WNBA Best Bets Today: 3 Top WNBA Player Prop Bets & Odds for May 18

The WNBA continues on Monday after a thrilling Sunday slate that includes an Aces victory at the buzzer and Caitlin Clark's continued dominance. Today's slate features two matchups: Washington Mystics vs. Dallas Wings and Connecticut Sun vs. Portland Fire. Let's take a look at the betting odds, schedule, and my best bets for today.

(Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Today, the Mystics (2-1, 2-0 away) will match up against the Wings (1-2, 0-2 home) on the road. Dallas was off to a blazing start after earning a 107-104 season opener victory over the Indiana Fever. Since then, they've lost two straight to the Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream. In the midst, head coach Jose Fernandez called out his team for being "selfish," and No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd has been producing off the bench. From lineup adjustments to poor pick-and-roll defense, is there trouble in Dallas?

Conversely, Washington has officially entered the conversation as a playoff contender. By conversation, I mean  a team that's capable of hanging with the rest. 2-1 on the season, this is a team that took the New York Liberty to overtime, and defeated the Fever in overtime thanks to massive performances by Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen.

Today, the Wings are tabbed as a 4.5-point spread favorite and -196 on the moneyline.

The late-night matchup of today will feature the Sun vs. Fire. Connecticut will make its debut in Portland against the WNBA's newest expansion franchise. 0-4 on the season, the Sun owns the worst record in the league, and the official sale to Houston was approved last week. The Sun has an average age of 25 years and 208 days old—this team is in full rebuild mode. Both teams will face off for the first time in WNBA history.

Could things turn around for Connecticut? After all, they've endured a challenging schedule to start the season. They played the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces and the Liberty.

Portland captured its first-ever 98-86 victory over the Liberty, thanks to Sarah Ashlee Barker's last-minute layup. The Fire next played the Liberty again and were trounced 100-82. It's an exciting time for the WNBA, as the Tempo and Fire are the newest expansion franchises.

Today, Portland is a 4.5-point spread favorite and -184 on the moneyline.

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WNBA Betting Odds And Schedule For Monday, May 18 (FanDuel)

If you're betting on the WNBA today, welcome!

The Mystics vs. Wings matchup will tip off at 8 p.m. EST and will air on Peacock/NBCSN. The Sun and Fire will kick things off at 10 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on local networks and WNBA League Pass.

Here are my best bets, player prop picks, and predictions for the WNBA matchups on Monday, May 18. I've placed all of my bets within Fanatics and DraftKings Sportsbook.

Odds are courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

WNBA Injury Reports for May 18

Washington Mystics vs. Dallas Wings

Washington

1. Michaela Oyenwere, Forward: OUT

Dallas

1. None

Connecticut Sun vs. Portland Fire

Connecticut

1. Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Center: OUT
2. Brittney Griner, Center: Questionable
3. Leila Lacan, Guard: OUT

Portland

1. Karlie Samuelson, Guard: OUT
2. Kamiah Smalls, Forward: Questionable
3. Carla Leite, Guard: Questionable

WNBA Best Bets & Player Props For Monday, May 18

• Washington Mystics +4.5 vs. Dallas Wings
• Shakira Austin OVER 23.5 Points + Rebounds
• Bridget Carleton OVER 14.5 Points

Mystics vs. Wings Best Bets

Spread Bet: Mystics +4.5 (-115 Fanatics)

Today, I'm taking the Washington Mystics to cover the 4.5-point spread against the Dallas Wings. Underdogs on the road, don't sleep on the Mystics. They boast the fourth-best defensive rating (101.1) in the WNBA, and formed one of the scariest frontcourts with Shakira Austin and Kiki Iriafen.

Despite being the No. 4 overall pick, Lauren Betts, who's a 6'7", is averaging just 14.7 minutes per game under head coach Sydney Johnson. The potential of this team is enormous, and they are often compared to the NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder.

2-1 on the season, the Mystics started off strong with a 68-65 victory over the Toronto Tempo on the road. Then they took the New York Liberty to overtime, although they lost 98-93. Even so, Washington put up 93 points behind a balanced scoring attack, including 25 points off the bench.

Perhaps the most impressive victory came against Caitlin Clark and the Fever, 104-102. Outscoring Indiana 15-13 in overtime, this was much more than a win–it was a statement. Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen were voted All-Stars and named WNBA All-Rookie team in 2025 for a reason.

Both Citron (30 points) and Iriafen (25 points) scored career-highs in points and combined for 55 points in the duel against Clark and the Fever. It was a thrilling shootout as the Mystics shot 56% from the field and 38% from three. Although turnovers were an issue, they dominated in the paint, 58-28, and on the boards, 44-29.

Washington not only has a strong frontcourt but also has depth. Betts is an interior force that's yet to scratch the surface, and Cotie McMahon has entered the starting lineup.

Why the Mystics Can Cover the Spread

Above all, Citron, Iriafen, and Austin are averaging career-highs in several categories. Although we are just three games in, Citron is averaging 24.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals, while shooting 60.5% from the field. In the frontcourt, Iriafen is putting up 19 points, 13.7 rebounds, and is tied with Connecticut's Aneesah Morrow for the most double-doubles (3).

Austin has proven why Washington matched the Tempo's offer sheet as she's averaging 17.7 points, 10 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks.

I like Washington in this spot, as they are 3-0 ATS, and 2-0 ATS on the road this season. They post a -.4 NET rating, compared to Dallas (-1.6), and there are a few reasons why I'm fading Dallas today.

The Wings signed former Lynx frontcourt players Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard in free agency. Dallas admitted its lack of pick-and-roll defense as the Lynx came back and defeated the Wings, 90-86.  Having lost two in a row to Minnesota and Atlanta, the Wings have struggled with interior defense, rebounding, and closing out games.

Despite free agency additions, Dallas ranks No. 12 in defensive rating (110.2), allowing 90.3 points per game. In addition, they rank No. 13 in defensive rebound percentage (47.1%) and offensive rebounds (25.4%).

Can I really take Dallas here? Fernandez called out the entire locker room, and there's been buzz swirling about why No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd isn't starting or gaining more minutes. The Mystics lead the WNBA with 50.7 paint points, and the Wings allow the most paint points in the WNBA with 48.

To make it even worse, Dallas allows the most second-chance points (18.7), which is an area where the Mystics thrive (14 per game).

Final WNBA Betting Prediction: Mystics +4.5

Paige Bueckers is having another stellar year, averaging 20.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, while shooting 57.1% from the field and 54.5% from three. Arike Ogunbowale is averaging 16 points per game, although the shooting percentages are not there, and Odyssey Sims has earned the starting role over Fudd.

• I am laying the points with the Mystics tonight. I don't trust the Wings' rotations right now and truly don't understand why Maddy Siegrist, Aziaha James, and Fudd are all playing under 20 minutes. I don't trust Dallas's defense and think Washington has the advantage on both sides of the ball, especially on the interior. The Wings are a better team offensively, but I'm taking the Mystics' defense, hot hand, and interior dominance. 

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Player Prop Bet: Shakira Austin OVER 23.5 Points + Rebounds (-115 Fanatics)

For my second-best bet, I placed one unit on Mystics' center Shakira Austin to record over 23.5 points and rebounds.

I don't think Lauren Betts will crack the rotation easily, given how stellar Austin has been. Through three games, she's averaging 17.7 and 10, including two double-doubles.

Austin has produced in the paint against elite frontcourt bigs such as Aliyah Boston, Jonquel Jones, and Breanna Stewart. Not only is she averaging career highs in points and rebounds, but she's shooting 51.4% from the field with a 24.8% usage rate.

At first, I wanted to bet on just her points, but Austin has soared over 16 points in all three games,  averaging 27.7 points and rebounds this season. This line feels too low, especially against a Dallas team that allowed Lynx forward Natasha Howard to walk in the paint for 26 points and 31 PRs.

Why Shakira Austin is a Matchup Nightmare for the Dallas Wings

Additionally, Angel Reese (28) and Aliyah Boston (27) both cleared the points and rebounds prop line.

Austin is aggressive and will power her way into the paint however she can. She's shooting 78.9% in the restricted area, an area that may expose the Wings' weakness. This year, opponents are shooting 72% in the restricted area against Dallas. This is truly a surprise given that frontcourt strength was an issue last season, and Alanna Smith earned Co-Defensive Player of the Year with Minnesota in 2025.

This is a great matchup for Austin, as Dallas allows 27 points per game to centers, up from 15 PPG in 2025. In addition, they allow 11.7 rebounds and 38.7 points and rebounds.

I believe that Austin can cover a bulk of this prop through points. She's averaging 17.7 through 31.7 minutes, and ranks second on the team in shot attempts (12.3) and free-throw attempts (8).

Austin can pick-and-pop, pick-and-roll, and punish defenders on the inside. A force on defense, she's also a matchup nightmare for Dallas. We've even seen instances where Betts rolls, and Austin pops, so I'm not expecting the Wings to fix their interior defense and PNR coverage instantly.

Final WNBA Betting Prediction: Shakira Austin OVER 23.5 Points + Rebounds

From a rebound perspective, the Mystics average the second-most rebounds per game (43.3), and Austin hasn't grabbed fewer than 9 this season. I'm more inclined to take her points and rebound, considering the fact that Angel Reese grabbed 16 rebounds alone against Dallas.

• I'm taking Shakira Austin to record over 23.5 points and rebounds today. I love the matchup, and Austin boasts a 55.7% true shooting percentage this season. Austin's made the leap in her fifth season with the Mystics, and should be a problem for Dallas if she can stay out of foul trouble. Against the Fever, she had five. 

Sun vs. Fire Best Bets

Bridget Carleton OVER 14.5 Points (DraftKings)

For my third-best bet for today, I took Portland Fire star Bridget Carleton to tally over 14.5 points against the Connecticut Sun.

Carleton was selected by the Fire in the expansion draft and earned a million-dollar payday with the new franchise. Although her scoring production has been a bit inconsistent, she leads Portland in 3-point attempts (8).

Second on the team in scoring (16.7), Carleton averages the third-most shot attempts behind Sug Sutton and Carle Leite (who's questionable). What stands out to me is Carleton's 3-point volume. In 2026, she's making 3.3 threes on 8 attempts. She's an assassin from behind the arc, hence why the Fire drafted her. Since 2019, she's been a career 39.2% 3-point shooter.

Today, the books are expecting a fairly decent matchup. Portland is a 4.5-point spread favorite and will face a Connecticut Sun team that lost to the Aces by just 7 points, but gave up 101 points.

The Sun are winless on the season and rank No. 13 in defensive rating (115.2). This is a team that allows a league-high 98.5 points per game, while shooting 37.5% from the 3-point line and 52.7% from the field.

Carleton has soared over this line just once, breaking out for 26 points against the Liberty, and couldn't be stopped. And yes, I'm aware she scored just 13 against Chicago and 11 against New York.

Player Prop Bet: Bridget Carleton OVER 14.5 Points

I like Carleton's minutes (29.3) and 3-point volume enough to bet the over on points. The Sun gives up over 53 points to guards, which include 6 3-point attempts per game.

Also, Carleton has shot an efficient 41.7% from beyond the arc, and is shooting 50% from the right corner three. Connecticut has struggled defending the three, as opponents shoot 39% from above the break three. Luckily for Carleton, 65% of her shots come from that range.

• I'm taking Bridget Carleton to score over 14.5 points today. The Sun limited Jackie Young to 24 points over the last two games, but Marine Johannés and Flau 'jea Johnson scored 16 and 17 against Connecticut. I do think this prop will increase, especially if Leite plays. I'll take Carleton, who boasts a 59.5% effective field goal and 21% usage rate against a Sun team that has allowed 98+ points in two straight games.