This Thursday, WNBA fans are in for a treat as the Indiana Fever, led by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, take on the New York Liberty. Fresh off a WNBA Finals appearance in 2023, and featuring Syracuse native Breanna Stewart, the Liberty represent a daunting challenge for the Fever.

For those new to sports betting, this guide will walk you through the basics, help you understand how to place bets, and highlight the best promos available for Thursday’s marquee matchup.

Game details

• Teams: New York Liberty vs. Indiana Fever
• Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024
• Time: 7 p.m. ET
• Location: Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Game preview

The Liberty, coming off an 85-80 victory in their season opener against the Mystics, are looking to capitalize on their recent momentum. Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart are significant threats, showcasing dynamic playmaking and rebounding.

On the other side, the Fever are eager to prove their mettle, particularly following a 92-71 loss against the Connecticut Sun in their season opener. With Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell leading the charge, a bounce-back performance this evening is well within the realm of possibility.

Our picks

Nate’s pick

I’m taking the Liberty, whose veteran experience and revamped bench makes it a favorite to return to the WNBA Finals.

The Fever’s young core will command a lot of attention, but Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston are just beginning to develop chemistry on the court. Stewie, Sabrina and the Liberty are a tough draw.

Mac’s pick

I, too, am taking the Liberty.

I make picks based on a combination of data and the eye test. It was a great sign that New York took down Washington earlier this week, even though Stewart only put up eight points. When you add that Dimers’ simulations only give Clark’s Fever a 14% chance of winning, this one feels straightforward.

Getting started with online sports betting

Step 1: Choose a reputable sportsbook

• FanDuel: Best for New York residents.
• Bet365: Best for Indiana residents.

Step 2: Create an account

• Sign Up: Visit the sportsbook’s website or download their app.
• Fill in Your Details: Provide personal information like name, address, and date of birth.
• Verify Your Location: Sportsbooks will often require you to download an app to verify your location.

Step 3: Deposit funds

• Method: Use credit/debit cards, bank transfers, or e-wallets like PayPal.
• Minimum Deposit: Typically around $5 or $10.

Step 4: Navigate to the WNBA section

• Find the Game: Locate the Fever vs. Liberty game under the WNBA section of the sportsbook.

Step 5: Place your bets

1. Choose Your Bet Type: Decide whether you want to place a Moneyline, Point Spread, Over/Under, or Prop bet.
2. Enter Your Bet Amount: Specify how much money you want to wager.
3. Place Your Bet: Review your bet slip to ensure all details are correct. Confirm and place your bet. If it wins, the funds will be credited to your account.

Recommended betting promos

If signing up for a new sports betting account to bet on the Liberty vs. Fever, you’re in luck. Both FanDuel and Bet365 are offering lucrative new-user promos that allow you to risk very little of your own money, while potentially winning a significant sum that you can withdraw straight to your bank account.

FanDuel’s promo (best for New Yorkers):

• Offer: Win your first $5 bet, and get $150 in bonus bets.
• Pros: High potential return on a small initial bet.
• Cons: Your $5 wager must win to unlock the bonus.
• Claim promo: Click here and sign up (no code required)

Bet365′s promo (best for Indiana locals):

• Offer: Make your first $5 bet, get $150 in bonus bets.
• Pros: High return and guaranteed bonus regardless of the initial bet’s outcome.
• Cons: Only available in 10 states
• Claim promo: Click here and sign up, entering code “DIMERS” when prompted

Understanding sports betting odds

A minus sign (-) indicates the favorite, while a plus sign (+) indicates the underdog.

Example: Liberty -150 means you need to bet $150 to win $100.

Understanding different types of bets

Sports betting terminology can feel complicated, but in reality, most of the different bet types are quite straightforward. These are the important terms to know:

Moneyline

Definition: Bet on which team will win the game.

Example:

• Liberty -270: Bet $270 to win $100.
• Fever +220: Bet $100 to win $220.

Point spread

Definition: Bet on the margin of victory.

Example:

• Liberty -6.5: The Liberty must win by 7 or more points.
• Fever +6.5: The Fever can lose by up to 6 points or win outright.

Over/Under (Total)

Definition: Bet on the total combined points scored by both teams.

Example:

• Over 173.0: Bet that the total score will be 174 points or more.
• Under 173.0: Bet that the total score will be 172 points or fewer.

Prop bets

Definition: Bet on specific player or team performances.

Example:

• Will Caitlin Clark score more than 20 points?
• Will Breanna Stewart have a double-double?

Betting tips

• Consider the Odds: Check the latest odds before placing your bets. The Liberty are likely favored due to their overall strength.
• Research Recent Performance: Look at how both teams have performed recently to get insights into their form.
• Factor in Player Injuries: Check for any key player injuries that could affect the game outcome.

Conclusion

Syracuse basketball fans, get ready to cheer on your favorite WNBA stars and place your bets! Whether you’re backing Breanna Stewart and the Liberty or the up-and-coming Caitlin Clark and the Fever, use this guide to make informed betting decisions and enjoy the game. Remember to bet responsibly and have fun!