On May 24, 2026, the WNBA will feature an exciting matchup between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty. The game is slated to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET and marks the first encounter of the season between these two teams.
Teams Overview
Dallas Wings
The Dallas Wings struggled last season, finishing with a dismal 10-34 record. Following their last-place finish, they made significant changes over the offseason. Jose Fernandez stepped in as the new head coach, and the Wings selected Azzi Fudd as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft. Key players such as Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, and Maddy Siegrist returned, while noteworthy free-agent signings included Jessica Shepard and Alysha Clark.
This season, the Wings have shown improvement with a 3-3 start. Their scoring averages have increased, ranking seventh in the league with 87.5 points per game. Bueckers leads the team with an average of 18.5 points and 5.5 assists. However, their defense has been a concern, allowing 85.8 points per game, which places them seventh in that category.
New York Liberty
The Liberty, the 2024 WNBA champions, faced setbacks last year due to injuries and lackluster performance. Their roster has seen adjustments with the firing of head coach Sandy Brondello and the addition of several key players, including Satou Sabally and Raquel Carrera. Stars Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, however, remain integral to the team’s success.
Currently, the Liberty hold a 3-2 record. Their offense is firing on all cylinders, averaging 94 points per game, the highest in the league. Stewart leads with 22 points and nine rebounds per game. Ionescu’s return from an ankle injury is highly anticipated as she is expected to contribute significantly to their offense.
Game Preview
The Liberty start this matchup as 7.5-point home favorites with moneyline odds of -325, while the Wings are underdogs at +260. The total points for the game is set at 177.5.
Matchup Insights
- Dallas Wings: Offensively ranked 7th, averaging 87.5 points, and defensively 7th, allowing 85.8 points.
- New York Liberty: Leading the league in scoring with 94 points and the top offensive rating.
- Key Players: Bueckers (Wings) and Stewart (Liberty) are pivotal for their teams’ success.
Best Bets and Predictions
With Ionescu returning to the lineup, the Liberty’s offensive potential could reach new heights. The Wings, while improved, are still developing and may struggle to keep pace. Despite notable progress, they may find it difficult to match the Liberty’s scoring capability.
Considering the scoring proficiency of both teams and the recent trends, betting on the game total to exceed 177.5 points appears favorable. Expect an intense offensive battle, with the Liberty potentially reaching triple digits.
