Connecticut Sun vs New York Liberty Picks and Prediction for Friday May 8 2026
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The 2026 WNBA season opener for both teams takes place Friday night as the Connecticut Sun travel to face the New York Liberty at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM on May 8, 2026, with coverage available on ION. New York enters the matchup as a sizable favorite after defeating Connecticut in preseason action earlier this month. The Liberty are listed at -13.5 on the spread and -1050 on the moneyline, while the Sun sit at +675. The total for the game is set at 161.5 points. Get in on all the WNBA has to offer with our free WNBA picks.
Previous Game Recap
The Liberty earned a 79-67 victory over Connecticut in the teams’ recent preseason meeting on May 3. New York built a four-point lead after the first quarter and gradually increased the margin throughout the game. Connecticut stayed within striking distance early, but the Liberty outscored the Sun 19-13 in the third quarter before closing things out with a steady fourth-period performance. New York finished the game perfect from the free-throw line and forced 16 turnovers in the win.
New York received balanced production throughout the lineup in the victory. Jonquel Jones led the way with 15 points while knocking down three shots from beyond the arc and adding three blocks. Marine Johannes scored 12 points with four assists and five steals, while Anneli Maley added 13 points and six rebounds off the bench. Pauline Astier also contributed 12 points and four assists as the Liberty generated offense from several different areas throughout the game.
Connecticut was led by Brittney Griner, who scored 16 points on efficient shooting while adding four rebounds. Aneesah Morrow contributed eight points and eight rebounds, while Olivia Nelson-Ododa added nine points off the bench. The Sun struggled from three-point range, shooting just 29 percent from beyond the arc, and committed 16 turnovers during the loss. Connecticut stayed competitive on the glass but could not keep pace offensively during the second half.
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Sun Opening the Season Seeking Improvement
The Connecticut Sun enter the regular season after splitting their first two preseason contests. Connecticut recently lost to New York 79-67 after previously recently won over Toronto 83-78. Dating back to last season, the Sun also recently lost to Atlanta twice before ending the year with a recent win over Phoenix by an 87-84 score. Connecticut has struggled to build consistency over its last five games but has shown flashes offensively during several strong scoring performances.
The Sun averaged 75 points per game during preseason action while shooting 46 percent from the field. Connecticut also averaged 34 rebounds and 17 assists while contributing five blocks and 7.5 steals per contest. Defensively, Connecticut allowed 79 points in the recent loss to New York while struggling at times to slow down perimeter shooting and transition opportunities.
One clear concern for Connecticut entering the opener is ball security and perimeter efficiency. The Sun committed 16 turnovers in the preseason matchup against New York and shot only 29 percent from three-point range in that contest. Connecticut does have solid rebounding numbers and interior scoring potential, but limiting mistakes will be important against an aggressive Liberty defense.
Liberty Beginning the Year With Momentum
The New York Liberty enter the opener following a strong preseason victory over Connecticut. Before that win, New York recently lost to Indiana 109-91 during preseason action. Dating back to last season, the Liberty also recently lost consecutive games against Phoenix before previously recently winning over Phoenix 76-69 in overtime. Despite the mixed results over the last several games, New York looked far more comfortable offensively in the recent victory against Connecticut.
The Liberty averaged 85 points per game during preseason action while shooting 42 percent from the field. New York also averaged 33.5 rebounds and 18.5 assists while creating 10.5 steals per game. The Liberty forced turnovers consistently in the preseason matchup against Connecticut and converted efficiently at the free-throw line, finishing 22-for-22 from the stripe.
The biggest strength for New York entering this matchup is offensive balance and defensive pressure. The Liberty had multiple double-digit scorers in the preseason win over Connecticut while also recording 11 steals and forcing 16 turnovers. That ability to create extra possessions and capitalize offensively gives New York a strong advantage entering the season opener at home.
Connecticut Sun vs New York Liberty Picks and Prediction
Connecticut Sun vs New York Liberty Pick
- Pick: New York Liberty -13.5
New York already showed a clear edge in the recent preseason meeting, winning by 12 points while forcing 16 Connecticut turnovers and controlling much of the second half. The Liberty also averaged 85 points during preseason action compared to Connecticut averaging 75 points. New York’s defensive pressure and balanced offensive production stand out heavily entering this matchup, especially with the Liberty playing at home. Connecticut has struggled recently with perimeter shooting and turnovers, which creates a difficult setup against an active New York defense.
Connecticut Sun vs New York Liberty Total Pick
- Pick: Under 161.5
I am leaning toward the under because the recent preseason matchup between these teams finished with 146 total points. Connecticut struggled offensively in that game, especially from three-point range, while New York’s defense created consistent disruption. The Sun averaged only 75 points during preseason play, and if turnovers remain an issue again, it could slow the pace offensively. While New York has shown scoring depth, the previous meeting between these teams stayed comfortably below this number.
Final Score Prediction: New York Liberty 84 – Connecticut Sun 69.
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