Chicago Sky vs. Dallas Wings Prediction: Angel Reese and the Sky Big Underdogs in Season Opener

Being an underdog is something new for former LSU star Angel Reese. But that is what her new team, the Chicago Sky, will be when it faces the Dallas Wings Wednesday night at College Park Center in Arlington, TX.

Sky fans may find this surprising since Chicago won the season series with the Wings last year, 3-1 (3-1 ATS). The Sky also holds an edge in the all-time series lead against Dallas, 28-26, and have won six of the last ten between the two teams (6-4 ATS).

However, while the Wings had trouble when they played the Sky, they had a better overall record (22-18 to 18-22 for Chicago) and went into the playoffs as the No. 4 seed. Chicago squeaked in as the No. 8 seed. 

But with a new season and new players comes an opportunity for a new beginning. Let's review the betting odds for the game, and we'll share our pick for Sky vs. Wings.

Sky vs. Wings Betting Odds for Wednesday, May 15

Chicago finished the 2023 season with a record of 18-24 SU and 22-19-1 ATS. They played well away from home, going 12-10 ATS, including a pair of wins against the Wings in Dallas. When they were underdogs, they were competitive; they went 15-14 ATS as underdogs.

The OVER was 20-22 for the season, but it was 3-1 in the four games vs. Dallas.

As for the Wings, Dallas finished the season 24-21 SU and 25-20 ATS. Like many teams, they played their best basketball at home, going 13-10 SU and 14-9 ATS. The OVER was a solid bet for the Wings last season as the OVER went 27-17-1.

Here is the betting line for Sky vs. Wings with odds from Caesars Sportsbook where you can get $1,000 First Bet on Caesars.

Sky vs. Wings Prediction

Chicago Sky Preview

The Sky were not a bad team last season despite having a losing record. But they were not extraordinary at anything. They ranked sixth in scoring and points allowed and were also one of the better three-point shooting teams (37.2%). Their defense was solid against three-point shooters (33.4% allowed). But the Sky did have a couple of issues.

Teams shot 45.1% against them (second to last), and they were second to last in pulling down defensive rebounds (24.8 per game). Those were not the only issues, but they help explain Chicago’s draft choices.

Rather than go after at least one scoring threat with their two top-ten picks, they took South Carolina center Kamilla Cardoso (No. 3) and LSU forward Angel Reese. Both were solid rebounders and defensive standouts in college (Cardoso averaged 9.7 per game last season; Reese averaged 13.4) that could score (Cardoso averaged 14.4 ppg; Reese 18.6).

The team's success will likely hinge on how quickly Reese and Carodoso can adapt their game to the WNBA. But the Sky will not see Cardoso take the court for another 4-6 weeks (shoulder injury).

Bet on Chicago Sky at Caesars Sportsbook

Dallas Wings Preview

Arike Ogunbowale, one of the best scoring threats in the league last season (21.2 ppg; No. 5), will provide solid veteran leadership to a relatively young roster.

Jacy Sheldon, the No. 5 pick from the 2024 draft, will likely be asked to fill the vacancy left by the departure of Crystal Dangerfield. Sheldon could see a lot of time at point guard with the team moving on from Veronica Burton.

However, the most significant impact could come from the 2023 draft class. Maddy Siegrist (the No. 3 pick) had an underwhelming rookie year but has looked solid in preseason play. Lou Lopez Sénéchal and Stephanie Soares (the No. 5 and 4 picks) will look to make their WNBA debuts after missing their rookie seasons with knee injuries.

But, while the roster is a promising mix of veteran players and young talent, it will be without last year's Most Improved Player, Satou Sabally, to start the season while she recovers from a shoulder injury.

Bet on Dallas Wings at Caesars Sportsbook

Sky vs. Wings - My Pick

Not having Cardoso in the lineup is a blow to the Sky's chances of pulling off an upset in this game, but that does not mean they can't. On paper, the Wings look like the better team, but while they have some solid veterans, Dallas appears to be embracing a youth movement this year - which means there will be growing pains.

Angel Reese will be the difference in this game. If she can pick up where she left off in college, she may lead the Sky to one of the first upsets of the season. If Chicago does not win, they will not get blown out.

• Our Pick: Chicago Sky Spread +9.5 (-115) at Caesars Sportsbook

How to Watch Sky vs. Wings

• Location: College Park Center, Arlington, TX

• Game Time & Date: 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 15, 2024.

• TV Network: ESPN 2

• Streaming: ESPN+, Disney +