Published on: Aug 17, 2022 10:16 pm IST|Updated on: Aug 18, 2022 12:37 am IST
CHI vs NYL Dream11: The WNBA Playoffs are at our helm and after a stellar Regular Season we are entering into the much-awaited part of the season. To kick off the proceedings, the Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty to start the season.
The Sky finished in second place during the Regular Season with 26 wins and 10 losses, the record tied with Aces. They have been on fire this season and will enter the Playoffs with a high.
The Liberty somehow managed to sneak into the Playoffs with 16 wins and 20 losses. The Liberty completed a three game win streak to finish the season and after a sour July, they finished August on a high note.
The series is best of three, first two games being played at the home floor of the Sky and if the matters are tied after two games, a third game will take place on the home floor of Liberty.
Host: Chicago Sky Visitors: New York Liberty Match Timing: 18 August, @ 05:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Wintrust Arena
Match-ups
The difference in the depth is obvious between the two teams. The Liberty has a 16-20 points per game scoring option in Sabrina Ionescu while Natasha Howard was scoring around 15 a game. Apart from these two options, the Liberty had a hard time identifying that “third option” all season long on the offensive end. With Howard and Ionescu, the Libetty has two strong rebounding options as well, but they need from others. Marine Johannes will play a huge role off the bench and can be a big difference maker.
In terms of the Sky, all positions are loaded. Kahleah Copper, Courtney Vandersloot, and Allie Quigley are all sharpshooting options whereas Vandersloot is an amazing passer. Copper and Vandersloot repeatedly scored 15+ points. On the other hand, the Forward duo of Messeman and Parker bring all-around chops, with Parker being an elite rebounder. Meanwhile, the bench trio fo Stevens, Gardner, and Allemand combine for strong scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defense.
Position-wise percentage estimation
G: Sky: 70% Liberty: 30% F: Sky: 76% Liberty: 24% Middle: Sky: 60% Liberty: 40%
Performance Predictions
Highest scorer: Sabrina Ionescu: 26 Highest rebounder: Candace Parker: 12 Top assists maker: Courtney Vandersloot: 8 Score Prediction: Sky 90 Liberty: 81
Verdict: The Sky will take a huge lead after a strong start and close out Liberty comfortably.
New York Liberty Teams News:
Liberty Expected Starting Five Athletic Forward: PF: Natasha Forward Shot-creating Wing: SF: Betnijah Laney Inside Presence: C: Stefanie Dolson Expert Ball-Handler: G: Crystal Dangerfield Leading All-Around Ball-Handler: PG: Sabrina Ionescu
BENCH: Sam Whitcomb, Rebecca Allen, Jocelyn Willougbhy, Michaela Onyenwera, Marine Johannes, Xu Han.
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
*Season Averages* Candace Parker(CHI) Points Per Game: 13.2 Rebounds Per Game: 8.6 Assists Per Game: 4.5 Steals Per Game: 1.0 Blocks Per Game 1.0 Forward Parker has been one of the best players in the league on both ends since his rookie year and will give the Sky a huge boost in the Postseason. I expect a 15-20 points, 7-11 rebounds, 4-7 assists, and 1-3 steals/blocks range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 WNBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 33-44
Sabrina Ionescu(NYL) Points Per Game: 17.4 Rebounds Per Game: 7.1 Assists Per Game: 6.3 Steals Per Game: 1.1 Guard Ionescu is one of the best all-around players who takes it up a notch regularly but can be a little off with her shot-selection. I believe she will be in 17+ points, 6-9 rebounds, and 6+ assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 34-46
Courtney Vandersloot(CHI) Points Per Game: 11.8 Assists Per Game: 6.5 Rebounds Per Game: 3.9 Steals Per Game: 1.2 The above numbers can be a tad misleading as Courtney repeatedly breached the barriers multiple times. I believe she will be in 14-21 points, 7-10 assists, and 1-3 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-40
Natasha Howard(NYL) Points Per Game: 15.1 Rebounds Per Game: 7.3 Steals Per Game: 1.3 Blocks Per Game 1.0 Without Howard’s exceptional production all season long, the Liberty wouldn’t; have made it this far. I believe she will be restricted to 10-15 points, 6-9 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks/steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-36
Kahleah Copper(CHI) Points Per Game: 15.7 Rebounds Per Game: 5.7 Assists Per Game: 2.3 Forward Copper has been one of the most athletic players in the league and she provides strong isolation scoring, rebounding, and defense. I believe the reigning Finals MVP will be in 14-21 points and 4-7 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 23-34
Betnijah Laney(NYL) Points Per Game: 11.2 Rebounds Per Game: 3.3 Assists Per Game: 2.8 Forwad Laney missed a major chunk of the season due to injury but I believe she will bounce back in a major way offensively. I see her in 14-19 points and 3-5 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 17-28
(Recommended) PG: C Vandersloot(PP), S Ionescu(SP), R Gardner SG: M Johannes SF: B Laney, R Allen PF: E Messeman C: A Stevens
(Alternate) PG: C Dangerfield, S Ionescu(SP) SG: A Quigley, M Johannes SF: K Copper PF: N Howard(PP) C: S Dolson, A Stevens
Game 1 of the First Round will be full of thrilling tricks, can Sabrina overcome veteran Parker 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 learn the scores, news, and stats, visit the official website of the WNBA.