WNBA Playoffs Thursday: O'Sullivan picks Sky at Sun, Mercury at Aces, in game 2 of the semis

Seattle O’Sullivan so far: 140-110-1

Chicago Sky at Connecticut Sun, 8 pm Eastern

The Pick: Chicago +7.5 (-110)

I don’t want to overreact, here, but despite the double-overtime dramatic game, Connecticut did not look good at all. The Sun were disjointed, the Sky more than matched their usual defensive intensity, and Courtney Vandersloot owned the Connecticut backcourt. She makes, like, one wrong decision per game, controls the pace of every minute, and the Sun don’t have an answer for her. True, it doesn’t help that Connecticut seemed to forget that they have the league’s M.V.P. for long stretches, but that’s on their guards too. Trust me, nothing makes it more obvious that your offense is out of sorts than having someone who’s bet on you watch screaming from his “man cave.” Honestly, I think the Sun are in trouble. They’ll throw the kitchen sink at Chicago tonight, but I don’t see the Sky (and particularly, Vandersloot) allowing a letdown.

Phoenix Mercury at Las Vegas Aces, 10 pm Eastern

The Pick: Las Vegas (-280)

Speaking of great guards, allow me to introduce you to Kelsey Plum. Plum doesn’t start games for Las Vegas but she does finish them, and her 25 points on Tuesday showed clearly that Phoenix doesn’t have an answer for her, or the Aces’ other guards Riquna Williams (26 points), and Chelsea Gray (17). I think the Mercury backcourt is tired and unable to take advantage of their usual feigned swagger. Also, while I preface the following with the understanding that she’s one of the greatest champions in WNBA history, sports history, in fact, I have to say: Diana Taurasi hurt the Mercury in Game 1. She’s clearly in pain, diminished, and forced a lot of early, guarded, no-chance shots on Tuesday. It’s admirable that she’s gutting it out, but she needs to play more within herself and realize that Brittney Griner should touch the ball every possession. I supposed I’m betting she won’t do either, so I think Las Vegas wins another tight one tonight.