WNBA Rookie of the Year? Bet on Angel Reese:
Thanks to the influx of extraordinary young talent, the popularity of the WNBA is blowing up. Unsurprisingly, the betting markets are too. Showing respect to the wonderful women’s game, this gambler will occasionally dip his toe in the WNBA wagering waters.
The pick — Angel Reese to win WNBA Rookie of the Year (+1200, Caesars)
The Joker, Thanos and Lex Luthor have nothing on the WNBA’s supreme archvillain, Angel Reese.
The Chicago Sky rookie forward is a modern-day Bill Laimbeer — but without the technicals, fines or suspensions of the Bad Boy Piston. Still, Reese’s ear-piercing smack talk, hard fouls and sheer physicality have sent disturbed onlookers into a tizzy.
Her attempt to block Caitlin Clark’s shot last Sunday — a basketball play that resulted in a Flagrant 1 foul — became the latest flashpoint for Reese’s critics. Matt Leinart, the former Heisman Trophy winner, even called for Reese to “be suspended” and called her style of play “not good for the game.”
How dare she exude swagger. How dare she exude toughness.
Silence, haters.
The irony of the unjust narrative is that Reese’s energetic and physical presence would be welcomed by every other WNBA franchise. And in a city built on grit and grime, she is an ideal representative.
Also, her chances to win Rookie of the Year are increasing.
Reese has slowly chipped away at Clark’s seemingly insurmountable lead in the ROY race. The Chicago enforcer has logged seven-straight double-doubles and has eight overall, which is tied for third in the league with Breanna Stewart. Tina Charles’ single-season rookie record of 22 double-doubles is a mark sure to be threatened by Reese if she continues to put up numbers. At +1200 to win Rookie of the Year, she’s very much in the conversation.
Head-to-head against Clark this season, Reese has averaged 9.5 points and 13.0 rebounds, but both prior encounters resulted in Indiana Fever victories. On Sunday, Reese and the Sky look to exact revenge at a packed Wintrust Arena, where the cheapest secondary-market ticket is running north of $350.
Bank on the Basketball Barbie to strut her stuff. And if Reese again reaches double figures in points and rebounds, her ROY odds are sure to tumble.
Keep in mind the honor is voted on by sportswriters who cover the league. Clark will remain the public’s popular choice, but if Reese continues to blast the glass and get buckets, the race is sure to tighten. Maximize the value while you can.
And respect the Queen of Controversy — especially you, Matt Leinart.
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For those who desire instant gratification, here's a play on the Sky standout in her Sunday matchup against the Fever.
Angel Reese 12+ rebounds vs. Fever (+116, FanDuel)
Try to block her out all you want. Reese won't be denied.
She has pulled down 13 rebounds in each of Chicago’s first two tussles with Indiana, and she's reached the needed number in four of her last five games. Most impressively, she has increased her glass production despite tag-team partner Kamilla Cardoso's minutes surge.
Coming off an 18-board dominance of Dallas, Reese’s inner Moses Malone is again likely to surface. This season, the Fever have surrendered the fifth-most rebounds per game (34.9).
WNBA season record: 7-5, +3.30 units
