The Connecticut Sun face a challenging matchup against the No. 2-seeded Valkyries on Wednesday, entering the game as significant underdogs with several key players sidelined due to injury. The Sun are reportedly without guard Leïla Lacan for the next four games, and center Brittney Griner is listed as questionable. Forward Olivia Nelson-Ododa, the team's third-leading scorer, is also questionable. The team will, however, see the return of forward Aaliyah Edwards.
The Sun, who are in the midst of a back-to-back schedule after playing the Chicago Sky on Tuesday, could be facing a "trap game" scenario. The Valkyries, meanwhile, are on the front end of their own critical back-to-back, with a game against the Liberty scheduled for Thursday night. The Valkyries are 13.5-point favorites in Wednesday's contest, despite being in the middle of a five-game road trip during which some starters' minutes have been managed.
Oddsmakers have set the Sun as high as +600 on theMoneyline, reflecting their underdog status. Betting analysis suggests that despite the Valkyries' stronger season standing, the Sun's ability to either lose decisively or keep games close could pose a challenge. The Valkyries themselves have shown vulnerability, having recently lost to the 14-win Sky before defeating the top-seeded Lynx.
The recommended betting play for this matchup is to take the Connecticut Sun with the points, specifically +13.5, with a live-betting strategy to wager on the under after the first quarter. This approach acknowledges the potential for a close game or an upset, despite the disparities in team performance and availability.