The New York Liberty hope to upset the defending champion Chicago Sky in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series but see long betting odds to do so.
The New York Liberty shocked the WNBA world when they stole Game 1 of their WNBA first-round playoff series against the Chicago Sky. The defending champs followed that upset with a record-breaking 38-point victory in Game 2. That’s set the stage for the deciding contest in Game 3, one where the Liberty see long betting odds to advance.
The Liberty need another standout performance from their top star, Sabrina Ionescu, who went for 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in Game 1. New York shocked the Sky in Game 1 with a 13-0 run to end the game, winning 98-91 and setting a new franchise mark for points scored in a playoff game.
Last year’s WNBA Finals MVP, Kahleah Cooper, countered with a big game of her own in Game 2, dropping 20 points, one of five Sky performers to finish in double figures.
The betting odds for this pivotal matchup favor Chicago, though the Liberty get to play at home for the first time in this series.
Best Betting Odds for Liberty-Sky Game 3
| TEAM | SPREAD | MONEYLINE | TOTAL |
| Sky Best Odds | -6.5/-110 (BetMGM) | -285 (DraftKings) | Over 164.5/-110 (PointsBet) |
| Liberty Best Odds | +7.0/-105 (PointsBet) | +250 (WynnBet) | Under 165.5 -110 (FanDuel) |
These teams have split their last four matchups, though Chicago won the regular season set 3-1. The Liberty won and covered as 10-point underdogs on the road in Game 1, while Chicago won and covered as 9.5-point favorites at home in Game 2.
Most sportsbooks set the spread for this contest between 6.5 and 7.5 points in favor of the defending champs, despite the Sky playing in New York for this contest. The total for Game 3 sits between 164.5 and 165.5 at most NY sportsbooks, which is notable considering it’s three points lower than the Game 2 total.
The Liberty enter this contest only be 9-9 at home this season, which clearly affects the betting odds for this one. However, New York’s 5-0 in its last five games at the Barclays Center. While playing at home is clearly an advantage, Chicago comes to this contest with an impressive road record (12-6) this season.
The biggest difference between Games 1 and 2 in this WNBA first-round series has been New York’s ability to shoot the ball. In Game 1, the Liberty made 49.3 percent of their attempts from the floor, including 44.3 percent from three. Chicago countered with stout defense in Game 2, limiting the Liberty to 33.3 percent shooting overall and just 15 percent from three.
Trends Affecting Betting Odds in Liberty vs Sky Game 3
The Liberty finished the regular season with a 16-20 record, which earned New York the 7-seed for the WNBA playoffs. The Liberty posted a 18-17-1 mark against the spread this season, and saw the Under hit 19 times, versus 17 for the Over.
Chicago, meanwhile, finished the regular season with a 26-10 record, good for the WNBA’s 2-seed. The Sky went 17-18-1 against the spread, with a 19-16-1 Over/Under mark.
The betting odds for this winner-take-all Game 3 matchup between the Liberty and Sky see several intriguing trends.
The Sky come to this contest 0-4 against the spread following their last four straight up and ATS victories. The Liberty enter with a 3-1-1 against the spread mark in their last five games versus a team with a winning record. That said, Chicago’s 4-2 against the spread in its last six road games, though the Liberty are 5-0 straight up in their last five at home.
New York also enjoys a 3-1-1 against the spread mark in its last five meetings with the Sky.
The Under hit in 11 of the last 16 matchups between these two clubs in New York. The Liberty have seen the Under hit in five of their last six games following a straight up loss. The total has also hit the Under in four of Chicago’s last six road games.
