January 1, WNBA All-Star Game Betting Edge: One Team’s Guard Depth Could Decide Everything

Wyatt’s Take

• Team Coop loaded with elite guards who can run and gun — Bueckers, Copper, Mabrey, Mitchell all capable of explosive scoring
• Team Spoon relies on post-heavy lineup around Wilson and Ogwumike — less likely to push tempo in exhibition setting
• Historical scoring trends and United Center’s tough shooting conditions point to under on 277.5 total

The WNBA took a brief break this week for tonight’s All-Star Game, and while this is an exhibition, there’s real betting value if you know where to look. This season has delivered solid opportunities for bettors willing to do the homework, and tonight’s matchup between Team Coop and Team Spoon is no exception.

Team Coop features Paige Bueckers as the headliner. If you haven’t watched Bueckers play, you’re missing out on one of the league’s most complete talents.

She can score at all three levels, create for teammates, and hold her own defensively. But what really stands out about this roster is the guard depth.

Kahleah Copper is an elite finisher in transition. Marina Mabrey recently tied the WNBA single-game scoring record with 53 points and can light it up from beyond the arc.

Sonia Citron is emerging as one of the better young scorers in the league. Kelsey Mitchell brings versatility and can score in multiple ways.

Add Breanna Stewart, still one of the league’s best all-around players, and Angel Reese, who plays every game like it’s Game 7, and you’ve got a team built to push pace. If any squad is going to run in an exhibition game, it’s this one.

Team Spoon is anchored by Caitlin Clark, who earned her All-Star spot through both popularity and legitimate on-court performance. But don’t expect Clark to dominate the stat sheet tonight.

She’s more likely to facilitate and distribute than force shots. If she does score, it’ll come from deep, not through aggressive drives and midrange work like in the men’s version of this event.

The rest of Team Spoon leans heavily on frontcourt players. Aliyah Boston has chemistry with Clark from their time together on the Fever.

A’ja Wilson is the best player in the WNBA right now, but effort level in an exhibition is always questionable. Jonquel Jones and Nneka Ogwumike are solid, but both are more effective near the basket than spreading the floor.

Kiki Iriafen and Olivia Miles round out the roster, with Miles standing out as someone who could catch fire if given the opportunity. Still, this is a team built around size, not speed.

Looking at recent All-Star Game scoring, the totals have been all over the map. Last year hit 282 points.

The year before that, just 226. In 2023, they combined for 270, and in 2022 it was 246.

Tonight’s total is set at 277.5. That feels high, especially considering the venue.

The United Center has a reputation for being a tougher shooting environment. Players consistently mention the depth perception and sightlines make it harder to find rhythm from distance.

The under looks solid here. Team Coop might push tempo, but Team Spoon isn’t built to run with them, which could slow the overall pace.

Beyond the total, Team Coop is getting +3.5 points. Some of that line is probably Caitlin Clark hype, some of it is A’ja Wilson’s dominance.

But if either team is going to show up with energy and effort in an exhibition, it’s the one with the dynamic guards who thrive in transition. The points are too good to pass up.

Why It Matters

Sports betting isn’t about rooting interest or politics — it’s about finding edges the books overlook. When casual fans inflate lines based on star names instead of roster construction and game conditions, that’s where working folks who study the matchups can cash in. Do the homework, trust the numbers, and don’t get swept up in the hype.