The Big Apple is rotten for WNBA

bettors trying to cash in on the New York Liberty at home.

The Liberty have covered just once in their last four home stands, dropping to 5-5 against the spread inside Madison Square Garden. Their most recent blown cover at home came against the Phoenix Mercury, losing 91-84 as 2.5-point chalk Saturday.

New York, which bounced back from that loss with an 85-75 road win over the Atlanta Dream Tuesday, has averaged 76.5 points over the last four home games – almost four points less than their season average of 80.4. That may not seem like a lot to the casual basketball fan, but to hoops bettors, those four points can mean the difference between hot dogs or steak.

A reason for that offensive slump could be the Liberty’s outside shooting, which has dropped below its season average as well. Over those four home contests, New York has gone 22 for 69 from beyond the arc (31.8 percent), including a 5-for-19 night versus Phoenix. The Liberty shoot just under 37 percent from 3-point range on the season, which is fourth best in the WNBA.

New York could find open looks on the perimeter tough to come by Thursday. It takes on the Chicago Sky, one of the best defensive squads in the league and the top team at defending the 3-pointer – allowing opponents to shoot only 30.6 from beyond the arc.

Pick: Chicago +6