As the WNBA season heats up, sports bettors are turning their attention to prop bets, especially for rising stars like Angel Reese. In the upcoming matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Phoenix Mercury on May 27, 2025, there are a few valuable options to consider that could significantly affect your betting experience.
The current state of the Chicago Sky is troubling. They have started the 2025 season without a win, holding an alarming 0-3 record and facing a staggering -24.3 point differential—the worst in the league by a wide margin. Their struggles are palpable, and fans are eager for any sign of improvement. In stark contrast, the Mercury come into this game with a winning record of 3-1 and a +6.0 point differential. Despite the absence of star player Kahleah Copper, the Mercury have shown resilience and skill in their gameplay.
In this matchup, the Mercury are favored by 7.5 points, and the game total is set at 159.5 points, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Given the differences in team performance, bettors have every reason to scrutinize player prop bets, particularly those involving Angel Reese.
Angel Reese’s Performance: A Closer Look
One of the most compelling prop bets to consider is whether Angel Reese will score under 11.5 points, which is currently listed at +110. Reese has become a household name in the WNBA, displaying impressive rebounding stats. However, her game is not without controversy. Critics point out that a significant portion of her rebounds come from her own missed shots—an aspect of her game that raises questions about efficiency.
At 6-foot-3, Reese primarily operates inside but currently faces struggles in scoring, with a field goal percentage of just 30.3%. This is a drastic decline from her rookie season, where she averaged a much more respectable 39.1%. This slump seems to be persisting into her sophomore year, making it unlikely for her to have a breakout performance against the Mercury, who have one of the most formidable defenses in the league.
The Defensive Challenge
Angel Reese will face a significant challenge in this matchup, particularly from the Mercury’s strong frontcourt. Phoenix boasts talented players like Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas. Both players have made a name for themselves in the league and are capable of shutting down opposing scorers. Sabally, standing at 6-foot-4, has consistently averaged over 17.9 points per game over the last three seasons. Conversely, Thomas is renowned for her defensive prowess, having finished in the top ranks for Defensive Player of the Year multiple times.
The physical presence and defensive skills of Sabally and Thomas make it exceedingly difficult for Reese to find her scoring rhythm. Despite the Sky’s need for strong offensive contributions to overcome their poor start, none of their players have excelled as a dominant scoring option. The highest average among Sky players is only 9.7 points per game, suggesting a collective struggle rather than a reliance on a single star to lead the way.
Considerations for Bettors
Given the aforementioned challenges surrounding Reese’s current form and the Mercury’s defensive capabilities, betting under 11.5 points for her seems to be a sound choice. Her shooting percentage is not indicative of a player ready to turn the tide in a challenging game against a seasoned defensive unit.
This bet not only hinges on the current statistics but also on context—Reese’s struggles are compounded by the pressure of needing to perform amidst her team’s poor performance to start the season. The pressure may weigh heavily on her, making it even tougher to find her footing on the court as she faces strong defenders.
Conclusion
As the Chicago Sky take on the Phoenix Mercury, all eyes will be on Angel Reese and her performance in this crucial matchup. For bettors, the focus on her prop bets provides an opportunity to capitalize on current player trends, statistics, and team dynamics. Given her struggles, combined with the Mercury’s elite defensive lineup, betting on Angel Reese to stay under 11.5 points could be one of the more strategic moves in this match.
As the WNBA season progresses, it’s crucial to stay informed and adaptive—analyzing player performances, team strategies, and matchup dynamics will be key. Whether cheering for your favorite team or placing a bet, understanding the fine nuances of these games will ultimately make the experience more rewarding.
