Aug 20, 2026
WNBA first basket picks and predictions for Thursday, August 20, 2026
Read Article Dream vs. Sparks prediction: Atlanta favored to win Thursday's WNBA matchup [8/20/2026]
Updated: | First published:
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Written by Jason Bevilacqua, Head of Content and Communities
Get Atlanta Dream vs Los Angeles Sparks predictions for WNBA Thursday.
The Los Angeles Sparks will square off with the favored Atlanta Dream in WNBA action at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday, starting at 10:00 PM ET.
Dimers' advanced WNBA model projects the Dream as the most likely winner in this Dream vs. Sparks prediction.
The Sparks, with stars like Nneka Ogwumike, Dearica Hamby and Rae Burrell, are set to take on the Dream, featuring Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese.
This article offers further insights into Thursday's matchup, including best bets and player prop picks.
Dream vs. Sparks prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using trusted machine learning and data, we have simulated the result of Thursday's WNBA matchup between the Dream and Sparks, forming part of our WNBA predictions coverage.
Our famous predictive model gives the Dream a 78.2% chance of beating the Sparks.
According to our model, the Sparks (+8.5) have a 53.2% chance of covering the spread, while the 180.5-point over/under has a 53.6% chance of staying under,.
Dream vs. Sparks odds
We have researched the best WNBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
- Spread: Dream -8.5 (-113) / Sparks +8.5 (+108)
- Moneyline: Dream -400, Sparks +376
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Dream vs. Sparks picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best current odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets in this matchup. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
- Spread: Sparks +8.5 @ +108 via DraftKings
- Moneyline: Sparks @ +376 via Novig
- Total: Under 180.5 @ +100 via Novig
According to our WNBA best bets, the top play to make on this game is Sparks +8.5 at the spread.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Dream vs. Sparks player props
Looking for Atlanta vs. Los Angeles WNBA prop bets? We use the best information available to project how each team's leading players will perform at Crypto.com Arena.
Allisha Gray is expected to lead the Dream with 20 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists, while Nneka Ogwumike is projected to have 17 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists for the Sparks.
When evaluating the first basket market, Allisha Gray is our top projected player to score first, backed by a 14.2% probability.
Check out our WNBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and a deeper look at today's WNBA first basket picks.
Dream prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Dream are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allisha Gray | 20 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 35 |
| Rhyne Howard | 17 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 36 |
| Angel Reese | 16 | 13 | 3 | 0 | 43 |
| Jordin Canada | 11 | 4 | 7 | 2 | 34 |
| Naz Hillmon | 9 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 21 |
Sparks prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Sparks:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nneka Ogwumike | 17 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 36 |
| Dearica Hamby | 16 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 35 |
| Rae Burrell | 15 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 29 |
| Ariel Atkins | 10 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 25 |
| Erica Wheeler | 9 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 24 |
Dream vs. Sparks game-day updates and essential details
Thursday's matchup between the Sparks and Dream at Crypto.com Arena is scheduled to begin at 10:00 PM ET.
- Who: Atlanta Dream vs. Los Angeles Sparks
- Date: Thursday, August 20, 2026
- Time: 10:00 PM ET/7:00PM PT
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena
Conclusion
We predict the Dream, with a 78.2% win probability, will likely beat the Sparks in Thursday's WNBA matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
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Jason Bevilacqua, an expert in MLB, NHL, NBA, MLS, and NFL, delivers game previews, best bets, and props. Since 2020, as Head of Social and Community at Dimers, he has contributed insightful articles utilizing data-driven models and simulations.
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