New York Liberty vs Chicago Sky Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Tuesday August 18 2026
The New York Liberty and Chicago Sky meet Tuesday night in Chicago in what has been one of the most competitive rivalries in the league this season. Bettors looking for more WNBA picks and predictions across tonight's slate can check out our WNBA predictions hub before locking in a wager. Below is a full breakdown of the odds, line movement, matchup trends, and our final picks for Liberty vs Sky.
TL;DR: Quick Picks and Prediction
- Spread Pick: Liberty -4.5
- Total Pick: Under 178.5
- Projected Final Score: Liberty 90, Sky 84
Odds and Line Movement
Current Odds
| New York Spread | Chicago Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|
| -4.5 (-110) | +4.5 (-110) | Total: 178.5 |
Line Movement - Spread
| Date | Time | New York | Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/17 | 11:22:55PM | -4.5 (-102) | 4.5 (-118) |
| 08/17 | 11:24:40PM | -3.5 (-115) | 3.5 (-105) |
| 08/17 | 11:32:56PM | -4.5 (-102) | 4.5 (-118) |
| 08/17 | 11:36:20PM | -3.5 (-115) | 3.5 (-105) |
| 08/17 | 11:39:37PM | -4.5 (-102) | 4.5 (-118) |
| 08/17 | 11:40:49PM | -3.5 (-115) | 3.5 (-105) |
| 08/17 | 11:42:25PM | -4.5 (-102) | 4.5 (-118) |
| 08/17 | 11:44:23PM | -3.5 (-115) | 3.5 (-105) |
| 08/17 | 11:45:56PM | -4.5 (-102) | 4.5 (-118) |
| 08/17 | 11:46:23PM | -3.5 (-115) | 3.5 (-105) |
| 08/17 | 11:49:03PM | -4.5 (-102) | 4.5 (-118) |
| 08/17 | 11:52:15PM | -3.5 (-115) | 3.5 (-105) |
| 08/17 | 11:55:39PM | -4.5 (-102) | 4.5 (-118) |
| 08/17 | 11:57:20PM | -3.5 (-115) | 3.5 (-105) |
| 08/17 | 11:59:02PM | -4.5 (-102) | 4.5 (-118) |
| 08/18 | 00:00:34AM | -3.5 (-115) | 3.5 (-105) |
| 08/18 | 00:03:47AM | -4.5 (-102) | 4.5 (-118) |
| 08/18 | 00:06:56AM | -3.5 (-115) | 3.5 (-105) |
| 08/18 | 00:08:27AM | -4.5 (-102) | 4.5 (-118) |
| 08/18 | 00:08:59AM | -3.5 (-115) | 3.5 (-105) |
| 08/18 | 00:15:51AM | -4.5 (-110) | 4.5 (-110) |
| 08/18 | 01:21:30AM | -4.5 (-110) | 4.5 (-110) |
| 08/18 | 01:21:30AM | -4.5 (-110) | 4.5 (-110) |
| 08/18 | 05:09:41AM | -4.5 (-110) | 4.5 (-110) |
Line Movement - Total
| Date | Time | Over | Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/17 | 08:08:59PM | 181.5 (-110) | 181.5 (-110) |
| 08/17 | 11:55:39PM | 181.5 (-105) | 181.5 (-115) |
| 08/18 | 00:15:51AM | 180.5 (-115) | 180.5 (-105) |
| 08/18 | 00:36:17AM | 181.5 (-105) | 181.5 (-115) |
| 08/18 | 01:21:30AM | 180.5 (-112) | 180.5 (-108) |
| 08/18 | 04:25:18AM | 180.5 (-108) | 180.5 (-112) |
| 08/18 | 04:28:29AM | 179.5 (-112) | 179.5 (-108) |
| 08/18 | 08:00:56AM | 178.5 (-112) | 178.5 (-108) |
| 08/18 | 08:58:46AM | 179.5 (-105) | 179.5 (-115) |
Liberty vs Sky Key Matchups and Game Preview
Liberty Offense Overview
New York owns the stronger statistical profile, averaging 90.4 points per game while allowing 87.1. The Liberty also shoot 46 percent from the field compared with Chicago's 44 percent and hold a 35.2 to 33.1 rebounding advantage.
Sky Offense Overview
Chicago is averaging 87.5 points per game while allowing 89.9, though the Sky average slightly more assists, blocks and steals than New York on the season.
Stewart's Impact for New York
Breanna Stewart leads New York with 20.7 points per game on 46.3 percent shooting, while Jonquel Jones provides 9.4 rebounds per contest to give the Liberty a strong frontcourt presence.
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Cardoso's Role for Chicago
Chicago's offense is paced by Kamilla Cardoso, who averages 14.8 points and 8.7 rebounds while shooting an excellent 56.4 percent from the field, and Natasha Cloud leads the Sky with 5.0 assists per game.
Liberty Injury Report
New York will be without Satou Sabally due to a concussion and Leonie Fiebich because of a foot injury, while Sabrina Ionescu is a game-time decision with a foot issue. Ionescu's availability is particularly important to New York's perimeter creation and scoring depth.
Sky Injury Report
Chicago is also shorthanded, with Sydney Taylor ruled out because of a groin injury and Skylar Diggins sidelined with a knee issue, removing an important veteran ball-handler and scorer from the Sky backcourt.
Season Series Context
The Liberty have already beaten Chicago twice this season, but both games were extremely competitive, winning 96-95 in Chicago on June 17 and 95-94 in New York on July 22. That history makes the 4.5-point spread less comfortable than the teams' records might suggest.
New York Standings Picture
The Liberty enter at 22-14 and have won four of their last five games, including consecutive victories over Los Angeles and Connecticut, while Chicago is 13-22 after snapping a three-game losing streak with an 82-80 win over Seattle.
Chicago Without Diggins
The absence of Diggins could make it difficult for Chicago to keep pace offensively, especially in the backcourt where her scoring and ball-handling would normally be relied upon in a close matchup like this.
Liberty Path to Covering
New York's stronger offense, rebounding advantage and superior recent form give the Liberty the better path over four quarters, even with their own injury concerns potentially limiting the scoring ceiling.
Betting Trends: NY vs CHI
Public betting money has been overwhelmingly on New York throughout the day, with bet percentages holding at 95 percent and money percentages ranging from 86 to 92 percent on the Liberty across nearly every update tracked. On the total, the public has leaned toward the under, with bet percentages between 93 and 94 percent on the under and money percentages ranging from 90 to 94 percent as the total settled at 178.5.
Key Injuries and Things To Know: NY vs CHI
- New York: Satou Sabally is out with a concussion. Leonie Fiebich is out with a foot injury, and Sabrina Ionescu is a game-time decision with a foot issue.
- Chicago: Sydney Taylor is out with a groin injury, and Skylar Diggins is sidelined with a knee issue.
- New York is 22-14 and has won four of its last five games.
- Chicago is 13-22 and just snapped a three-game losing streak with an 82-80 win over Seattle.
Liberty vs Sky Side and Over/Under Picks
- Side Pick: Liberty -4.5
- Total Pick: Under 178.5
New York's rebounding edge and superior recent form support the Liberty covering the spread, while the absence of Diggins for Chicago and Ionescu's uncertain status for New York support the under cashing in this matchup.
Final Score Prediction
- New York Liberty: 90 points
- Chicago Sky: 84 points
This projection reflects New York's statistical edge, the injury concerns on both sides limiting overall scoring, and a competitive game that ultimately breaks in the Liberty's favor late.
How to Wager On Liberty vs Sky
Bettors looking to get down on Liberty vs Sky have several solid angles to weigh, from the spread to the total, especially with New York favored and the market showing overwhelming support for the Liberty throughout the day. For additional tools and analysis before making a final call, our AI picks page offers model-driven projections, while our Dimers review and Oddible review provide additional ways to cross-check tonight's number on New York and Chicago before wagering.
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