Published on: Aug 21, 2022 12:00 pm IST|Updated on: Aug 21, 2022 3:44 am IST
SEA vs WAS Dream11: The WNBA Playoffs are in full swing and barring an upset by the Liberty which the Sky made up, the course has been smoother for the top three teams mostly. On the other hand, the fourth-fifth seed battle between the Seattle Storm and the Washington Mystics has certainly lived up to the billing. After taking Game 1, the Seattle Storm will take on the Washington Mystics to seal the deal.
The first game between the two was as close as it gets but in the end, the determined Seattle Storm overcame the Washington Mystics 86:83 behind an inspirational 23 points effort by Breanna Stewart and Elena Della Donne’s 26 points effort couldn’t get it done for the Mystics. Will we see another thriller between the two?
Home: Seattle Storm Visitors: Washington Mystics Match Timing: 22 August, @ 01:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Climate Pledge Arena
Another thriller?
The first match-up between the Mystics and the Storm was basically a duel between Della-Donne and Stewart but of course, basketball is much more than an one-on-one affair. Della Donne found her mid-range game and was drilling tough shots after tough shots while Breanna found her touch in the second half, making threes off-the-dribble and off-the-ball, which wreaked havoc in the well-balanced Mystics defense.
The Mystics shot around 48% whereas the Storm shot over 50% which was due to great hustle on the offensive end and some great passing by Gabby Williams who was perhaps the most active player during the night. The Storm made three more triples because apart from Atkins, the Mystics couldn’t find a hot shooting hand. The defense was electric but the offensive prowess of both the teams showed the way. The Mystics can have a big chance again if Elena pops up for a big night but they will need to find a way to curb the opposition’s hustle.
Performance Predictions
Highest scorer: Elena Della-Donne: 25 Highest rebounder: Breanna Stewart: 11 Top assists maker: Natasha Cloud: 8 Score Prediction: Mystics: 82 Storm: 79 Verdict: Defense will take centre-stage but this time, the Mystics will close the deal via a strong final quarter.
Washington Mystics News
Mystics Expected Starting Five Slashing Wing: SF: Alysha Clark Veteran All-Star Scorer: PF: Elena Della-Donne Inside Presence: C: Shakira Austin High-Scoring Guard: SG: Ariel Atkins Ball-Handler: PG: Natasha Cloud
BENCH: Tianna Hawkins, Rui Machida, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Evina Westbrook, Jazmine Jones, Myisha Hines-Allen.
Seattle Storm News
Storm Expected Starting Five Superstar Presence: PF: Breanna Stewart Defensive All-Around Wing: SF: Gabby Williams Rebounding and Inside Specialist: C: Tina Charles Two-Way Volume Shooter: SG: Jewell Loyd Leading Playmaking Guard: PG: Sue Bird
BENCH: Briann January, Ezi Magbebor, Stephenie Talbot, Ephiphany Prince, Jantel Lavender.
Breanna Stewart(SEA) Points: 23 Rebounds: 12 Assists: 04 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 Forward Stewart found her groove in the second half and her ability to score in multiple ways was on full display as she also discovered her rebounding touch. I believe she will be in 20+ points and 8+ rebounds range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 WNBA Prediction scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 38-50
Elena Della-Donne(WAS) Points: 26 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 03 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 Elena’s leadership makes the Mystics a better squad and when she is making her tough one-legged jumpers, fadeaways, and a lot more, there is no stopping her. I believe she will be in 20+ points and 5+ rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-41
Jewell Loyd(SEA) Points: 16 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 03 Jewell found her shot late too and made key buckets to extend Seattle’s advantage and that is surely what she has been able to do throughout her career. I believe she will be in 15-19 points nad 3-5 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-35
Natasha Cloud (WAS) Points: 16 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 01 Blocks: 03 Steals: 01 Natasha made some key shots while also providing her usual incredible defense in what was a solid outing overall. I believe she will be in 14-19 points and 4-7 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-40
Gabby Williams(SEA) Points: 12 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 06 Steals: 03 Blocks: 01 Gabby made a lot happen on both ends and is the wild-card player for the Storm who surely was one of the prime reasons for their close win. I believe she will be in 8-14 points, 5-8 rebounds, 4-7 assists, and 1-3 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-36
Ariel Atkins(WAS) Points: 16 Rebounds: 01 Assists: 04 Ariel had a hot start to the game but calmed down a bit later, still performing her role to the fullest mostly. I believe she will be in 14-19 points and 3-5 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-34
(Recommended) PG: S Bird SG: S Walker-Kimbrough, R Machida SF: G Williams, S Talbot PF: B Stewart(SP), E Delle Donne(PP) C: S Austin
(Alternate) PG: A Atkins, N Cloud(PP) SG: J Loyd, S Walker-Kimbrough, R Machida SF: S Talbot PF: B Stewart(SP) C: S Austin
The first game was decided in the final seconds and will we see a similar action here? You can catch this game on the WNBA League Pass where all the WNBA action can be seen. You can watch the highlights of the game on the official YouTube of the WNBA. To know the scores, news, and stats, visit the official website of the WNBA.