WNBA Sunday afternoon: O'Sullivan picks Sparks vs Liberty and Storm vs Mystics, puts money on the money line

The Phoenix/Atlanta game yesterday had a noon Eastern tip-off time, and the forces of the universe conspired against me to the point where I was unable to deliver my picks to my editor in time. Those forces consist of: (as mentioned) sportsbooks not posting lines for WNBA games until the day of, me not realizing the game started at noon Eastern, and me waking at my usual time which had me delivering my analysis moments too late. So my apologies.

So my picks were not posted - and since both of those picks were incorrect, I withdraw my apologies. In fact, I feel as if you, Loyal Readers, owe me a thank-you. Oh, I’ll count the losses on my record (see below), because I’m a man of integrity. And that thank-you can be a simple thought of yours today, “Thanks, Seattle, for saving me from myself.” I’ll feel that energy in the Universe…

Seattle O’Sullivan so far: 83-72-1

Los Angeles Sparks at New York Liberty, 2 pm Eastern

The Pick: New York (-140)

Los Angeles has won three in a row, and their forward Chiney Ogwumike is listed as probable for today’s game. That should help the Sparks, but I don’t think it will be enough. They’re 2-6 on the road. New York is strong from three-point land, and though the Sparks’ defense overall is good, they actually give up threes at a higher percentage than the Liberty. Plus, New York just added Natasha Howard back from injury, which I think tops Los Angeles’ returning players. My editor gives me grief about taking pricey money lines, but -140 shouldn’t offend his sensibilities.

Seattle Storm at Washington Mystics, 3 pm Eastern

The Pick: Seattle (-340)

In their last matchup, Washington upset Seattle in their own gym. It’s reasonable to think Storm stars Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, rested and rounding back into form, recall that evening, and will be motivated to respond today. I think they’ll slow down Mystics center Tina Charles and limit Washington’s threes. I mean, one would hope (sigh)…Seattle’s also lost two of the last three and is now third in the overall WNBA standings. They need this game. The Mystics need this game too, which is why even though the Storm are the better team I want to stay away from the point spread, my editor’s disdain be damned.