My selection is on the 'over' between Phoenix and Seattle at 10 pm et on Friday.

The oddsmakers seem to think that Seattle is 'punting' a second straight game as it gives its key cogs some much-needed rest at the end of the regular season. I'm not so sure. One thing we do know is that Phoenix has been held under 80 points in consecutive games for only the third time this season. On all three previous occasions their next game went 'over' the total with the Mercury putting up 91, 89 and 99 points in those three contests. Unlike last Sunday when the Storm essentially 'rolled over' in an 81-53 loss in Los Angeles, I do expect Seattle to be along for the ride in this one. Forget being held in the 50's, prior to their last game, the Storm had only been held under 70 points twice this season. The 'over' cashed in their next game on both occasions with those two contests totaling 166 and 182 points. Yes, Breanna Stewart will be out for the Storm in this one, as will Diana Taurasi for the Mercury. Still, I would consider this a 'defense optional' type of late season affair. Take the over (9*).

My selection is on Atlanta minus the points over Indiana at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

This is one of the only times I've backed the Dream this season but I believe the situation warrants such a play. Both of these teams are simply playing out the string at this point. However, it's Atlanta that comes in having gone 4-1 ATS over its last five games and has held all five of those opponents to 43.8% or worse shooting. Contrast that with the Fever, who have allowed five of their last six opponents to shoot 47.5% or better from the field with two of their last three shooting 52.3% or better. Indiana simply doesn't have a lot of healthy bodies at this point, essentially down to a seven-player rotation, getting little scoring production from its bench. Meanwhile, Atlanta should have Odyssey Sims back in the lineup tonight. The Dream are missing a number of key cogs as well, but I like the move to insert highly-touted first round draft pick Aari McDonald into the starting lineup last game. She can potentially give the Dream a bit of a spark in the final week of the season after struggling for much of the campaign. While she knocked down just 3-of-12 shot attempts last time out, all three of those made field goals were from three-point range. Note that Atlanta has now been held under 80 points in eight straight games. Prior to its current stretch, it had yet to be held under 80 points in three consecutive games this season. Look for the Dream to end that streak of futility here tonight, noting that the Fever check in allowing a whopping 88.4 points per game on the road this season, where they've been outscored by just shy of 13 points on average. Take Atlanta (9*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Dallas and Las Vegas at 3 pm et on Monday.

This may look like a fairly low total for a game involving the high-flying Aces, however I believe the spot sets up well as a lower-scoring than expected affair. Note that Las Vegas enters this game having allowed more than 80 points in three straight games - the first time that's happened all season. On five previous occasions they've given up 80+ points in consecutive games and in their next contest, the 'under' has gone 4-1. Here, they should be able to right the ship defensively against a Wings squad playing on the road on just one day of rest after a hard-fought one-point victory at home against the Liberty on Saturday. The Wings are expected to be without two key cogs in Satou Sabally and Moriah Jefferson on Monday afternoon. Note that while the Aces are known for their offense they've actually held opponents to just north of 41% shooting here at home this season. Dallas would be well-served to do everything it can to slow the pace in this one, knowing that it's unlikely to stay competitive in a track meet with the Aces. It's interesting to note that Dallas has actually been a better defensive team on the road than at home this season, holding opponents to 43.5% shooting with the 'under' cashing at a 9-4-2 clip. Take the under (10*).

WNBA Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Seattle and Los Angeles at 9 pm et on Sunday.

We won with the 'under' in the Sparks most recent game, a 75-57 loss here at home against Connecticut. I won't hesitate to switch gears and back the 'over' on Sunday as the Sparks welcome the defending champion Storm. Seattle is going to be without Breanna Stewart for this one and likely for the remainder of the regular season. I'm confident enough in the Storm's scoring depth that they can still hang a crooked number on the scoreboard in this one. Note that Los Angeles has actually held six straight opponents to under 80 points - by far its longest such streak of the season. I expect that streak to come to an end here with Seattle rolling into this game having scored 85 and 105 points in its last two games - both double-digit victories. Note that the Storm are averaging 86.5 points per game on the road this season. The real question here is whether the Sparks can contribute enough offensively to help this one 'over' the total. I believe they can. They're coming off a woeful 2-of-10 three-point shooting effort against the Sun. Keep in mind, L.A. averages six made threes on 20 attempts at home this season. On the flip side, the Storm will give up their share of threes, allowing nine made on 23 attempts per game on the road this season. With the Sparks having scored less than 60 points in consecutive games - the first time that's happened all season - I look for them to make a concerted effort to push the pace a little bit in this one, noting that they're essentially just playing out the string at this point. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between New York and Dallas at 8 pm et on Saturday.

Both the Liberty and Wings are coming off subpar performances but I expect more in the way of offensive fireworks as they match up for the third time this season on Saturday night. Note that the previous two meetings totaled 169 and 195 points. New York checks in having scored under 80 points in four straight games - only the second time that has happened this season. It should be afforded a good opportunity to get back on track offensively against a Wings squad that allows over 82 points per game on better than 45% shooting at home this season. Dallas has allowed less than 70 points in two of its last three games. That has happened only once previously this season and in its next game it combined with Phoenix to score 166 points with both teams getting north of the 80-point mark. The Wings are certainly in line for a strong bounce-back performance offensively here after shooting 36.5% or worse in three straight games. Note that New York allows just shy of 84 points per game on just under 43% shooting on the road this season. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Connecticut and Los Angeles at 10:30 pm et on Thursday.

This is a fairly low total by WNBA standards but it's warranted in my opinion. The Sun have opened their current road trip by scoring 85 and 83 points in wins over the Mystics and Wings. Note that prior to that they had scored 80+ points just twice in six games since the Olympic break. You would have to go back to May 16th to 21st to find the last time they put up 80+ points in three consecutive games. Keep in mind, tonight's opponent, the Los Angeles Sparks, have actually been pretty locked in defensively of late, holding eight of nine opponents to 44.4% or less shooting since the Olympic break. The problem is, the Sparks offense just isn't working. They've been held to 72 points or less in five straight games and now have to contend with an elite Sun defense that just held the Dallas Wings to a ridiculous 26.6% shooting. Connecticut checks in allowing just 72 points per game on 40% shooting on the road this season. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Phoenix and Atlanta at 7 pm et on Wednesday.

The Mercury have scored 80 points or more in six straight games entering Wednesday's clash with the Dream in Atlanta. Keep in mind, their longest previous streak was four games scoring 80 or more this season. Here, they'll face a Dream squad that have seemed to figure out the only way they're going to win any games down the stretch is by locking down on defense. That's because their offense is essentially broke, due to injuries and suspensions, having shot 43.1% or worse from the field in all eight games since returning from the Olympic break. They're coming off a two-game stop in Dallas that saw them hold the Wings to a combined 53-for-152 (34.9%) shooting. While this is obviously a tougher test, it is worth noting that the Mercury are expected to be without Diana Taurasi and as I mentioned are in line for some regression as they end a stretch that saw them play six out of seven games away from home. Take the under (8*).

My selection is on Seattle minus the points over Washington at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

This line has fallen back into playable range with the Storm now laying single-digits against the reeling Mystics. Washington has shot better than 45.5% from the field just once since mid-June. Meanwhile, the Mystics defense has tanked, allowing four straight opponents to shoot 47.8% or better from the field. Seattle has also allowed consecutive opponents to shoot a lofty 48.2% or better from the field. I believe the Storm turn it around here, however, as they come well rested having not played since September 2nd, with that contest coming here at home as well. The Storm haven't shot better than 50% from the field in a game since back on June 11th. I expect them to approach that here, however, noting that Washington has allowed four of its last eight opponents to shoot better than 50%. Take Seattle (9*).

WNBA Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Las Vegas and Chicago at 3 pm et on Sunday.

The first game in this home-and-home set reached 173 points as Candace Parker went off for 30 points for the Sky while the Aces had A'ja Wilson, Riquna Williams and Kelsey Plum all contribute 21 points, weathering the storm without Liz Cambage and Dearica Hamby, who are both expected to miss Sunday's game as well. That frontcourt duo's absence opened things up for the Chicago offense, with Stefanie Dolson also scoring in double-figures. I do expect to see the Aces make the necessary adjustments here, noting that Parker and Dolson have both failed to record double-digit scoring figures in consecutive games since the return from the Olympic break. Las Vegas has of course been a lower-scoring team on the road this season and here will face a determined Chicago squad coming off back-to-back losses that knows it needs to tighten things up, and perhaps slow things down a bit, as they return home off a long road trip. Note that the Aces are averaging just north of 75 points per game away from home since the break and will be hard-pressed to improve on that scoring average with Cambage and Hamby sidelined. Meanwhile, as I mentioned Chicago is back home on just two days' rest following a five-game in 10-night road trip that took it all over the map. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between New York and Seattle at 10 pm et on Thursday.

With the Storm coming off three straight losses - their longest such streak of the season - we can anticipate a big bounce-back performance here at home against the Liberty on Thursday night. While that could lead to them locking in defensively, I believe there's a better chance we see the Seattle offense go off in what should turn out to be a high-scoring affair. Note that Storm home games have totaled an average of 165.6 points this season with the 'over' holding a slightly 7-6 edge in their 13 games to date. The Liberty check in off consecutive awful offensive showings, putting up 64 and 66 points in losses to Phoenix and Minnesota, respectively. There's reason to believe they can bounce back here, noting that they scored exactly 83 points in both games during a 1-1 home split against the Storm in August. We've only seen New York held under 70 points in consecutive games on one previous occasion this season. That was right before the Olympic break. When it returned after the break it scored 78 points in its first game back, with that contest totaling 166 points in Minnesota. Note that five of the last seven meetings in this series have gone 'over' the total with the 'over' holding a 12-9 edge in 21 meetings here in Seattle. Take the over (9*).

WNBA Total of the Week. My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Phoenix at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

The Sky are locked in defensively right now, fresh off holding the defending champion Seattle Storm to just 69 and 75 points in a two-game sweep in the Pacific Northwest. Meanwhile, Phoenix has scored 80 or more points in three straight games but that had more to do with the level of opposition it faced on its most recent road trip (against Atlanta and New York). Here, the Mercury will be up against a Chicago squad that allows just 76 points per game on 41.1% shooting on the road this season. Note that Phoenix could be without Brittney Griner for this game although we'll make the play on the assumption that she will play. The Sky lit up the Storm for 107 points last time out noting that the last time (and only other time this season) they scored over 100 points in a game they followed it up with a contest total totaled just 156 points. Take the under (10*).

WNBA Game of the Year. My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Atlanta at 7 pm et on Thursday.

Atlanta gave Chicago all it could handle two nights ago but again fell short by six points to remain winless since returning from the Olympic break. Now with a host of key injuries and absences it will be hard-pressed to bounce back as it welcomes what is sure to be a fired up Aces squad coming off a tough loss in Connecticut.

Las Vegas has already handled the Dream with ease once this season, rolling to a 118-95 win back on July 4th (we won with the Aces and the 'over' on that night). With A'ja Wilson coming off a ridiculous (and highly uncharacteristic) 1-of-15 shooting performance against an elite Sun squad two nights ago we can expect her to lead the bounce-back charge here. Note that the Aces also got poor performances from generally steady contributors in Jackie Young, Riquna Williams and Kelsey Plum in that loss.

The Dream appeared headed for another blowout loss on Tuesday before they caught fire shooting the ball in the second half. That was of course after Chicago had already built up a sizable lead and let down its guard defensively.

Things have gone downhill in a hurry for the Dream who didn't exactly start the season on the right foot. A suspension to Chennedy Carter has been key to their regression but the fact is, when you shoot below 41% from the field at home and average fewer than 79 points per game, you're not going to find much success in today's WNBA.

Las Vegas has shown the ability to win by margin on the road this season. Two of its last three road victories have come by 16 points or more. Note that the Aces haven't suffered any sort of drop-off in execution defensively on the road this season, holding opponents to 80.3 points per game on 41.6% shooting. I suspect this will be a situation where the Aces clamp down on the Dream offense, ultimately opening things up for their offense to rebound off Tuesday's poor showing. Take Las Vegas (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and Connecticut at 7 pm et on Thursday.

After holding their four opponents to 59, 60, 71 and 62 points since the Olympic break (all victories) it would only be human nature for the Sun to suffer a bit of a defensive letdown here. That's especially true when you consider Los Angeles was just held to 68 points in a loss that was more lopsided than the final score indicated in Washington on Tuesday.

Keep in mind, Los Angeles is as healthy as it has been all season. We've seen the Sparks alternate good and bad offensive showings since returning from the break and they should be in line for a better performance here than we saw against the Mystics two nights ago.

Connecticut has been in a similar pattern of good followed by subpar offensive efforts since returning from the break. I fully expect the Sun, and Jonquel Jones in particular, to turn in a sharp shooting performance here, noting that Jones scored in single-figures for the first time all season against the Aces last time out. If Connecticut was able to put up 76 points against an elite Las Vegas squad, with Jones having an off night you can only imagine what it is capable of doing against a Sparks team playing their third game in five nights in three different cities. Look for the Sun to set the pace here but for the Sparks to be along for the ride as well as they help push this one 'over' the very reasonable total. Take the over (9*).

My selection is on Washington over Los Angeles at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

The Sparks have reeled off four straight wins coming out of the Olympic break but I expect that streak to end here on Tuesday night in Washington.

Keep in mind, L.A.'s four wins have come against the likes of Indiana, Atlanta (twice) and New York - three of the league's worst teams. The Mystics would also appear to fit in that category based on their 8-14 record but I expect them to rise to the occasion here.

Note that Washington has had a tough slate of opponents since returning from the break, going up against the Aces (twice) and Mercury on the road before hosting the defending champion Storm on Sunday. While the Mystics dropped all four of those games SU they did manage to go 2-2 ATS with one of the missed covers coming by a single point.

Washington will have to deal with the absence of leading scorer Tina Charles for this one but it got a big boost with the return of Elena Delle Donne last time out so Charles' injury doesn't serve as quite as much of a blow. If the Mystics are to have any hopes of climbing the Eastern Conference standings and making a run at the postseason they need to win games like this - the second instalment of a five-game homestand.

Los Angeles has played just three road games since the middle of June, losing two of those. While the Sparks are finally healthy, I still don't consider them to be one of the league's elite teams. Note that despite holding the Liberty to 41.3% shooting on Sunday (and shooting better than 47% from the field themselves), they were still outrebounded by a 45-36 margin. They'll face a Mystics squad that managed to outrebound the Storm 48-45 despite shooting 36.8% from the field in Sunday's setback.

The Sparks have dropped each of their last two visits to Washington and I look for the Mystics to get the better of them here as well. Take Washington (10*).

WNBA Total of the Year. My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Atlanta at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

Both of these teams are reeling right now with Chicago having lost back-to-back games on its home floor and Atlanta having gone 0-4 since returning from the Olympic break and winless over its last eight games. With both coming off subpar defensive efforts look for them to make a concerted effort to rectify that on Tuesday night in Atlanta.

Chicago actually checks in as one of the league's better defensive teams but it gave up a whopping 101 points on 54% shooting against Minnesota last time out. The 'under' has cashed in seven of Chicago's 11 road games this season as the Sky have limited opponents to just 41.1% shooting away from home.

Note that Atlanta managed to score just 69 points in its most recent game - a 15-point loss to Phoenix - despite getting above-average shooting performances from Crystal Bradford, Odyssey Sims and Aari McDonald (combined 18-of-36 shooting). I would anticipate some offensive regression from the Dream here, noting that they're without two of their best offensive players in Chennedy Carter (suspension) and Cheyenne Parker (personal).

Chicago got monster offensive performances from Allie Quigley and Courtney Vandersloot in its loss to Seattle on Sunday as the duo combined to pour in 54 points. Note that Vandersloot had previously been held to just six points combined in the Sky's first two games after the Olympic break.

The 'under' has gone 7-4 in Dream home games this season with those contests totaling an average of less than 164 points. The last time these two teams hooked up here in Atlanta they combined to score just 162 points back in May. That was with the two teams getting to the free throw line a whopping 60 times. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on Seattle minus the points over New York at 7 pm et on Friday.

The Storm were once again without USA Olympic Gold Medal winners Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart in the first of this two-game set two nights ago. Still, Seattle led that game by double-digits entering the fourth quarter. It couldn't make that lead stand up, however, as it was held to just seven points in a brutal fourth quarter on its way to a four-point loss. I expect a strong bounce-back performance with Bird and Stewart expected back in the lineup on Friday (note that Bird will be playing what could be her final game in here hometown of New York).

Seattle has now dropped consecutive games coming out of the break but the fact that it was right there at the end of both of those games despite missing key cogs is encouraging. With championship pedigree, I'm confident we'll see the Storm bring their best effort on Friday.

The Liberty shot an uncharacteristic 51.7% from the field in Wednesday's come-from-behind win. Note that they shoot worse than 44% at home this season. Interestingly, the SU winner has gone a perfect 23-0 ATS in all Liberty games this season. I certainly look for the Storm to get back on the winning side here, and believe they'll cover this reasonable spread. Take Seattle (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Washington and Phoenix at 10 pm et on Thursday.

The Mercury have posted consecutive wins coming out of the Olympic break with both of those games going 'over' the total. I'm anticipating a lower-scoring affair on Thursday, however, as they welcome a Washington squad that checks in off back-to-back losses in Las Vegas.

We won with the 'over' in the Mystics 10-point loss against the Aces two nights ago. They got baited into a couple of up-tempo affairs against a superior Las Vegas offense. I don't expect them to fall into the same trap here (keeping in mind, the Mercury offense certainly isn't on the same level as the Aces').

Note that Phoenix lost Skylar Diggins-Smith early in its four-point win over Indiana on Tuesday and it remains to be seen whether she'll be able to return or how effective she can be tonight.

The key matchup here with be Mystics veteran Tina Charles going up against Brittney Griner. I actually think the two cancel each other out a little bit here as I'm not sure we'll see either go off offensively.

While Phoenix is generally known for its offense, it has actually shot below 42% at home this season but has held its own defensively, limiting the opposition to 43.3% shooting here at home.

Meanwhile, the Mystics, despite having scored 80 points or more in consecutive games in Las Vegas have shot just 42.5% as a team on the road this season, where they've managed just three wins in 11 games. Take the under (10*).

WNBA Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'over' between Washington and Las Vegas at 10 pm et on Tuesday.

This is a rematch of Sunday's wild 84-83 victory for the Aces. That game stayed 'under' the total and affords us a lower posted total to work with here on Tuesday. I believe it's the wrong move.

It took a while, but the Aces got on track offensively after the long Olympic break, scoring 29 points in the fourth quarter of Sunday's victory. Now I expect to see plenty of carry-over from that strong finish here.

Note that the Aces average north of 93 points per game at home this season on just shy of 49% shooting. There's certainly room for improvement after Sunday's 84-point effort.

I do think the Mystics will be along for the ride in what should be an up-tempo affair on Tuesday night. They'll be in a foul mood after blowing a 14-point lead entering the fourth quarter on Sunday. With Elena Delle Donne still sidelined, I think the Mystics remain a bit underrated offensively with the duo of Ariel Atkins and Myisha Hines-Allen really stepping up as the season has progressed. Washington is unlikely to go away quietly in this one and that should result in a high-scoring affair in Las Vegas. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Dallas and Chicago at 8 pm et on Tuesday.

Dallas is coming off a disappointing 21-point rout at the hands of Connecticut as it returned to the court with a thud following the Olympic break. That poor performance did come against one of the league's best defensive teams though and I would expect a solid bounce-back effort from the Wings offense here.

Chicago certainly appeared to overlook a Seattle Storm squad that was missing a number of key cogs on Sunday but managed to rally in the fourth quarter to force overtime before ultimately prevailing by a bucket, 87-85. It took a while to get going but once they did, the Sky poured in 26 points in the fourth quarter and I would expect to see some progression from their offense here against one of the league's weakest defensive teams in the Wings.

Note that the last time these two teams met back in July they combined to score 191 points in a Wings home victory (we won with Dallas in that game). While this one might not reach that lofty total I do think it will eclipse the very reasonable number the books are offering. Take the over (8*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Minnesota and Los Angeles at 9 pm et on Sunday.

We won with the 'under' in the Lynx most recent game - a stunning 10-point win in Las Vegas on Friday night. Minnesota is playing as well offensively as any team in the league right now and I won't hesitate to switch gears and back the 'over' as it heads to Los Angeles to wrap up pre-Olympic play on Sunday night.

While the Lynx scored just 77 points in that win over the Aces, that had more to do with game flow than anything else. After building a 15-point lead at the end of the first quarter, and with the Aces making Liz Cambage a late scratch, they didn't have to pour it on for four quarters and essentially pumped the brakes in the second half.

Note that the last two times the Lynx have been held under 80 points they've put up 86 and 87 points in their next game with the 'over' going a perfect 2-0.

The Sparks continue to struggle without a number of key players but should put forth a strong effort here as they look to snap a five-game skid prior to the Olympic break. Keep in mind, their last four games have come against the Aces and Storm. They got bogged down offensively in those contests but should bounce back here.

While the Lynx are a quality defensive team, they do allow just shy of 80 points per game on the road this season and could suffer a bit of a letdown here after limiting the Aces to 35.8% shooting last time out. Having already won the first meeting in this series by 16 points this season it would be easy for them to overlook the Sparks here with the Olympic break on deck.

Los Angeles does average nearly two points above its season scoring average at home this season. Look for a higher-scoring contest than most are expecting here. Take the over (10*).

WNBA Revenge Game of the Year. My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Minnesota at 10:30 pm et on Friday.

The Aces have plenty of reason to get up for Friday night's showdown with the Lynx in Las Vegas as they come off a tough overtime loss against Phoenix, at home no less, and look to avenge a narrow one-point loss suffered in Minnesota on June 25th.

We won with the Aces this past Sunday as they cruised to a 23-point rout of Atlanta. They couldn't follow that performance up with another stellar effort, however, as they shot just 43.9% from the field in an overtime loss to the Mercury on Wednesday night.

Keep in mind, the Aces are averaging an incredible 96.7 points per game on 49.9% shooting here at home this season. They've been a much more potent offensive team at home compared to on the road while also holding the opposition to just 39.5% shooting. That's why it's somewhat perplexing that we're 'only' being asked to lay 6.5 points (at the time of writing) in this spot given the Aces closed as six-point favorites on the road against Minnesota in that most recent meeting on June 25th.

Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that the Lynx have gone on a tear, entering this game riding a five-game winning streak. Former Aces sharp-shooter Kayla McBride has been absolutely on fire over the last few games but what better team to slow her down than her former one.

The Lynx aren't exactly brimming with scoring depth, relying heavily on veteran Sylvia Fowles and McBride. Bridget Carleton did chip in with 10 points off the bench in Wednesday's win over Dallas but she had previously topped out at just five points in her last six games.

This will be Las Vegas' final home game before the extended Olympic break. Meanwhile, Minnesota will wrap up pre-Olympic play with a stop in Los Angeles on Sunday. Take Las Vegas (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Las Vegas at 10:30 pm et on Friday.

We won with the 'under' in the Lynx last game on Wednesday night and I won't hesitate to go back to the well with the same play here as they being a brief two-game road trip prior to the extended Olympic break.

The Lynx are one of the WNBA's better defensive teams, even on the road where they allow just 81.2 points per game (that's actually 0.7 points below their season average) on 43.0% shooting. They're a fairly well-rested team right now as this will be just their third game this month.

While Las Vegas is known for its explosive offense, it can play some defense as well, checking in allowing 81.4 points per game on 39.5% shooting here at home this season. With that being said, the 'over' has gone 7-3 in their previous 10 home games which affords us the opportunity to take the contrarian route at a generous number here.

Note that the Aces have put up 90 points or more in consecutive games (even though they needed overtime to get there last time out). They've scored 90+ points in back-to-back games on five previous occasions this season with the 'under' going 4-1 in their next game with an average total points scored of just 148.8 points.

Minnesota has scored 82 points or more in five straight games but I'm not sure that's a sustainable trend. Former Ace Kayla McBride has been red hot over the last few games but they'll need some help if Minnesota is to continue putting up big offensive numbers. The Lynx are short on scoring depth with little production off the bench on most nights. I don't believe they'll be interested in a track meet here. Take the under (10*).

WNBA Western Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Dallas and Minnesota at 8 pm et on Wednesday.

Both of these teams are coming off consecutive peak offensive performances but I'll go the contrarian route and back the 'under' in this one as they match up in Minnesota on Wednesday night.

Dallas has shot 50% or better in consecutive games for the first time this season. Keep in mind, prior to those two performances the Wings had shot 42.3% or worse in consecutive contests. They check in shooting just 43.4% on the road this season.

The Wings have seen the 'over' cash in three straight games - their longest 'over' streak of the season. In fact, only once this season have they seen the 'over' cash in three out of four games and on that occasion, their next contest totaled just 135 points.

Minnesota has shot better than 50% from the field in three of its last four games but it's interesting to note that all three of those performances came on the road. Here at home the Lynx are shooting just north of 45% on the season.

The 'over' has cashed in four of the Lynx last five games overall. That situation has come up twice previously this season and on both of those occasions their next game totaled exactly 158 points with the 'under' going 2-0.

This is the highest total we've seen in three meetings between these two teams this season. Look for it to prove to be too high. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Atlanta and Las Vegas at 6 pm et on Sunday.

The Aces are coming off an uncharacteristically-poor offensive performance against Los Angeles two nights ago as they scored just 66 points on 37.7% shooting. I don't expect it to turn into a slump, however, as the Aces return home where they average an impressive 94.9 points per game on 49.5% shooting this season.

Atlanta meanwhile nearly staged a massive upset on the road against Seattle last time out, dropping a narrow 91-88 decision. The Dream have actually been a better offensive team on the road compared to at home this season, averaging 3.4 points per game above their season average. The problem is, they've allowed just shy of 89 points per contest on 46.7% shooting away from home.

I have the Aces approaching the 100-point mark in this one which means we shouldn't need a peak performance from the Dream offensively to help this one 'over' the reasonable total. Take the over (9*).

My selection is on Las Vegas minus the points over Atlanta at 6 pm et on Sunday.

This is a prime bounce-back spot for the Aces offensively after they were held to just 66 points on sub-38% shooting in the second of back-to-back games against the Sparks last time out. Note that Las Vegas averages a whopping 94.9 points per game on 49.5% shooting at home this season and should feast on a below-average Dream defense here.

Atlanta comes in with some confidence following a narrow 91-88 loss on the road against the defending champion Seattle Storm last time out. The Dream have now won consecutive games ATS after going 2-5 ATS over their previous seven contests. I don't believe that's a sustainable trend and they're certainly in line for some regression after committing just 17 turnovers over their last two games (they turned the ball over 50 times in their previous five contests).

The last time we saw the Dream shoot better than 47% from the field they followed up that performance with a 23-point loss at home against the New York Liberty. They're facing a tougher test here and I expect the Aces to ultimately win this one going away. Take Las Vegas (9*).

My selection is on the 'under' between Minnesota and Phoenix at 10 pm et on Saturday.

As this is a travel day, I'll keep my analysis relatively short for this play.

We saw a relatively low-scoring affair between these same two teams on Wednesday and I don't expect to see a much different result in Saturday's rematch.

Minnesota got a big performance from Kayla McBride in that game but those type of shooting efforts have been few and far between from her since joining the Lynx in the offseason. Phoenix is a quality defensive team and after allowing Minnesota to shoot 51% from the field last time out I expect it to make the necessary adjustments here.

Diana Taurasi's return has given the Mercury a bit of a boost offensively but this is a team that still hasn't really lived up to expectations this season. They were held to 46% shooting against the Lynx on Wednesday, including just 32 points in the second half. I'm not anticipating a great deal of improvement offensively as familiarity tends to lend itself to lower-scoring basketball more often than not. Take the under (10*).

WNBA Non-Conference Total of the Month. My selection is on the 'under' between Chicago and Dallas at 8 pm et on Friday.

We won with the 'over' in this same matchup two nights ago but I won't hesitate to go the other way and back the 'under' as we deal with a higher opening total in Friday's rematch.

Chicago shot better than 47% from the field in Wednesday's victory. I'm confident we'll see Dallas make the necessary defensive adjustments here, noting that it had held four straight opponents to 43.7% shooting or worse prior to that contest.

Offensively, we've seen Dallas score more than 80 points in three straight games but I believe that streak could be in jeopardy here. The Wings have actually shot just 41.3% as a team at home this season. They're not getting the same offensive production from the secondary scorers such as Marina Mabrey and Satou Sabally right now.

As I noted in Wednesday's analysis, the Sky are one of the league's best defensive teams, limiting opponents to 74.1 points per game on 41% shooting on the road this season. They were in a tough spot on Wednesday but still kept the Wings offense in check for all intents and purposes. Expect an even better effort here. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Chicago and Dallas at 8 pm et on Wednesday.

Both of these teams enter this game riding three-game 'under' streaks. I don't think that trend is sustainable, however.

Chicago is coming off a miserable 58-point performance in a blowout loss to Connecticut last time out. Candace Parker is certainly in line for a strong bounce-back performance here after shooting 3-of-11 for six points in that most recent contest. In general, I expect the Sky to rebound offensively here noting that prior to that last game they had scored 91 points or more in three straight contests. Dallas isn't exactly a defensive powerhouse - it actually allows 1.9 points per game more than its season average when playing at home this season.

The Wings have posted consecutive wins, scoring 89 and 85 points in the process with Arike Ogunbowale bouncing back following a mini shooting slump. She poured in 30 points last time out and should pick up where she left off here. Chicago does check in as one of the league's better defensive teams but the Wings are terrific offensively here at home, averaging just shy of 86 points per contest. In fact, Dallas home games have averaged 168 total points this season. Take the over (10*).

My selection is on the 'under' between New York and Atlanta at 7 pm et on Tuesday.

We saw a relatively high-scoring affair between these two teams two days ago as New York did most of the scoring in a 101-78 rout. Here, I look for Atlanta to make the necessary defensive adjustments, noting that the Liberty had been held to 78 points or less in five consecutive games prior to that outburst.

Atlanta has now seen the 'over' cash in four straight games but I'm not sure that's a sustainable trend. The Dream recently welcomed back starting point guard Chennedy Carter but as we saw on Sunday, she can't do it all. Atlanta isn't an overly deep offensive team, especially with highly-touted rookie Aari McDonald struggling to find her groove at the professional level this season.

Interestingly, New York has been a better defensive team on the road than at home this season, allowing 85.9 points per game on 43.1% shooting. The Liberty average less than 80 points per game themselves away from home so again, a repeat of Sunday's 101-point effort is unlikely.

The 'over' has cashed in both meetings between these two teams this season. Last year, we saw the 'under' cash in both matchups, including one game that totaled just 118 points. Expect this one to stay 'under' the generous total. Take the under (10*).

My selection is on the 'over' between Los Angeles and Phoenix at 6 pm et on Sunday.

We won with the 'under' the last time these two teams met on June 18th but I believe the total will prove too low this time around, as the scene shifts to Phoenix for Sunday's matchup.

The Mercury have actually been idle since that last game in Los Angeles nine days ago. They're expected to have Diana Taurasi back for Sunday's game. While I would usually think it might be tough for a player to get re-acclimated after an extended absence, Taurasi is a veteran that has been through it before and the with the team having had plenty of practice time between games, I look for the Mercury offense to do just fine.

The Sparks are dealing with a cluster of key injuries right now but should still enter this game with confidence after scoring 89 points in a win over Washington last time out.

Los Angeles is allowing 80.8 points per game on the road this season but the Mercury haven't been any better defensively at home, giving up 81.7 points per game.

Note that the 'over' has gone 8-1 with the Sparks having lost four or five of their last six games ATS over the last three seasons, as is the case here, with those contests totaling an average of 168.9 points. Take the over (10*).