Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
New York Liberty
Seattle Storm
As part of the regular WNBA season, Liberty and Seattle will clash in an exciting matchup. The game will take place in New York on Sunday, July 6. Tip-off is scheduled for 21:00 Central European Time. I’m offering a bet focused on the scoring potential of this contest.
Match preview
New York Liberty continue to live up to their billing as one of the top contenders in the Eastern Conference—and in the league overall. The team showcases well-balanced basketball with excellent ball movement and a high shooting percentage.
Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu are the driving forces in this lineup, each capable of turning the tide of any game. Liberty’s offense deserves special praise: they consistently put up 80+ points per game and rank among the league’s elite in scoring average.
In recent years, Liberty have reached the WNBA Finals, defeating the Minnesota Lynx last season after falling to the Las Vegas Aces in 2023. That championship marked the franchise’s first-ever title after five consecutive Finals losses.
This season, the New York squad has started their title defense in style, firmly securing the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Liberty have already notched 12 wins in 17 games.
Seattle Storm are in a rebuilding phase this season, but they’re doing so with confidence. Jewell Loyd, widely regarded as one of the league’s brightest stars, has moved to the Las Vegas Aces, yet Seattle’s offensive output hasn’t dipped significantly.
The Storm rely on an up-tempo pace, relentless pressing, and a barrage of long-range shots—tactics that often surprise even the league’s top teams. Notably, the Storm have four championships to their name, but since their 2020 title, they’ve reached the playoffs’ semifinals just once.
This campaign, Seattle have been strong at home and have managed to maintain a balanced win-loss record on the road. Their current third-place standing in the Western Conference is a testament to the team’s ambition.
With 11 wins and 7 losses, the Storm have put together a solid record, keeping themselves firmly in the playoff hunt at the midway point of the regular season.
Match facts
- Liberty have won just one of their last three games.
- New York have suffered only one defeat in their last nine home games.
- Storm have won three of their last four road games.
- Liberty average 89 points per game at home, while Seattle average 77 points per game on the road.
Players to watch
Breanna Stewart, who spent several seasons with the Storm, has been Liberty’s leader for the past couple of years. The 30-year-old forward is once again proving her elite status this season, averaging 21 points and 6 rebounds per game.
H2H
- In their last seven meetings, the Storm have beaten Liberty just once.
- Seattle haven’t won in New York since 2022.
Prediction
Given both teams’ playing styles, fans can expect a fast-paced and entertaining matchup. Liberty are likely to dictate the tempo and aim to dominate offensively, but Seattle should answer with quick transitions and perimeter shooting. Since both squads prefer attacking basketball, a logical bet is on the total to go over 160 points.
