We knew all along it could come down to this — Liberty vs. Aces — and here we are. Now the question is, what’s the best way to bet the 2023 WNBA Finals matchup? We think we know. Keep on reading for our best bets of the Finals clash!
- What: 2023 WNBA Finals
- When: Game 1 is Sunday, October 8
2023 WNBA Finals Preview
It only feels right to begin our preview of the WNBA Finals with a quick look at the betting odds. The very best betting sites for basketball have posted the series line, and as it stands, the Aces are clear-cut favorites to win. Here’s how the odds shake out:
| Team |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas | -200 | -200 | -200 |
| New York | +165 | +165 | +165 |
The reigning champion Aces have been historically good this season. Its 34-6 mark in the postseason was an all-time record (it’s worth noting the WNBA also played a record 40 regular season games for the first time). In the playoffs, they’ve swept their way into this Finals matchup. Las Vegas will need to stick with the historic ways because no team has won back-to-back champions since Los Angeles in 2022.
The Liberty was almost as good though. New York remade its roster over the offseason — picking up Jonquel Jones, Breanna Stewart, and Courtney Vandersloot — and gelled immediately. The team won 32 games, the second most in league history. But alas, Vegas will have home-court advantage in this series due to its better mark.
These two teams squared off five times in the regular season, one game was for the Commissioner’s Cup. Liberty edged the Aces and won three games. We should note, four of those games were in August and that’s where all of New York’s wins came from. If those recent matchups are any indication, we’re in for a banger of a series.
Best Bets For 2023 WNBA Finals
We’ll be making two separate bets on the 2023 WNBA Finals. One is a little more high-risk, but the reward could be worth it. Here’s where our money is going:
Series Winner
There are two ways to look at each team. For the Liberty, it’s easy to point at that 3-1 mark (all those victories being convincing too) against the Aces in August and say “they have their number.” Those wins came without Candace Parker on the Las Vegas lineup mind you, but the soon-to-be-retired star remains sidelined. It’s best to assume that’ll continue this series.
On the other hand, Las Vegas appears to be playing better at the moment. They didn’t lose a single game in September, nor were they really challenged. The team has also “been there, done that” as defending champions — whereas much of New York’s team is new to this stage.
Honestly, we lean toward New York’s narrative more. A big reason why Vegas has looked so good is because of weak competition. Its two playoff opponents ranked among the worst in defense whereas the Liberty had to go through a more hardened path.
We’re throwing money on the Liberty. Getting them +165 is pure value given New York’s 3-1 stretch against Las Vegas only a month ago. Not having Parker on the floor allows the Liberty to double-team the Aces’ stars, which they successfully did in those prior meetings. Expect the same in this series.
Exact Series Outcome
Alright, this is the risky bet we mentioned before. Risky bet because there’s a slew of different betting options here. Bettors not only have to pick who wins but in how many games. Here are all the different betting outcomes:
| Outcome | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas 3-0 | +1400 | +1400 | +1400 |
| Las Vegas 3-1 | +310 | +310 | +310 |
| Las Vegas 3-2 | +290 | +290 | +290 |
| New York 3-0 | +320 | +320 | +320 |
| New York 3-1 | +550 | +550 | +550 |
| New York 3-2 | +650 | +650 | +650 |
This series is going to be a dogfight, there’s simply no way it can’t be given how dominant and almost equal both sides are. Therefore, our money says this goes the full five games. Take that New York 3-2 outcome all the way to the bank.
How To Watch 2023 WNBA Finals
It’s really starting to feel like the WNBA is turning the corner. The league is amid an uptick in attendance, viewers, and general interest — from fans and bettors alike. So it’s no surprise that watching the 2023 WNBA Finals will come easy. All games will be broadcast live on TV. Here’s the full TV schedule:
- Game 1 — Sunday, October 8 on ABC
- Game 2 — Wednesday, October 11 on ESPN
- Game 3 — Sunday, October 15 on ABC
- Game 4 (if necessary) — Wednesday, October 18 on ESPN
- Game 5 (if necessary) — Friday, October 20 on ESPN
How To Bet On WNBA Finals
All your WNBA Finals betting needs can be handled at one of the online sportsbooks below. Any one of these sites will carry the lines covered above, but also odds on individual matchups too. These listed sites are rated highest in our latest sportsbook reviews so you’re in good hands no matter where you go.
Perhaps you’ll want to consider the lucrative sportsbook bonuses offered when choosing between sportsbooks. There are different offers — ranging from as much as $500 to $2500 in free play — from site to site. Pick whichever “floats your boat” most and your WNBA betting could effectively be free.
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