Prop Bet #1: Sabrina Ionescu over 22.5 points + assists

-125 at FanDuel

After a strong 48-30 lead at halftime, the New York Liberty did not have to overexert themselves in the second half of Game 1. Nevertheless, Sabrina Ionescu scored 17 points and five assists in 26 minutes.

It was the latest reminder that Ionescu’s points and assists are extremely high. She is the engine that makes New York’s offense run, and I expect the Liberty to turn it up a bit tonight. A desperate Atlanta Dream Team will come back with a better performance in Game 2 after hitting just 40% of its shots from the field on Sunday, and that will force Ionescu to take on a heavier workload.

Her season averages of 18.2 points and 6.2 assists per game confirm that the volume should be there even when factoring in the slower pace of the playoffs, and she sank 3 of 7 three-pointers over the weekend.

Her assists have also been consistent, with six or more assists in each of her final five regular season games.

For New York’s star-studded lineup, it’s a matter of championship or defeat, and I’m betting that Ionescu will catapult the Liberty into the next round with fireworks.

Prop Bet #2: Chelsea Gray over 5.5 assists

+102 at FanDuel

Defense was the big theme in the Las Vegas Aces’ Game 1 win, as they limited the Seattle Storm to just two points in the fourth quarter, but the result featured some impressive offensive numbers, including seven dimes for Chelsea Gray.

In addition to her points, Gray’s playmaking is key to getting A’ja Wilson into a rhythm – and I expect her assist tally to pay similar dividends in Game 2.

First, the Aces should shoot the ball more efficiently after missing just 30 of 69 shots on Saturday. They missed some good opportunities and Kelsey Plum missed all four of her three-pointers.

Gray has been on top form lately, dishing out six or more assists in five of her last eight games, including 10 assists against the Chicago Sky earlier this month, and her chemistry with Wilson is usually a path to easy baskets.

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Las Vegas respond with over 80 points tonight, and Gray’s passing numbers are at the core of their best moments. I’m taking the over — and the plus odds — at that 5.5 line.

Prop Bet #3: Jewell Loyd under 16.5 points

-125 at bet365

For Seattle, injuries have occurred at the worst possible time: Ezi Magbegor missed Game 1 and Jewell Loyd was hampered by a knee injury.

Las Vegas’ defense can pose a problem even for fully healthy opponents – and the Storm are far from that as they enter their second must-win road game.

To her credit, Loyd has found a way to get back on the court, but she made just two of eight field goals and scored just six points on Saturday night, so I have my doubts about her ability to go full throttle.

Some rust was probably inevitable after sitting out the Storm’s final three regular-season games, but Loyd’s struggles suggest Seattle’s best hope is for Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams and Skyler Diggins-Smith to take over the lead.

Loyd played 26 minutes in Game 1 and the Storm could decide to limit their workload again even with the season on the line.

Given what we saw from Loyd over the weekend, that 16.5 O/U just seems too high. She hasn’t reached that number in three of her last four regular season games.