Tom Macrina Sports Picks

We've backed Detroit in both games in this series with success. I haven't seen anything that makes me want to flip. Pistons give the Cavs matchup problems. Even with the Cavs returning home in desperation they've struggled to cover spreads. Pistons are a live dog. Take Pistons +4.5

Chicago is in retooling mode but returns a veteran-heavy roster built for immediate competitiveness. Portland, on the other hand, is playing its very first official WNBA game as an expansion franchise — a notoriously difficult spot for any new team.
Expansion squads almost always struggle with cohesion, chemistry, and execution in their debut outings. Turnovers, missed rotations, and shaky decision-making are common, especially on the road (or in this case, a high-pressure home opener). The Sky’s experienced backcourt should be the perfect antidote to that opening-night chaos, providing the poise and execution needed to pull away once the game settles.
The Moda Center will undoubtedly be electric and loud for Portland’s return to the league, which could keep things close early. However, Chicago’s veteran leadership — particularly in the guard spots — gives them a clear edge in stabilizing the game and capitalizing on Portland’s inevitable jitters.
Recommendation: Take the Chicago Sky -4.5

Indiana’s offense should once again rank among the league’s fastest. With Clark operating at full strength and a spacing-friendly core around her, the Fever are built to push tempo and generate high-volume scoring opportunities right from tip-off.
Dallas, meanwhile, brings legitimate scoring talent of its own. Even while working through early-season rotation questions and integrating new pieces, the Wings have enough offensive weapons to match Indiana’s pace. The concern for Dallas is defense — they were already one of the league’s weaker defensive units last season, and early growing pains could make them even more vulnerable.
Betting Angle
The public is heavily on Indiana, as expected with Clark mania in full effect. However, the spread has steadily moved in Dallas’s direction, suggesting sharp money is siding with the Wings to keep this game competitive.
Best Bet: Wings/Fever Over 177
This total feels high on paper, but the matchup screams points. Indiana is fully capable of flirting with (or eclipsing) 100 points on opening night, and Dallas has more than enough firepower to keep pace in a track-meet style game. Early-season games with new lineups and defensive uncertainty often produce inflated scores — this one has all the ingredients for a shootout.
Recommended Play: Over 177 (lean Wings + the spread as a side bet if the value remains)