Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty Prediction: Bet This Massive Road Dog

The Chicago Sky will head to the Big Apple on Thursday for a game against the New York Liberty. At 1-1, the Sky are massive underdogs in this game at +1000. As for the Liberty, they'll enter the game 4-0, full of confidence, feeling good, and a heavy favorite at -15.5. 

But upsets happen all the time…just look at Tuesday's Mercury victory vs. the defending champion Las Vegas Aces.

Chicago has only faced the Dallas Wings this season, going 1-1 SU and ATS; they were underdogs in both games. New York has been a little more active with four games under its belt, two against the Fever and one vs. the Storm and Mystics. While the team is 4-0 SU, it's 1-3 ATS and has not covered at home (0-2).

Let's review the betting odds for the game, along with our preview and prediction.

Sky vs. Liberty Betting Odds for Thursday, May 23

Chicago led the league in wins ATS last season (22-16-2) but was a sub-.500 team finishing with an 18-22 record. But it was good enough for them to qualify for the playoffs as the No. 8 seed, where they were dispatched with ease by the eventual champion Las Vegas Aces. 

The Over was 19-21 on the season and 1-3 when playing the Liberty.

As for New York, the Liberty had the second-best record in the WNBA last year, 32-8. But they didn't do nearly as well, finishing the regular season 19-21. The Over went 23-17. Their season ended in the WNBA Finals, in which they lost to the Las Vegas Aces. 

Here's the betting line for Sky vs. Liberty with odds from DraftKings Sportsbook where new users can get No Sweat First Bet up to $1,500.

Sky vs. Liberty Prediction

Chicago Sky Preview 

Since the Sky have only played one team this season, it is hard to draw conclusions about their level of play. But there is one essential aspect of their game that warrants recognition. The Sky showed marked improvement from one game to the next, both road games in front of hostile crowds.

In the second game, they had a much more balanced attack (all five starters scored in double figures). After getting off to a slow start offensively in the first half, they made some adjustments at the break and, with some help from their stout defense, outscored the Wings 53-32 in the second half. 

The backcourt has been getting the job done. Marina Mabrey leads the team in scoring with 16.5 points, followed by Diamond DeShields with 15. Former LSU star Angel Reese is still working on adjusting to the pro game but has not played poorly when on the court. She’s averaging 11.5 ppg and 8.5 rebounds. 

Bet on Chicago Sky at DraftKings

New York Liberty Preview

The Liberty could not have asked for a better start to the season. They are one of three undefeated teams remaining at 4-0. On the offensive end of the court, they average 88 ppg, which is good for fourth-best in the league. But they also have the No. 1 defense in the league, which has allowed just 72.3 ppg.

Reigning MVP Breanna Stewart is off to a solid start with 19.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Jonquel Jones is just a little behind with 17.3 ppg, followed by Sabrina Ioenescu with 15.3. Three different players have led the team in scoring for a game. 

With such a strong defense and versatility on offense, the Liberty will be tough to beat…or maybe they are just a little overrated. 

The stat sheet is impressive, but the opponents haven’t been (Indiana 2X, Seattle, and Washington). The Mystics and Fever have yet to win a game, and Seattle has only won two. The Liberty should have dominated all four games and covered the spread, but they are 2-2 ATS.

Bet on New York Liberty at DraftKings

Sky vs. Liberty - My Pick

New York has been a force to be reckoned with this season. That should be expected when you consider how good they were last season; their success needs to be taken with a grain of salt. Yes, they are undefeated and have dominated both sides of the court. 

But they haven’t played anyone worth bragging about. They should have demolished the Fever and Seattle. Washington had no business staying within five. However, while the Liberty are a solid opponent from losing their first game, it is hard to say Chicago is that team. 

Perhaps if Kamilla Cardoso was active, but she isn’t. That does not mean the Sky will not be competitive. 

• My Pick: Chicago Sky +15.5 (-110) at DraftKings

New York is the better team and will win the game, but they aren’t trying too hard to put teams away. Chicago is not good enough to win, but the Sky will make it interesting.

How to Watch Sky vs. Liberty

• Location: Barclays Center, New York City, NY

• Game Time & Date: 7 pm ET, Thursday, May 23, 2024

• TV Network: Prime Video, WWOR, and MARQ

• Streaming: Fubo