Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream's star guard, is primed to surpass the 17.5 points line in her upcoming matchup against the Chicago Sky, making it a juicy pick for bettors.

As we gear up for the highly anticipated WNBA clash between the Atlanta Dream and the Chicago Sky, all eyes are on Rhyne Howard, who is making waves in the league with her impressive scoring abilities. Despite the Dream's mixed start to the season, Howard's performance has been nothing short of remarkable, and there's ample reason to believe she'll be lighting up the scoreboard against the Sky.

With an average of 17.0 points per game, Howard is already knocking on the door of the 17.5 points line. Her offensive prowess has been a key factor in the Dream's third-ranked scoring average of 82.7 points per game. Not only has she demonstrated a consistent ability to put points on the board, but she's also shown a knack for stepping up when it counts. In close matchups, like the Dream's games so far, Howard has proven that she can rise to the occasion and contribute significantly to her team's scoring efforts.

Furthermore, the Chicago Sky's defensive record this season leaves something to be desired, ranking eighth out of the 12-team league by allowing 84.0 points per game. While the Sky has managed to keep a positive win-loss record at 3-1, their defensive struggles could provide Howard with the perfect opportunity to showcase her scoring talents and push past the 17.5 points line.

Moreover, Howard's teammates have been contributing to the Dream's potent offense, with Allisha Gray leading the team in scoring (18.3 points), rebounds (7.0), and assists (4.0) per game. Former Sky forward Cheyenne Parker has also been a key player for the Dream, averaging 17.0 points per game. Their combined efforts could create more opportunities for Howard to shine on the offensive end and potentially push her over the 17.5 points line.

In addition to her scoring prowess, Howard has been a force to be reckoned with on the court, posing a threat to any defense she encounters. Her versatility and athleticism make her a challenging matchup for the Sky, and she could exploit any weaknesses in their defense to rack up points.

The Sky's injury woes could also play a role in Howard's potential scoring outburst. With veterans like Isabelle Harrison (knee) still out and Morgan Bertsch (ankle) and Rebekah Gardner (foot) listed as day-to-day, the Sky's defensive lineup may not be operating at full capacity. This could leave gaps for Howard to exploit and hit the over on her points line.

While there's never a surefire pick in sports betting, Rhyne Howard's consistent scoring record, the Sky's shaky defense, and the potential for her teammates to create opportunities make a strong case for her going over the 17.5 points line. As we anxiously await the clash between the Atlanta Dream and the Chicago Sky, placing your bets on Howard's scoring prowess could be a wise move for bettors looking to cash in on this exciting matchup.