WNBA Best Bets (Aug. 3): Dream vs. Aces, Sky vs. Mercury Odds & Predictions

With the trade deadline in the books, a race to the playoffs begins for several teams. The top eight teams appear to be settled in, with five games separating the eighth-place New York Liberty and ninth-place Los Angeles Sparks. What does appear to be at stake at this point is seeding, with the top eight teams jockeying for playoff position.

The Seattle Storm are in Brooklyn to face the New York Liberty. And though the Storm have lost eight straight, they can take solace in knowing they've won and covered three of their last four meetings with the Liberty, who return home from a three-game trip to the West Coast. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. Eastern and will be available on League Pass.

(Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The defending champion Las Vegas Aces just lost at the buzzer in Chicago on Saturday, and now visit Atlanta to face a dangerous Dream team. The Aces have the mental edge on the Dream, having won six straight meetings, including one in May, an 85-84 thriller. The game tips at 7 p.m. ET on Peacock.

The final game finds the new-look Phoenix Mercury in Chicago to play the Sky. After acquiring Kelsey Plum in a midnight deal on the eve of the trade deadline, the Mercury will make a last-ditch effort at a playoff spot. It won't be easy, though, as they're six games off the pace with 14 games left in the season. The Sky, who are 5.5 games behind the eighth spot, will look to build off Saturday's dramatic win over the Aces. The game tips at 9 p.m. ET on USA.

WNBA Best Bets For Aug. 3

On the hunt for more sports and WNBA betting promotions? We have compiled a list of the best sports betting offers here.

WNBA Betting Odds And Schedule For Monday, Aug. 3. (Odds via FanDuel)

Seattle Storm at New York Liberty

• Spread: Seattle +8.5 (-112) | New York -8.5 (-108)
• Moneyline: Seattle (+250) | New York (-325)
• Total: O/U 181.5 (-114/-116)

During its eight-game skid, the Storm have lost by an average margin of 7.0 points per game. The Storm have also covered seven of their last nine games. And since they were already on the road, starting their road trip in Atlanta on Friday, they may be a bit more grounded in New York, than the Liberty.

New York returns home after winning four of its last five, but it had its hands full on the road, winning by just four in Los Angeles and a mere two points in Phoenix on Saturday. Now the Liberty will be playing their fourth game in as many cities over seven nights out of the All-Star break. This is where Seattle's fresher legs could come into play by the fourth quarter.

My Best Bet Prediction: Seattle +8.5 (-112)

• The Liberty have failed to cover their last seven games, and have one of the worst defensive units since July 11. In that span, New York has allowed the league's second-most points, 98.5, a hair better than the Toronto Tempo (98.6). And now the Liberty face a team that has done well in this series, winning and covering three of four since last season. The dog is the right side here.

Kalshi: Pros and Cons

• CFTC-regulated
• Transparent pricing
• Low fees, no house edge
• Diverse event markets available

• Possible loss from volatility or market uncertainty

Visit Kalshi

Las Vegas Aces at Atlanta Dream

• Spread: Las Vegas +2.5 (-110) | Atlanta -2.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Las Vegas (+114) | Atlanta (-140)
• Total: O/U 184.5 (-108/-112)

It's been a continuous theme all season: the defending-champion Aces' defense fails them. The Sky trailed Las Vegas by 10 with 7 1/2 minutes to play before taking a 79-78 lead with 2:25 to go. Then Sydney Taylor hit a 3-pointer with less than a second remaining to deliver Chicago an 84-83 win on Saturday. Now, the Aces have to play a surging Atlanta team that is looking for revenge.

The Dream have won five straight games, with one of the most dangerous offenses in the league that now gets a shot at Las Vegas' troubled defense. While Atlanta ranks sixth in the league with 89.4 ppg, it's scoring 97.0 points per outing during its win streak. And what might be most impressive about this streak is the Dream — chock full of long-range gunners — is shooting just .294 from 3-point range in that span.

My Best Bet Prediction: Atlanta -2.5 (-110)

• Beware of Angel Reese in this game. If you're looking for a player prop, I think Reese is going to have a big game and will lead the Dream to the win. The third-year player was averaging 14.9 points and 11.8 rebounds through 21 games. During the win streak, she's scoring 19.2 points and grabbing 11.0 boards per contest. Now she faces a Las Vegas team she's averaging 14.0 points and 12.2 rebounds against, in six career meetings. All Angel Reese in a Dream win.

Phoenix Mercury at Chicago Sky

• Spread: Phoenix -1.5 (-112) | Chicago +1.5 (-108)
• Moneyline: Phoenix (-130) | Chicago (+106)
• Total: O/U 178.5 (-106/-114)

As of last night, Kelsey Plum was listed as questionable, pending a physical result. Since she previously announced she would play in last night's game for the Sparks if she was still playing for Los Angeles, I expect her to be in the lineup tonight. The addition of Plum relieves pressure off Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper. Plum will fit nicely in Nate Tibbetts system, and can play the role of facilitator with plenty of options.

After averaging 82.4 ppg over their first 16 games, the Sky are pouring in 94.1 their last 13, tied for third-most points since June 24. And I would think the Sky should be riding high after Taylor's game-winning shot. Chicago has won two straight and will continue its homestand with plenty of momentum after coach Tyler Marsh's first-ever win over his mentor, Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon.

My Best Bet Prediction: Chicago +1.5 (-108)

• As much as I know Plum improves the Phoenix lineup, I don't believe last year's runner-up will be returning to the postseason. The Mercury arrive in Chicago at the right time, as they'll run into an offensive buzzsaw. When these two met less than a month ago in Phoenix, the Sky won 77-66. It triggered a 3-6 skid for the Mercury. The home dog is the right play tonight.

W.G. Ramirez is a veteran sports writer from Las Vegas and a Senior Staff Analyst at Ballislife Bets. Follow him on X at @WillieGRamirez