website free until August 1.

2. New York Knicks vs. 6. Indiana Pacers

Click here for The Money Baller matchup page for stats, trends, splits, and systems for this matchup.

New York Knicks

A key catalyst for the Knicks’ success has been the presence of OG Anunoby. When Anunoby has been on the court, the Knicks have thrived with an outstanding 24-5 straight up record and a 19-10 ATS record. Anunoby’s versatile contributions have proven instrumental in elevating the team’s performance on both ends of the court.

Knicks’ games are 15-3 to the over in their last 18 games. Surprisingly, the Knicks ranked #7 in Offensive Rating during the regular season, exceeding expectations for a team coached by the defensive-minded Tom Thibodeau.
Despite their overall success, the Knicks have faced challenges against the Indiana Pacers in recent matchups. They have suffered losses in three out of their last four encounters with the Pacers, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers have defied odds this season, sporting a solid 24-16-1 ATS record as underdogs. Their ability to exceed expectations underscores their resilience and competitive spirit on the court. When facing teams with an Offensive Rating greater than the league average, the Pacers have thrived, compiling an impressive 26-12-1 ATS record.
In their previous 11 games, the Pacers have showcased their offensive firepower and their games went 9-2 record to the over. This streak of high-scoring games highlights their ability to generate scoring opportunities and capitalize on offensive possessions.
Despite their strengths, the Pacers face challenges in rebounding, particularly on the defensive end. Ranking 25th in Offensive Rebound Percentage allowed, they are susceptible to opponents’ second-chance opportunities. This weakness could be exploited by opponents like the New York Knicks, who lead the league in Offensive Rebound Percentage.

1. Boston Celtics vs. 4. Cleveland Cavaliers

Click here for The Money Baller matchup page for stats, trends, splits, and systems for this matchup.

Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics have demonstrated their strength in the first half throughout the season, boasting an impressive 60-26-1 ATS record in the first half. This trend continued into the playoffs, where they went 4-1 ATS in the first half against the Miami Heat in the first round, highlighting their ability to start games strong.

The Celtics will be without Kristaps Porzingis in this round due to a calf injury. However, historical data reveals that the Celtics have fared well in games without Porzingis, holding a strong 22-4 SU and 16-8-2 ATS record. On/Off numbers indicate a decrease in Pace by an average of 4.7 possessions per 48 minutes when Porzingis is off the court; interestingly, their games have trended towards the over, with a record of 15-11.

Teams playing as home favorites in Game 1 with a rest advantage have historically performed exceptionally well. Data from the KillerSports.com database reveals a strong 59-41 (59%) ATS record for such teams, underscoring the significance of rest and home-court advantage in setting the tone for the series. This historical trend could be a factor to consider in assessing the performance of teams in Game 1 matchups.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Teams coming off a seven-game series typically face challenges in Game 1 of the following series. Historical data from the Killer Sports database dating back to the 2002-2003 season reveals a 24-37-1 (39.3%) ATS record. Additionally, these games have trended towards the over, with a record of 37-23-2 (61.7%).

The Cavaliers have faced difficulties in games without their key player, Jarrett Allen. They hold a 2-7 ATS record this season when Allen is sidelined. On/Off numbers from Basketball Reference underscore Allen’s significance, showing a notable -6.1 Net Rating when he is off the court. His absence could pose challenges for the Cavaliers and is worth monitoring, especially if he misses additional playing time.

Cleveland has encountered road struggles in recent outings, losing 10 of their last 11 road games and posting a dismal 2-9 ATS record in those matchups. This road slump continued into the first round of the playoffs, where they faltered with a 0-3 record both SU and ATS against the Magic.

NBA Playoffs | Round 2: Western Conference Preview

Posted on May 4, 2024May 24, 2024 by The Money Baller Team

The dust has settled on the Western Conference Round 1 battles, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the upcoming slobber knocker that is Round 2.

Among the thrilling matchups is the clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, two Northwest Division rivals. Adding spice to the showdown are some juicy narratives: Timberwolves’ President of Basketball Operations, Tim Connelly was once part of the Nuggets’ brain trust that helped form their current-day roster. The Wolves, seeking redemption after last year’s playoff defeat, are primed for revenge. All eyes are on 22-year-old sensation Anthony Edwards, whose meteoric rise has brought upon a compelling matchup against the reigning NBA champions. Get your popcorn ready and brace yourselves for a showdown of epic proportions.

In the wake of the Timberwolves’ electrifying rise, another young force has emerged in the NBA landscape: the Oklahoma City Thunder. This dynamic squad has captivated fans with their performances and unexpected successes. The Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks enter the matchup riding waves of momentum, making this a highly anticipated showdown between two red-hot contenders.

Similar to the first round, here are 3 bullet points for each team and a link to the matchup page where you can dive into advanced stats, trends, splits, and situational spots. Sign up for access to this website free until August 1.

2. Denver Nuggets vs. 3. Minnesota Timberwolves

Click here for The Money Baller matchup page for stats, trends, splits, and systems for this matchup.

Denver Nuggets

The absence of Jamal Murray has been felt by the Nuggets this season, evident in their 8-15 record against the spread (ATS) in games where he did not play. Keep that in mind if he misses time during the series as he nurses a calf injury.

The Nuggets/Lakers series set a brisk pace, registering at the highest pace (96.4) in the first round. This uptempo style of play could carry over into the second-round matchup against the Timberwolves, potentially leading to higher-scoring contests as both teams look to push the pace and capitalize on offensive opportunities.
One area where the Nuggets hold an advantage is in first-half performance. Despite slow starts in the first round against the Lakers, season-long statistics reveal a favorable trend for Denver in the first half, with a 46-41 record against the spread (1H ATS). In contrast, the Timberwolves struggled in the first half during the regular season, posting a 36-48-1 record against the spread (1H ATS). This disparity could be a key factor in shaping the early stages of games in the upcoming series.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Looking ahead to the next round, the Timberwolves face a formidable opponent in the Denver Nuggets. In their four meetings, they split the series 2-2, with the Timberwolves covering in three out of four games.
The Timberwolves have excelled on the defensive end. Finishing the regular season ranked #1 in Defensive Rating underscores their ability to stifle opponents. However, the market on their totals is lower than actual. In their recent 12-game stretch, the Timberwolves have gone 9-3 record to the over.
While their defensive achievements have garnered attention, the Timberwolves have also been a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end. Ranking first in Offensive Rating (123.2) and Offensive Rebound Percentage (39.2%) in the first round, they have showcased their ability to score at will and dominate the boards.

1. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 5. Dallas Mavericks

Click here for The Money Baller matchup page for stats, trends, splits, and systems for this matchup.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder, a young and impressive team, have demonstrated their dominance at home by finishing with an outstanding 35-8 SU and 28-15 ATS record.
In recent weeks, the Thunder have been on a tear, rattling off nine consecutive wins. This impressive streak includes a sweep against the New Orleans Pelicans and a 7-2 ATS record.
While their last head-to-head matchup with the Mavericks may have fallen short of the total, seven of their previous eight matchups have gone over the total with an average score of 237.3.

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have also been dominant in recent weeks, going 20-6 straight up and ATS in their previous 26, showcasing their momentum. They are 19-3 SU and 18-4 ATS in their previous 22 games that Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving played together.
Throughout 2024, the Mavericks have a solid 36-19 record to the under.
The Mavericks have established themselves as road warriors, boasting an impressive 28-15-1 ATS record in road games this season. Their ability to perform well away from home speaks to their resilience and adaptability.