Pauline Astier Under 8.5 Points (+102)
Odds available at draftkings at time of publishing As the New York Liberty gear up to face the Chicago Sky at Barclays Center, all eyes will be on the rising star, Pauline Astier. While the model nudges her projected points to around 8.8, I see compelling reasons to lean towards the 'Under 8.5.' Astier, though talented, finds herself in a crowded Liberty offense with heavy hitters like Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones commanding the scoring spotlight. The Sky have also shown defensive resilience, particularly against guards, which could limit Astier's opportunities to find her rhythm. In a high-stakes matchup like this one, the focus tends to tighten, and role players can often see their production dip. With the potential for fewer touches and a relentless Sky defense, taking the 'Under' on Astier feels like a savvy move. Sometimes, less is more, especially when the stakes are this high.