Seattle Storm listed as rare betting favourites against injury-hit Toronto Tempo
Despite holding the league’s worst record, the Seattle Storm are projected to defeat the Toronto Tempo in a matchup that will determine final standings for the WNBA Draft lottery.
The Seattle Storm are set to face the Toronto Tempo in a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) contest on Wednesday, a game that carries significant implications for the upcoming Draft lottery. With the eight-team playoff field already determined, the result will primarily influence the final standings for the two clubs, both of which are fighting to secure the worst record in the league.
The Storm, who hold the league’s worst record at 7-31, are listed as betting favourites for only the sixth time this season. This is a rare occurrence, with only the Connecticut Sun having fewer games as favourites. The projection stems largely from the severity of the injury crisis currently affecting the expansion Toronto Tempo, who sit at 11-26.
Toronto’s roster has been significantly depleted by season-ending injuries to key contributors. Guard Marina Mabry, the team’s leading scorer, last played on 18 August and may miss the remainder of the season with an adductor injury. Second-leading scorer Brittney Sykes is confirmed out for the year, as is forward Aneesah Morrow. Additionally, forward Nyara Sabally is out for a few weeks with a calf injury, while Maria Conde is questionable after missing the past five games with a similar issue.
Despite the heavy toll on Toronto’s squad, the Storm are not without their own absences. Guard Natisha Hiedeman, who averages 15.4 points and a team-high 4.8 assists, is out for the game with a left shoulder injury. However, rookie Flau’Jae Johnson is probable to play while managing an ankle injury, having recently recorded 23 points in a loss to Dallas.
The matchup also carries a competitive edge for Seattle, which seeks to avoid being swept in the season series by the expansion club. Toronto won the first two meetings at home, a result that may provide additional motivation for the Storm. The game is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. local time, marking the start of a three-game road trip for Toronto.
According to CBS Sports, models predict Seattle to win by approximately five points. The contest highlights the disparity in the league’s lower standings, where injury management and draft positioning have become the primary drivers of competitive interest.
