As the Tokyo Olympics begin to wind down, many WNBA stars playing for their home countries will soon return to the United States to prepare for the second half of the season.
Much like the other professional sports leagues this season, the WNBA has had to compress its schedule. If the results also mirror any of the other leagues, it could mean we are in store for a Cinderella team to take home this year's title.
WNBA 2021: Schedule and Dates
July 15-August 11: Olympic Break
August 12: Commissioner’s Cup Championship Game (Storm vs. Sun)
August 15: Second Half Schedule Begins
August 21: Trade Deadline at 8:00 pm EST
September 19: Last Day of Regular Season
September 23: Playoffs Begin
October 19: Last Possible Finals Date
WNBA Championship 2021: Odds
Las Vegas Aces: +220
Seattle Storm: +230
Connecticut Sun: +600
Minnesota Lynx: +750
Prior to finalizing your WNBA future wagers, read below for a breakdown of the league’s top contenders.
Las Vegas Aces (+220)
Heading into the second half of the season, the Las Vegas Aces have jumped from +300 odds at the beginning of the year to the new betting favorite at +220.
The Aces have the second-best record in the league at 15-6 and have shown incredible depth. With the reigning MVP, A'ja Wilson, and Sixth Woman of the Year candidate Kelsey Plum, coach Laimbeer can have a strong five on the floor regardless of the rotation.
Not to mention that Liz Cambage has returned after opting out of last season and playing in the WNBL last fall. She may be the missing piece for Las Vegas to make it over the hump and win their first WNBA Championship.
Seattle Storm +230
The Seattle Storm are the current defending champions. They started the year as the betting favorite at +175 but have increased to +230.
However, do not let the line change scare you from picking the Storm this season. They currently have the best record in the league at 16-5 and will play in the championship match for the inaugural Commissioners Cup.
Seattle is not as deep this season after losing Natasha Howard and Alysha Clark in the offseason. However, they are still led by some of the league's top talent in Sue Bird, Breanna Stewart, and Jewell Loyd. Anytime you have that type of star power, you will always be a favorite to win.
Connecticut Sun +600
The Connecticut Sun started as a long-shot pick to win the WNBA Championship at +1000 odds, but after their impressive start to the season, they are looked at as more legitimate contenders by the oddsmakers, who have moved them down to +600.
The Sun have arguably the best player in the league this season with Jonquel Jones. She is averaging 21 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists on 54% shooting. Moreover, Jones also impacts the defensive side of the ball. When the 27-year-old is on the court, the Sun hold their opponents to just 39% from the field (via WNBA.com)
We have seen many times in the past that when you have a dominating two-way player like Jonquel Jones, that alone makes your team a legitimate contender to win the WNBA Championship.
Minnesota Lynx +750
The Minnesota Lynx are the last team with odds under +1000. They began the year at +1400 to win the title but are now listed by the oddsmakers at +750.
The Lynx recovered after their horrific 0-4 start to the season. Since then, they have managed to go 10-3 and were on a five-game win streak heading into the Olympic break.
Despite Minnesota being inconsistent, when they have everything clicking, they have shown they can beat anybody. They have overtime victories against the Storm and the Aces this season. If the Lynx can maintain the play they showed before the break, they could very well be a dark horse to win this year's championship.
Final WNBA Championship Prediction & Pick
Expect the second half of the season to be ultra-competitive and full of great storylines. However, Seattle Storm has a solid all-around roster and has excellent veteran leadership in Sue Bird, who will help guide her team in an unprecedented season.
For those reasons, if they can stay healthy, the Storm will defend their 2020 title and come out on top for the WNBA's 25th season. If you are looking for more value, it would not be a bad idea to sprinkle a little on the Connecticut Sun.
FINAL WNBA CHAMPIONSHIP PREDICTION & PICK: Seattle Storm (+230)
*Odds were updated Tue, August 3, 2021, at 10:00 AM ET – Subject to Change – Odds from FanDuel SportsBook*
Which team do you think will bring home the 2021 WNBA Championship? Let us know in the comments!
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