WNBA Returns Thursday, September 17
WNBA Picks Today: 10 Best Bets and Predictions
Free WNBA picks today, current betting lines, projected scores and analysis for all five games on the league’s first night back from the World Cup break.
Important betting note: These lines were checked Monday, September 14. Confirm the games through the official WNBA schedule and compare the latest numbers before wagering. The league is returning from an extended break, making late injury and availability news especially important.
WNBA Picks Today: September 17 Schedule and Odds
| Matchup | Time ET | Current Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut at Atlanta | 7:30 p.m. | Atlanta -14.5 | 169.5 |
| Washington at Chicago | 8:00 p.m. | Washington -3.5 | 167.5 |
| Los Angeles at Dallas | 8:00 p.m. | Dallas -7.5 | 176.5 |
| Phoenix at Portland | 10:00 p.m. | Phoenix -1.5 | 176.5 |
| Las Vegas at Seattle | 10:00 p.m. | Las Vegas -8.5 | 173.5 |
Connecticut Sun at Atlanta Dream Prediction
Atlanta returns from the break at 26-14 and remains firmly involved in the battle for playoff seeding. Connecticut is 10-30 and has struggled to match the league’s stronger teams over a full game.
The biggest concern is Atlanta laying a large number following a long interruption. However, the Dream own major advantages in overall quality, scoring potential and postseason motivation. Connecticut must protect the ball and slow the pace to remain competitive.
Projected score: Atlanta 89, Connecticut 73
Best bet: Atlanta -14.5
Total pick: Under 169.5
The projected 16-point margin narrowly supports Atlanta. The projected 162 points provide more room below the total, making the Under the slightly stronger position.
Washington Mystics at Chicago Sky Prediction
Washington enters the final portion of the regular season at 24-16 and cannot afford to lose ground in the crowded playoff race. Chicago is 15-25 and has been less consistent, although the Sky remain capable of competing at home.
The Mystics have the greater postseason urgency and the more dependable overall profile. The extended break could create early offensive rust, which strengthens the case for an Under when combined with Washington’s ability to control stretches defensively.
Projected score: Washington 84, Chicago 79
Best bet: Washington -3.5
Total pick: Under 167.5
A projected five-point Washington victory supports the Mystics at -3.5. The projected combined score of 163 also supports the Under.
Los Angeles Sparks at Dallas Wings Prediction
Dallas entered the break with four consecutive victories and has significant playoff incentive. The Wings are tied in the standings with New York and Washington, but their tiebreaker position means every remaining victory is extremely valuable.
Los Angeles owns enough offensive talent to threaten the spread, but Dallas has been playing its best basketball at the right time. Home court and superior recent momentum favor the Wings, provided the line remains below eight points.
Projected score: Dallas 90, Los Angeles 82
Best bet: Dallas -7.5
Total pick: Under 176.5
The projected eight-point margin barely clears the current spread, so do not chase Dallas if the number rises. The projected 172 total points also support a modest Under position.
Phoenix Mercury at Portland Fire Prediction
Phoenix and Portland have both spent the season below .500, making this the most competitive matchup on Thursday’s board. The Mercury are 14-26, while expansion Portland is 16-24.
Phoenix has the experience to execute in a close late-game situation, but Portland’s home court makes this a lower-confidence side. The posted total appears generous for two teams returning from a long layoff, particularly if shooting rhythm is slow to return.
Projected score: Phoenix 85, Portland 81
Best bet: Phoenix -1.5
Total pick: Under 176.5
The projected four-point Phoenix win supports the short road favorite. The projected 166 points make the Under the preferred wager in this matchup.
Las Vegas Aces at Seattle Storm Prediction
Las Vegas returns at 27-13 and remains one of the league’s leading championship contenders. Seattle owns the league’s weakest record at 8-32 and will finish the season without Katie Lou Samuelson following knee surgery.
The Aces have substantial advantages in shooting efficiency, ball security and star power. Las Vegas also has an opportunity to strengthen its playoff position against a Seattle team playing out the schedule.
Projected score: Las Vegas 90, Seattle 80
Best bet: Las Vegas -8.5
Total pick: Under 173.5
The projected ten-point margin supports Las Vegas at -8.5. Value becomes much thinner at -10 or higher, so bettors should compare prices before wagering.
WNBA Picks Today: Rocketman’s 10 Best Bets
These WNBA picks today include a spread and total opinion for every game on Thursday’s restart slate. The strongest WNBA picks today are listed first, but all selections should be checked against Thursday’s injury reports and final betting lines.
- Phoenix–Portland Under 176.5
- Washington -3.5 at Chicago
- Las Vegas -8.5 at Seattle
- Atlanta–Connecticut Under 169.5
- Dallas -7.5 vs. Los Angeles
- Washington–Chicago Under 167.5
- Atlanta -14.5 vs. Connecticut
- Las Vegas–Seattle Under 173.5
- Phoenix -1.5 at Portland
- Los Angeles–Dallas Under 176.5
Why the WNBA Restart Requires Caution
The WNBA paused from August 31 through September 16 for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Players are returning from international competition, travel and different team roles. Others remained home without regular-season game action.
That creates more uncertainty than a typical late-season slate. Monitor confirmed starting lineups, minutes limitations and player availability before betting. Early Unders may offer value if offensive rhythm is slow, but the market can adjust quickly.
Get Expert WNBA Picks
Rocketman Sports has provided professional handicapping information for nearly three decades. Review the latest premium selections and current expert standings before the WNBA regular season concludes September 24.
WNBA Picks Today FAQ
When does the WNBA return from its break?
The WNBA regular season resumes Thursday, September 17 after pausing for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
How many WNBA games are scheduled Thursday?
Five games are scheduled: Connecticut at Atlanta, Washington at Chicago, Los Angeles at Dallas, Phoenix at Portland and Las Vegas at Seattle.
What is the strongest early WNBA bet?
Phoenix and Portland Under 176.5 is the strongest early total position. Washington -3.5 and Las Vegas -8.5 are the preferred point-spread selections at the current numbers.
When do the WNBA playoffs begin?
The regular season ends September 24, and the first round of the WNBA playoffs begins September 27.
Responsible betting: Sports betting involves risk, and no selection is guaranteed. Lines and player availability can change. Bet only what you can afford to lose.
