Published on: Aug 28, 2022 12:30 pm IST|Updated on: Aug 28, 2022 3:13 am IST
CHI vs CON Dream11: The WNBA’s joyful ride has parked in the Playoffs mode and this is the most fun time in the league as we have the contenders for the title remaining. The Semis are best-of-five, played in the 2-2-1 format meaning the series will start with two games at the home floor of the higher-ranked team. In this case, the Chicago Sky will take on the Connecitcut Sun in Game 1 of the Semis.
The Sky faced stiff resistance by Liberty but overpowered them in Game 2 and Game 3 to advance. They come into this game after a 90-72 win as Allie Quigley dropped 15 points.
The Sun also had to work hard in the last series, having lost Game 2 but then pulled through in Game 3. They come into this game after defeating the Wings 73:58 as DeWanna Bonner cruised for 21 points.
Who will come on top in the battle of the two defensive heavyweights?
Host: Chicago Sky Visitors: Connecticut Sun Match Timing: 29 June, @ 09:30 PM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Wintrust Arena
Sun’s offensive woes, Sky’s strong all-around squad
The Sun are an incredible defensive team and they have improved their pace with Alyssa Thomas being healthy and Courtney Williams alongside Natisha Hiedeman, DeWanna Bonner, and Jonquel Jones pushing the ball up. But their offense can hit a wall at times, they can end up playing too much half-court offense and can fall into bad habits, something which they almost paid for against the Wings.
The Sky did lose Game 1 against Liberty but their offense is almost always turned on. They have different players who can step up at different junctures and there is no doubt in my mind that they are the deepest team in the league at all positions. The All-Around prowess of Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot is coupled with off-the-ball shooter Quigley, isolation wizard Kahleah Copper and a precise Emma Messeman. The bench of Rebekah Gardner and Azure bring two-way depth too.
Highest scorer: Jonquel Jones: 20 Highest rebounder: Candace Parker: 12 Top assists maker: Courtney Vandersloot: 8 Score Prediction: Sky: 85 Sun: 82
Chicago Sky News
Sky Expected Starting Five All-Around Forward: F: Candace Parker All-Around Forward: F: Emma Messeman Isolation Two-way Guard: SG: Kahleah Copper Leading Playmaker: PG: Courtney Vandersloot Sharpshooting Guard: SG: Allie Quigley
BENCH: Azure Stevens, Dana Evans, Rebekah Gardner, Ruthy Hebard, Li Yueru, Jullie Allemand.
Connecticut Sun Team News
Sun Expected Starting Five Quick Scorer: F: DeWanna Bonner Point Forward: SF: Alyssa Thomas All-Around Star Forward: PF: Jonquel Jones Elite Defensive Guard: PG: Natisha Hiedeman Isolation Mid-Range Expert: SG: Courtney Williams
BENCH: Brionna Jones, DiJonai Carrington, Odyssey Sims, Joyner Holmes, Nia Clouden.
Alyssa Thomas(CON) Points: 13 Rebounds: 08 Assists: 02 Steals: 02 Alyssa is one of the strongest players in the league who also brings high-quality all-around play while her defense is elite. I believe she will be in 14-19 points, 7-10 rebounds, and 4-7 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-45
Candace Parker(CHI) Points: 14 Rebounds: 13 Assists: 08 The above numbers are part and parcel of the veteran All-Around Forward who is still one of the best two-way players in the league. I believe she will be in 12-17 points, 9-13 rebounds, and 6-9 assists range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Prediction scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-44
Jonquel Jones(CON) Points: 11 Rebounds: 10 Assists: 00 Steals: 02 Forward Jonquel’s numbers are down this season but her incredible defense, rebounding, and the ability to make tough shots is going to be huge. I believe she will be in 12-18 points, 8-12 rebounds, and 1-2 steals/blocks range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-35
Courtney Vandersloot(CHI) Points: 14 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 10 Steals: 02 Guard Vandersloot is one of the best passers we have ever seen and she has also done a great job as a scorer, rebounder, and defender, I believe she will be in 12-18 points, 7-10 assists, 4-6 rebounds, and 1-2 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-41
DeWanna Bonner(CON) Points: 21 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 05 Blocks: 01 Forward DeWanna is the “X-Factor” who when in groove can help out on the offensive end while being a consistent defender. I believe she will be in 13-18 points and 4-7 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-32
Kahleah Copper(CHI) Points: 15 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 02 Steals: 02 Guard Copper is a phenomenal isolation scorer and is one of the best athletic players which helps on the defensive end. I believe she will be in 12-18 points and 1-3 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-42
(Recommended) PG: N Hiedeman, R Gardner SG: C Williams SF: A Thomas(PP) PF: D Bonner, E Messeman C: B Jones, C Parker(SP)
(Alternate) PG: C Vandersloot(PP), O Sims, R Gardner SG: C Williams SF: K Copper, A Thomas(SP) PF: D Bonner C: A Stevens
What will happen when Candace Parker and Jonquel Jones collide in Game 1 of the Semis? Through b WNBA League Pass, a place for all the live games and their replays if you miss the game. To view the highlights, go to the official YouTube channel of the WNBA. To learn the scores, news, and stats, visit the official website of the WNBA.