Connecticut Sun v. Toronto Tempo: WNBA Preview and Prediction

The last season in Connecticut for the Sun, before the franchise relocates to Houston and becomes the Comets, continues to be a nightmare. That nightmare continues this evening in Toronto against the Tempo at 7 p.m. ET.

Connecticut has a WNBA-worst 2-11 record, has lost five straight road games, and has dropped its last three contests overall. That includes an 89-80 setback at home to the New York Liberty on Monday.

Olivia Nelson-Ododa and Aaliyah Edwards each scored a season-high 15 points, while Saniyah Rivers added 12 points and 5 rebounds, and Diamond Miller added 10 points. The Sun were outrebounded, 42-28, as Brittney Griner, who’s played just six games this season, missed the contest with a rib injury.

Brittney Sykes had another big scoring night, leading the Tempo with 25 points to go along with 7 rebounds as Toronto defeated the Chicago Sky on Sunday, 85-68.

Nyara Sabally had 15 points and 6 rebounds, and Isabelle Harrison had 14 points and 6 rebounds in her season debut as the Tempo won their second straight at home. 

Connecticut Sun vs. Toronto Tempo WNBA Odds and Betting Trends

The host Tempo are listed as a 7.5-point favourite tonight with a -315 money line on the WNBA odds. The Sun’s money line is at +255. Toronto is 7-4 against the spread, including 3-2 ATS at home. Connecticut is 1-7 straight up and 3-5 against the spread on the road.

The Over/Under for this contest is 169. The Sun have played to the Over in 4 of 6, while Toronto has played to the Over in 6 of 9 overall and 4 of its past 5 home games.  

Connecticut Sun

Griner is again questionable this evening, which puts more pressure on her teammates in the paint. Annesah Morrow, who leads the Sun in points (12.3 ppg) and is third in the WNBA in rebounds (10.9 REB) is out at least until June 13th, as is reserve guard Hailey Van Lith. 

Without Griner and Morrow, Connecticut’s leading scorers are Edwards and Miller at just 9 points a game apiece. 

Toronto Tempo

Getting reserve forward Harrison back on the court is a huge boost to the Tempo’s overall depth. Especially on Sunday, when Marina Mabrey, the team’s second-leading scorer, was held to just 9 points, though she did dish out 6 assists. 

Harrison was out with a thumb injury that appears to have healed. Meanwhile, rookie Kiki Rice, who is averaging 12.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, will miss her second straight game this evening with an ankle injury. 

With 4 points and 6 rebounds in 22 minutes, Julie Allemand performed admirably in her absence on Sunday, but Rice is needed back in the starting lineup ASAP.

WNBA Prediction: Who will win Sun vs. Tempo?

Rice’s absence in the backcourt is countered by Morrow’s absence, and Griner’s expected absence, in Connecticut’s frontcourt. The Sun can’t buy a win on the road, and they won’t get it tonight against the Tempo, who are slightly exceeding expectations in their debut season.

Look for Sykes, who’s fifth in the league in scoring at 20.1 points per game, to have another big performance and lead Toronto in scoring for the third consecutive game. 

Take Toronto to win, but Connecticut to cover, 88-82.