What kind of fireworks await Caitlin Clark and NaLyssa Smith on opening night? Join our WNBA betting savant, Nick Zellman, as he deconstructs three enticing WNBA player props for today – Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Uncover all of Nick’s picks, plus more WNBA player prop gems, at OddsandLines.
The 2024 WNBA campaign finally bursts into life tonight! Festivities commence at 7:00 PM ET with a New York-Washington showdown, before Caitlin Clark makes her wildly-anticipated debut at 7:30 PM ET against Connecticut on ESPN2. Then at 10:00 PM ET, reigning champs Las Vegas host Phoenix, while Seattle entertains Minnesota to cap an evening dripping with basketball brilliance.
I’ve already broken down Fever vs. Sun odds and predictions, but if you’re hunting unique player prop opportunities, we have three fascinating wagers worth your consideration for Tuesday, May 14th!
WNBA Player Props for Today – Tuesday, May 14, 2024
- Caitlin Clark Over/Under 21.5 Points
- Caitlin Clark Over/Under 6.5 Assists
- NaLyssa Smith Over/Under 16.5 Points
Caitlin Clark Over/Under 21.5 Points
Clark torched nets for 31.6 points per game in her final Iowa season, making this number seem paltry. However, it’s priced prudently for substantive reasons.
Last season, only three WNBAers eclipsed 21.5 points per game – Jewell Loyd, Breanna Stewart, and A’Ja Wilson. Loyd’s been around since 2015, Stewart since 2016, and Wilson since 2018. Rookie Aliyah Boston led all first-years at 14.5 ppg. Clearly, thriving against collegiate talent doesn’t guarantee overnight WNBA dominance.
Moreover, Clark joins far more firepower in Indiana than her Iowa supporting cast. Last year, just two Hawkeye teammates averaged over 8.4 ppg as Clark often single-handedly carried the offense. But now she’ll share scoring duties with 2022 #2 pick NaLyssa Smith and 2023 #1 overall Aliyah Boston. Clark won’t need to heave 20+ nightly with such weaponry around her.
We also can’t assume Clark’s collegiate exploits seamlessly translate. At Iowa, she frequently played free-flowing, disorganized ball – a byproduct of her team’s lack of talent. With the Fever, she’ll run far more structured sets, playing off-ball more often. In two preseason games, Clark scored 21 then 12 points in 28 and 32 minutes, respectively. She may not always lead her own team in shots, a new experience.
There are sound arguments for Clark’s scoring being reined in initially.
PICK: Clark UNDER 21.5 Points (+100), DraftKings
Caitlin Clark Over/Under 6.5 Assists
Clark was an elite shooter at Iowa, overshadowing her brilliant passing chops. She’s among the most gifted playmakers to hit the W in ages, and her new supporting cast should afford ample chances to flaunt that skill as a rookie.
Clark dished 6 dimes in Thursday’s preseason tilt versus Atlanta while commanding constant defensive attention. Tonight, she faces a Connecticut squad that excelled at neutralizing triples last year, meaning likely drive-and-kick openings for teammates. Solid value on the over here.
PICK: Clark OVER 6.5 Assists (-110), Caesars
NaLyssa Smith Over/Under 16.5 Points
If anyone benefits enormously from Clark’s arrival, it’s Smith. Last season, the 6’4″ forward averaged 15.5 ppg while routinely double-teamed due to Indiana’s lack of perimeter threats. This year, defenses keying on Clark should afford Smith acres of space to flourish.
During the preseason, Smith poured in 20 points against Dallas and 21 versus Atlanta. With Kelsey Mitchell (doubtful tonight) potentially out, Smith should see heavy involvement against a Connecticut interior defense that leaked points around the cup in 2023.
PICK: Smith OVER 16.5 Points (-115), DraftKings
WNBA 2024 Results – Wager Type
Points: 0-0
Rebounds: 0-0
Assists: 0-0
Combined Playoff Record: 0-0 (0.0%)
