Sportsbooks Have Los Angeles Sparks As Narrow Underdog Monday

Written By Derek Helling on July 4, 2022

The Los Angeles Sparks have a home game Monday as the only contest on the league slate for a US holiday and despite their recent improvement, legal Canadian and US sportsbooks aren’t high on them for this particular contest. The line on the spread is all about the timing of this game.

They’ll face a better-rested opponent that could have a much deeper bench. Bettors in on this game need to watch for injury updates throughout the day.

Los Angeles Sparks odds for Monday

US Independence Day WNBA tips off at 7 p.m. EDT. In the US, bettors can watch on ESPNNBA TV will have coverage in Canada.

As of 8 a.m. EDT on Monday, FanDuel has the visiting Phoenix Mercury a 1.5-point favorite. FanDuel’s total for the game sits at 165.5.

Part of the reason why Los Angeles is a home underdog is because the Sparks are playing their second game in as many days. Depending on how much weight you give that, though, this spread could be an opportunity.

Back the Sparks to get back-to-back-to-back wins?

Monday will be the third time these teams have played and the second time in Los Angeles in 2022. Each time, the home team has won both against the spread and outright.

This is the smallest spread of the three matchups, although by the thinnest of margins. The Sparks were a two-point favorite for the most recent game in Phoenix.

Monday is also the first time in this season series that the Mercury have been a favorite. Los Angeles comes in 3-2 ATS as a home underdog.

This is the first time Phoenix has been a road favorite since May 29 and just the third time all season. They’ve split their previous two opportunities ATS.

While the Mercury have won three of their last four outright, two of those wins came at home against the Indiana Fever. The Sparks are seeking their third consecutive victory straight up Monday night.

Examine the over for Monday’s contest

The totals for the games these teams have already played in 2022 have varied greatly. The earlier contest in Los Angeles landed at 164.5 while for the game in Phoenix, the final number was 171.

The actual totals went over then under respectively. At 165.5, the trends point toward the over currently. In a combined 19 games these two teams have taken part in this season for which the pre-game totals were 165.5 or lower, the over cashed in 13 of those contests.

However, there’s much to consider here. Not only are the Sparks playing on consecutive days but they could have a short bench. Los Angeles lists Chennedy CarterBrittney Sykes, and Kristi Tolliver all as questionable for Monday.

Photo by Michael Conroy/Associated Press
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Derek Helling

Derek Helling is the assistant managing editor of PlayUSA and the managing editor of BetHer. He is a 2013 graduate of the University of Iowa and covers the intersections of the gambling industry with business, the law, and technology.

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