Get ready for a showdown that promises to be nothing short of electrifying! Monday’s Unrivaled matchup between the Laces and the Lunar Owls is here, and it’s a clash of elite talent you won’t want to miss. But here’s where it gets controversial: can the injury-plagued Lunar Owls really stand a chance against the powerhouse Laces? Let’s dive into the details and find out.
As Season 2 of Unrivaled continues to heat up, Monday’s game pits the Laces, fresh off a heart-wrenching 83–81 loss to the Mist, against the Lunar Owls, a team grappling with significant injuries. The Laces enter as 7.5-point road favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at 136.5. But don’t let the numbers fool you—this game is about more than just stats.
The Laces’ recent loss to the Mist was a tough pill to swallow, despite Brittney Sykes’s impressive 29-point performance. Alyssa Thomas, Jackie Young, and Maddy Siegrist all contributed double-digit points, but Breanna Stewart’s clutch free throws sealed their fate. Now, the Laces are hungry for redemption, and they’re facing a Lunar Owls squad missing key players like WNBA star and Unrivaled co-founder Napheesa Collier. And this is the part most people miss: even without Collier, the Owls have shown flashes of brilliance, thanks to players like Marina Mabrey and Aaliyah Edwards.
Speaking of Sykes, her performance has been nothing short of remarkable. In just 15.6 minutes, the Seattle Storm veteran drained 5-of-7 three-pointers—a stark contrast to her 30.4% deep shooting in her most recent WNBA season. While such efficiency might not be sustainable, her aggressive scoring has made her the Laces’ go-to offensive weapon. Alyssa Thomas continues to dominate the boards, pulling down nine rebounds in her last game, while Jackie Young’s playmaking—highlighted by eight assists—showcases the team’s balanced attack.
On the flip side, the Lunar Owls have been battling adversity from the start. Skylar Diggins’s absence due to a lower leg/ankle injury has left the team shorthanded. Yet, Marina Mabrey has emerged as a standout, scoring 23 points in her season debut and exploding for 32 points against the Phantom on Saturday. Aaliyah Edwards has also been a force, averaging a double-double with 18.0 points and 11.5 rebounds in her first two games.
But here’s the kicker: defense has been the Owls’ Achilles’ heel. They surrendered 94 points to the Phantom and currently hold the league’s worst point differential at -52. In a fast-paced three-on-three format where stops are rare, this could spell trouble against a Laces team eager to rebound from their recent loss.
So, what’s the pick? At full strength, the Lunar Owls are a legitimate threat, but their current form makes them a risky bet. With Sykes firing on all cylinders and Thomas and Young anchoring a well-rounded roster, the Laces seem poised to capitalize on the Owls’ defensive struggles. If the Owls can’t tighten up their defense, the Laces could walk away with a convincing win Monday night.
Best Bet: Laces -7.5 (-115) (https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/unrivaled?category=game-lines&subcategory=game)
But what do you think? Can the Lunar Owls pull off an upset, or will the Laces dominate as expected? Let us know in the comments—this is one debate you won’t want to miss!
