WNBA Expert Picks for 8/16: Matinee Sunday
Written by: Varun Sharma
Published: Sun Aug 16, 2026, 12:07 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
wnba
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+5.5
-110
179
-105u
+180
Spread
Total
Moneyline
-5.0
-110
178
-110o
-195
Happy Sunday. The best way to spend your Sunday (pre-football) is with your feet kicked up, sipping on a cup of coffee and deep in the WNBA lab. We've got three games on the docket today, two tipping off in the early afternoon.
I've got three props locked in and plenty to talk about. Let's jump straight to the hardwood.
For more information on betting the WNBA, check our full WNBA Betting Guide.
Today's Best Bets
Alyssa Thomas o34.5 PRA (+105) | Lucky Rebel
Alyssa Thomas has been great for the Phoenix Mercury this year, unfortunately the Mercury just haven't been good. Phoenix sits 7-games out of a playoff spot, they took a swing on Kelsey Plum and they've gone 1-3 in the 4 games she's played so far.
Things haven't looked great for the Mercury but like I said, Alyssa Thomas has been great. She's averaging 14.8 points, 8.2 assists and 7.4 rebounds per game. She leads the Mercury in both assists and rebounds; while still being the 2nd leading scorer for the team.
The Mercury are finally home after a 5-game road trip that ended in Los Angeles, but the team's been off since Tuesday. The team's rested and tonight they go up against one of the worst defenses in the league.
The Portland Fire rank 13th in points allowed, 11th in opponent effective field goal percentage, 14th in opponent offensive rebound rate and 15th in assists allowed. They've been terrible defensively and just as bad on the glass.
Thomas has gone under this line in 4 straight games and in 7 of her last 10 games overall; yet books have set this line as high at 34/35. Portland struggles against opposing bigs, especially ones with the kind of court vision we've seen from Thomas.
Dominique Malonga o29.5 P/R (-115) | Lucky Rebel
Dominique Malonga has been one of the most exciting young players in the WNBA and in just her second year in the league; she's making a name for herself.
Malonga is averaging 17.1 points per game this year and 8.9 rebounds per game. She's shooting 50% from the field and she's been dominant on the offensive glass. Dominique is averaging 2.7 offensive rebounds per game this year and that's jumped to 3.2 per game over her last 10.
The Chicago Sky rank 11th in points allowed, 15th in rebounds allowed and we watched Malonga dominate this matchup twice already this year. In two games against the Sky, Malonga averaged 21 points per game and 11 rebounds per game. She shot 50% from the field and grabbed a total of 10 offensive rebounds in the two games.
Chicago rank 11th in opponent offensive rebound rate and it's why I love Malonga to take advantage today. She's been putting it all out on the floor every night and with the FIBA World Cup right around the corner, I'm sure she's excited to play meaningful basketball.
Lastly, Malonga's also been incredible at home this year. Her points per game jump from 15.8 on the road to 19.1 at home. She's shooting 51% from the field here in Seattle and 10% better from the free throw line.
Atlanta Dream forward Angel Reese is pumped up after getting the bucket and foul call.
Angel Reese o27.5 P/R (-108) | Lucky Rebel
Let's finish it off with what will probably be the game of the day. The Indiana Fever head to Georgia to take on the Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. Any time we have Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese on the same court, it's bound to be fireworks.
Clark's got a 5-3 advantage in their head to head matchups, averaging 21.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 9.0 assists per game. However, since Angel came over to Atlanta, things have shifted. The Dream have won 2 of the 3 games so far this season, Angel's averaged 16.7 points per game and 9.7 rebounds per game.
Tonight will be the final time the two teams meet in the regular season and I'm once again expeting a big time matchup. Reese is averaging 16.8 points per game at home, 11.1 rebounds and she's shooting significantly better in her home arena.
The Fever rank 12th in points allowed this year and have struggled against opposing bigs. Aliyah Boston is a game time decision tonight and if she doesn't play, the Fever won't have an answer for Reese down on the block.
Looking for More
More MLB News
MLB Betting News
MLB Best Bets for 8/16: All Day Baseball on Sunday
MLB Betting News
Texas Rangers vs Athletics Picks and Props August 15th, 2026
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on 'X' @VSaaauce for all my picks and sports takes you didn't ask for! Follow Betting News on 'X' and Twitch and catch us on stream! Betting News is also on TikTok! Follow us for more picks, and news!
Looking for a great promo for a new sportsbook? Check out our reviews of the best sportsbooks.
You may know me as ‘VSaaauce’. I’ve been a die hard hoops fan my entire life. I’ve been betting on the NBA/NCAAB/NFL/MLB for six years now, each year gaining more and more knowledge about being a profitable handicapper. I’m eager to learn, and eager to pass on everything I’ve gained over the last few years. I started my Twitter page four years ago, and this community makes me so thankful I did. Outside of sports and handicapping, I enjoy traveling, hoopin, a strong espresso and I’m currently studying to obtain my MD. I’m all about the vibes, good vibes only. If that sounds like you, follow me on 'X' @VSaaauce.
This site contains commercial content. We may be compensated for the links provided on this page. The content on this page is for informational purposes only. Betting News makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event.