Published on: Jul 7, 2022 9:37 pm IST|Updated on: Jul 7, 2022 9:37 pm IST
CHI vs IND Dream11: The WNBA has reached the midway point and this has been another cracking season. In a few days, we will witness the All-Star Game which is bound to give us some amazing shooting action. But for most teams, this is high time to figure out what combinations they are to use if they have to make a deep run. One of those teams is Indiana Fever and they will take on the Chicago Sky here.
The Sky has looked every bit of the defending champions they are on and have earned 15 wins and 6 losses. Their five-game winning streak was snapped when they lost to the Lynx 78:81 despite a 20 points performance by Kahleah Copper. Meanwhile, things haven’t changed for Indiana Fever since last season and they continue to struggle with just five wins and a humungous 18 wins. They are on a five-game losing streak and lost 73-95 against the Storm, again exclusively relying on Kelsey Mitchell who scored 21. Can the Fever overcome the odds here?
Host: Indiana Fever Visitors: Chicago Sky Match Timing: 8 July, @04:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Indiana Farmers Colliseum
Sky has all the tools
The Sky has a lot to offer in terms of options. First of all, their defense is amazing as most of their players are experienced and know when to switch, and when to hedge, thus making the team impenetrable. On the offensive end, they have isolation options, off-the-ball shooters, designated ball-handlers and also finishers, which means they are tight-knit. They have perhaps the most amount of all-around players and this versatility has profited the team in accumulating wins. Careful shot selection, crisp ball movement, and tight defense, are always the hallmarks of a title-winning team.
Fever lacks the versatility
Fever has once again fared poorly. The problems remain the same, stagnant offense, terrible defense, and a lack of confidence among teammates. This is a team that brought in an impressive rookie trio of NaLyssa Smith, Emily Engstler, and Queen Egbo, but the coaching staff is yet to figure out the lineups that can be effective on both ends. Kelsey Mitchell continues to share the major load on the offensive end as she has dipped in most of the share on the offense. Vivians has disappeared after a decent start, and the Fever is reeling once again.
Performance Predictions
Highest scorer: Kelsey Mitchell: 23 Highest rebounder: Candace Parker: 12 Top assists maker: Candace Parker: 9 Score Prediction: Sky 90 Fever 76
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: Azura Stevens, Dana Evans, Rebekah Gardner, Ruthy Hebard, Li Yueru, Jullie Allemand.
Phoenix Mercury Teams News:
Mercury Expected Starting Five Post Forward: F: Brianna Turner Defensive Threat: F: Sophie Cunningham Two-Way Energy Bunny: G: Shey Peddy Isolation Scorer: PG: Skylar Diggins-Smith Playmaking Guard: PG: Diana Taurasi
BENCH: Megan Gustafson, Karlie Samuelson, Diamond DeShields, Sam Thomas, Kristine Anigwe.
Kelsey Mitchell(IND) Points: 21 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 03 Steals: 01 Mitchell continues to supply high-quality offense from all areas but she has been overburdened with offensive duties. I believe she will be in 20-26 points and 3-6 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 32-43
Candace Parker(CHI) Points: 13 Rebounds: 10 Assists: 06 Candace is having another sensational season and her impact has been huge in numerous ways on both ends. I believe she will be in 14-19 points, 8-12 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: 37-54
NaLyssa Smith(IND) Points: 14 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 00 Smith has been able to make a great impression as a scorer and defender but the rookie will need to improve in a lot of other areas. I expect a 13-18 points and 6-10 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 23-34
Kahleah Copper(CHI) Points: 20 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 05 Steals: 01 Despite so many scoring options in the team, Kahleah has found way to make an impact as a versatile scorer. I believe she will be in 15-21 points, 3-5 rebounds, and 2-4 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-32
Victoria Vivians(IND) Points: 09 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 02 Steals: 02 Vivians has been struggling after a hot start to the season and even her all-around game isn’t the same after the offense had been off. I believe she will be in 10-15 points, 4-6 rebounds, and 3-5 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-32
Courtney Vandersloot(CHI) Points: 02 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 05 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Courtney’s numbers are a bit down lately but that is because of the influx of talent in her squad, which means her responsibilities have decreased. I believe she will be in 9-14 points and 5-8 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-42
(Recommended) PG: K Mitchell(PP), D Robinson, R Gardner SG: A Quigley SF: K Copper PF: C Parker(SP) C: A Stevens, E Cannon
(Alternate) PG: C Vandersloot, R Gardner SG: A Quigley, D Henderson SF: K Copper(SP) PF: E Engstler, N Smith(PP) C: A Stevens
Can Kelsey and Fever provide any fightback against the stellar Candance Parker-led Sky? You can catch this brilliant battle on the WNBA League Pass, an avenue for all the live games and their replays if you miss the game. To watch the highlights, go to the official YouTube channel of the WNBA. To learn the scores, news, and stats, go to the official website of the WNBA.