Published on: Aug 25, 2022 1:13 am IST|Updated on: Aug 25, 2022 1:13 am IST
CON vs DAL Dream11: The WNBA scene is heading toward the Semi-Finals and after a grueling season, the three favorites have made it to the next round. However, the fourth favorite Connecitcut Sun has been asked to toil hard as the Dallas Wings will once again challenge their claim to advance.
In what was reminiscent of their 10-day period run around early August, the Wings unlocked their maestro game and took Game 2 89-79 behind an unprecedented 20 points outburst by Kayla Thornton. This was a great reply after the team was in dire straits post a 25 points loss. Can the Wings build on this momentum?
Host: Dallas Wings Visitors: Connecticut Sun Match Timing: 25 August, @ 06:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: College Park Center
Which Wings will show up?
The Wings are an enigma and that is what makes things interesting here. They turned around their game after a 25-point loss and showcased in the last game that they have to be taken seriously at all times. They are loaded with talent, and have decent depth but strangely, it is the play of third/fourth option that can be transformative and it was Kayla Thornton who took charge in the last game.
Sun had a strange start, they just managed 7 points in the first quarter and that set them back in big ways. Despite recovering a bit in the second quarter, once again they squandered any momentum and got outgunned 17-30 in the third quarter, their defense showcasing uncharacteristic breakdowns. Williams and Hiedeman combined for just 5 points in the backcourt whereas Thomas and Bonner combined for just 15, with Jonquel and Brionna carrying the load with 20 each. Still, the Sun shot well and had 45% but the Wings made seven more triples on a 17% advantage, that was a huge difference in the end.
Performances Predictions
Top Scorer: Jonquel Jones: 23 Top Rebounder: Teaira McCowan: 11 Highest assists deliverer: Alyssa Thomas: 8 Scoreline Prediction: Sun: 84 Wings: 76 Verdict: I just don’t see the experienced Sun losing back-to-back against the wavering Wings. I believe the Wings will be overwhelmed here despite a strong showing in last game.
Connecticut Sun Team News
Sun Expected Starting Five Two-Way Wing: SF: DeWanna Bonner Disruptive Fastbreak Wing: SF: Alyssa Thomas All-Around Two-Way Forward: PF: Jonquel Jones Defensive Expert: G: Natisha Hiedeman Pace Pusher: SG: Courtney Williams
BENCH: Brionna Jones, , DiJonai Carrington, Oddysey Sims Nia Clouden.
Dallas Wings Teams News:
Wings Expected Starting Five Defensive Forward: F: Kayla Thornton Two-Way Guard: G: Allisha Gray Inside Threat: C: Teaira McCowan Versatile scorer: SG: Marina Mabrey Defensive Specialist: PG: Veronica Burton
BENCH: Tyasha Harris, Satou Sabally, Charli Collier, Awak Kuier, Isabelle Harrison.
Jonquel Jones(CON) Points: 20 Rebounds: 09 Assists: 00 Blocks: 02 Jonquel has found her groove in the Playoffs but she will need to be at her best when the Sun comes into this decisive game. Surely, the versatile player will be up for it. I see her in 17+ points, 6+ rebounds, and 1+ block range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-42
Marina Mabrey(DAL) Points: 14 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 03 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 While we are yet to see that prototypical huge Mabrey night yet, she has had a major influence in directing the Wings effort. I believe she will be in 12+ points and 4-6 rebounds range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 23-40
Alyssa Thomas(CON) Points: 06 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 05 Forward Thomas is one of the best All-Around players in the league but was limited in the last game, and will play a huge role here. I believe she will be in 11-16 points, 7-10 rebounds, and 5-8 assists range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 WNBA Prediction scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 35-50
Allisha Gray(DAL) Points: 15 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 08 Steals: 03 Gray only had a 1/7 night from the three-point range but her passing, rebounding, and defense got it done like usually, it does. I believe she will be in 12-16 points, 4-6 assists, and 3-6 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-34
Courtney Williams(CON) Points: 05 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 02 In the last game, Williams shot just 2/8 but will need to do much better here if the Wings are to be clipped. I believe she will bounce back and be in 12-16 points, 4-6 rebounds, and 3-5 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 18-30
Teaira McCowan(DAL) Points: 17 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 03 Blocks: 01 McCowan was a big factor despite coming off the bench and the Sun defense had no answer for her inside play. I believe she will be in 10-15 points, 8-12 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-38
(Recommended) PG: O Sims SG: C Williams, M Mabrey SF: A Thomas(SP) PF: I Harrison, D Bonner C: J Jones(PP), T McCowan
(Alternate) PG: O Sims, N Hiedeman, V Burton SG: C Williams SF: A Thomas, A Gray(PP) PF: K Thornton C: J Jones(SP)
Whose season will end here? The Sun’s or the Wings’? You can watch this Game 3 between the Connecticut Sun and the Dallas Wings on the WNBA League Pass. To know the scores, stats, and news, visit the official website of the WNBA. View the highlights on the official YouTube page of the WNBA.