Atlanta (8-3) at New York (9-1)
- When: Jun 17 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- TV: Peachtree TV
WNBA Preview and Prediction: Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty
Spread: New York -8.5 | Total: 163.0
New York Liberty Outlook
After cruising through the first part of the season with a 9-0 start, the Liberty finally tasted defeat in Saturday’s high-profile loss to the Indiana Fever. The 102-88 setback snapped their perfect run, but it came with an asterisk, star forward Jonquel Jones missed the game due to an ankle injury. Jones, the reigning WNBA Finals MVP, is expected back soon and is averaging nearly a double-double with 13.9 points and 10.3 boards per game.
Despite the blemish, New York remains the WNBA’s top team statistically, leading the league in both scoring (90.2 points per game) and defense (74.2 points allowed). With Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart each putting up 19.5 points per night, the Liberty are still the team to beat, especially at home, where they’re 4-0. They enter Tuesday’s pivotal Commissioner’s Cup matchup as 8.5-point favorites, and with high stakes involved, they’ll be motivated to bounce back.
Atlanta Dream Outlook
The Dream have been one of the league’s biggest surprises this season, sitting at 8-3 and quickly exceeding expectations under new head coach Karl Smesko. Atlanta is playing its best basketball in years and is on the verge of clinching the Eastern Conference spot in the Commissioner’s Cup championship.
Allisha Gray has emerged as the offensive engine for Atlanta, ranking third in the league at 21.0 points per game. She exploded for a career-best 32 points in an 89-56 dismantling of Washington on Sunday, where the Dream also hit a franchise-record 18 threes. With confidence and momentum on their side, Atlanta has proven they can hang with anyone and they’ll need every ounce of that belief heading into New York.
Prediction & Betting Angle
With New York favored by 8.5 and the total set at 163.0, Bovada oddsmakers expect a high-scoring affair with a clear edge for the Liberty. While the Dream are trending up, New York’s firepower and home-court advantage give them the upper hand in a game that could determine the East’s Commissioner’s Cup finalist.
Score Prediction: New York 88, Atlanta 78
Best Bet: New York -8.5
Total: Over 163.0
- WNBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
