Is there any greater feeling, as a gambler, to watch one team miss a free throw down by seven with fifteen seconds left in the game, watch the opposing team grab the rebound, and then watch as both teams tacitly agree the game is over and so the rebounding team just waits out the final seconds, giving you your cover at +7.5? That realization, “Oh, they all know it’s over, no one’s going to do anything save dribble the ball at half court, as they just let the clock run out. I’m home”? It’s like a cool breeze against your face as you’re handed a milkshake by a film actress to whom you’re attracted.
I mean, sure, of course, there are better feelings in gambling. I mean, replace the words “breeze,” “milkshake,” and perhaps pluralize “actress.” But that feeling’s surprisingly pleasant and, for certain, underrated. I’m guessing any degenerate reading this knows the sensation of which I speak.
Anyway, 4-2 on Sunday to complete a 13-5 week. Okay, that might be a greater sensation. But let’s not rest on our sensations, shall we, uh, not? After a day off, I’m eager to keep chasing that feeling. Won’t you join me?
Seattle O’Sullivan so far: 26-15
ML Parlay: Seattle (-1200), Minnesota (-165), and Las Vegas (-800), Total Price -104
ML Parlay: Seattle (-1200), Las Vegas (-800), Total Price -455
Here’s another feeling, “I know parlays are stupid plays. I’m doing it anyway.” (sigh)
Seattle Storm at Indiana Fever, 7 pm EDT
The Pick: Indiana +15.5 (-110)
This isn't rocket science, no matter what those arbitrage websites tell you. Seattle’s the best team in the league; Indiana’s the worst. In its last matchup with the Storm, the Fever lost on the road by 15, so perhaps playing at home will make it closer. Certainly, Indiana had a chance to beat the Sky on Saturday - they shot 48.4% from the floor, over 7% better than average. This is the first of a two-game series between the teams, the next matchup coming Thursday. Seattle should win easily, but after their big win over the Connecticut Sun, they might be looking past this week a little. I think the Fever put up at least a fight tonight.
Chicago Sky at Minnesota Lynx, 9 pm EDT
The Pick: Minnesota ML (-165)
Both of these teams are middle-of-the-pack, but Minnesota is 4-2 at home, with one of those losses to the Seattle Storm. Chicago, on the other hand, had trouble dispatching Indiana on the road. The Lynx are playing better, especially guard Crystal Dangerfield (whom I feel should be starting), while Chicago still looks out of sorts to me. The money line price isn’t too expensive for me to settle for a straight win here.
New York Liberty at Las Vegas Aces, 10 pm EDT
The Pick: New York +12.5 (-110)
Even though Sunday’s game proved my theory that the Dallas Wings are a team on the rise, it also proved everyone’s feeling that the Las Vegas Aces are very, very good indeed. The Wings simply had no answer for A’ja Wilson, but then again, who in the WNBA does? Dallas also had little in response to Aces center Liz Cambage, whose body language is awful and whose complaining about every single call which goes against her must be an homage to her head coach Bill Laimbeer, but who is simply too big to prevent from scoring down low for an entire game. There is no one on the Liberty who can stop those two. New York’s Sabrina Ionescu is still dealing with an ankle injury and may not play. The only thing that has me taking the points in this game is: well, it’s 12.5, and the Liberty shoot, and make, a lot of three-pointers. The 3 got them a huge lead against the Mercury on Sunday, and I think it and Betnijah Laney, who’s matching Wilson’s MVP campaign, will keep it manageable.