Chicago Sky vs. New York Liberty Prediction: Sky Hope to Break Through vs Liberty in NY

At 9-12, the Sky would be in the playoffs if they started today. But they would not be expected to advance past the first round. They’ll have a chance to prove they could become contenders with a pair of games against the New York Liberty in New York tonight and at home on Saturday.

New York has been a picture of excellence all season long, but the Sky has been coming on strong. But do they have what it takes to rise up and beat arguably the best team in the WNBA on the road?

Let’s review the betting odds for the game and take a look at our preview and prediction.

Sky vs. Liberty Betting Odds for Thursday, July 11

The Sky and Liberty have played twice this season, each team hosting once. They met early in the season on May 23; the Liberty were heavy home favorites at -16.5. But the Sky shocked the league by taking down last season’s runner-up 90-81 (total was 168.5).

New York got a shot at redemption a couple of weeks later (June 4) in Chicago, but this time, they were just 8.5-point favorites (total—165.5). It was a competitive game that saw both teams dominate play at times. But in the end, Liberty won and covered the spread, 88-75.

Here are the betting odds for tonight’s game with odds from BetMGM. Use our code WSNMGM to claim up to $1,500 in bonus bets at BetMGM.

Sky vs. Liberty Preview

This game will be the 77th meeting between the Sky and Liberty. While New York is favored, Chicago has a sizeable lead, having won 42 to 34 for the Liberty. It has been a competitive series of late, with each team winning five of the last ten. But the Sky have won three of the last five in New York.

The OVER is 4-6 in the last ten games.

Chicago Sky Prediction

The Sky may be playing their best basketball of the season right now, making tonight the perfect time for them to try to take down a Liberty team that is 10-1 at home this season.

They will enter the game having won three of their last four, including two road games. In that stretch, they scored 80.5 ppg (sixth best); the Liberty averaged 75 ppg (tenth best). However, the defense may be more critical against a team that usually has one of the better offenses in the league (like New York).

On the defensive end of the court, they allowed 78.5 ppg (New York allowed 72.7 ppg).

Of course, all eyes will be on Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese as she attempts to keep her double-double streak alive (which now stands at 14 consecutive games). Her record-setting streak began with a 13-point, ten-rebound performance in a loss to the Liberty on June 4 at home.

If she can have another performance like in the recent win over the Storm in Seattle (27 points, ten rebounds), the Sky can pull off an epic upset.

Bet on Chicago Sky at BetMGM

New York Liberty Prediction

It is not hard to understand why the Liberty have been so hard to beat at home this year. Their offensive production at home is among the best in the league (87.5 ppg, third-best). However, that average has slipped in their last five home games to 78.5 ppg (seventh best).

But it is okay for your scoring output to slip as long as your defense doesn't—and New York's has not. The Liberty have allowed the fourth fewest ppg to their opponents at home (77.8 ppg), but they've been even better in their last five home games (71 ppg, second best).

The Liberty comes into the game fresh off a pivotal road win over the Sun on Wednesday in Connecticut, beating them at the Sun's game with lockdown defense while scoring just enough to win.

However, it will be interesting to see if one coaching decision in that game comes back to bite them vs. the Sky. Head coach Sandy Brondello played her starting five for almost the entire game. All five played at least 33 minutes; only two players logged time off the bench (18 and 10 minutes).

Bet on New York Liberty at BetMGM

Sky vs. Liberty Pick

• My Pick: Sky -11.5 (-115) at BetMGM

Brondello often has her starting five in for the bulk of the game and often tends to play no more than three players off the bench for a total of 40+ minutes. So, fatigue may not be an issue after all. It wasn't on the two other occasions the Liberty had back-to-backs.

They ended up winning both games in each back-to-back. The offense did not look tired, scoring 90+ points in three of the four. This game will be Chicago's first back-to-back this season, so there is a chance the Sky could have fatigue issues.

Without an advantage of some kind, the Sky can't win this game outright. However,  they are playing good basketball at the moment, and the Liberty are not a good team against the spread. Of the 12 games New York was a double-digit favorite, and Liberty went 1-11 ATS.

Bet on Sky -11.5 (-115) at BetMGM

How to Watch Sky vs. Liberty

• Location: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York

• Game Time & Date: 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, July 11

• Coverage: Prime Video