As the 2019 WNBA season matures, teams are coming into their identities. Sample sizes are growing to the point where they are relevant enough to create a Chicago Sky betting guide. Based on the numbers so far, the smart money is on the Chicago offense.
Chicago Sky guide for Illinois sports betting
Now 6-3 on the season, the Chicago Sky are exceeding expectations to this point. Under the new general manager and head coach, James Wade, and coming off a 2018 season in which they won only 13 games, the team has performed well.
The Sky have the league’s second-best home record at 4-1. Chicago is second in the WNBA in field goal percentage, shooting over 44% as a team.
The Sky are also in the top five in the league in:
- 3-point percentage
- Assists
- Free-throw percentage
- Rebounding
- Scoring
A deeper look at the Sky is favorable, as well.
Advanced stats back up Sky’s record
The Sky are also top five in the league in effective field goal percentage, shooting over 50%. That’s created by Chicago’s proficiency at getting rebounds and maximizing a roster loaded with players who are able to get off quick shots with precision.
Through Monday, June 24, 27.7% of the Sky’s points have come off 3-point shots. Another 16.2% derive from mid-range baskets. Both of those are the fourth-highest percentages in the league.
Chicago also ranks third in the league in fast-break points.
Chicago’s greatest strength is its deep and talented backcourt, anchored by:
- Allie Quigley
- Courtney Vandersloot
- Diamond DeShields
So far they are playing to that strength, posting highlight after highlight of running off a rebound with the possession ending quickly in a trailing player hitting a wide-open shot.
Opposing defenses aren’t the only thing struggling to catch up to the Sky. Oddsmakers haven’t adjusted yet, either.
Betting line history on the 2019 Sky
Oddsmakers began the season with low expectations for the Sky. That hasn’t changed much yet. Though games involving the Sky have gone under in three of the last five, the over has been the case in two of Chicago’s last three.
The Sky are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games. A bad loss to the Indiana Fever on Friday, June 21, is the exception to that rule. Expect the Chicago offense to perform more as it did on Sunday than on Friday more often than not going forward.
To begin the season only one of the Sky’s first five games went over. That could cause books to continue to project low totals for Chicago’s games.
Books will eventually adjust to Chicago’s efficiency, but until then, the smart money is on the over. There could be more improvement yet.
Potential returns from the injured list for Chicago
Rookie forward Katie Lou Samuelson, who was expected to upgrade the Sky’s frontcourt as the fourth-overall selection, has been out since injuring her hand in a home game against the Seattle Storm on June 9.
Though the injury will slow her adjustment to the WNBA, if she can make her way back and get comfortable, it will be akin to a mid-season acquisition for Chicago.
Another potential returnee is guard Jamierra Faulkner, whose talent has been marred by injury troubles throughout her professional career.
If Faulkner can get healthy and contribute any minutes, she will make an already deep and talented backcourt that much deeper.
Denying opponents second chances and the ability to push the pace with a deep roster has made the Sky a great option for bettors. When sports betting is rolled out in Illinois, people in the Land of Lincoln should take advantage.
