Published on: Aug 20, 2022 10:07 am IST|Updated on: Aug 20, 2022 3:42 am IST
CHI vs NYL Dream11: The WNBA Playoffs have moved into peak mode and we have already witnessed some exciting battles. There was also an upset to kick off things and that when the Chicago Sky was taken down by the New York Liberty in First Game of Round 1, they will meet here for the second game.
The Liberty won 98:91 in a comeback win as Sabrina Ionescu and Natasha Howard rolled in 22 points each. Kahleah Copper popped off for a 21 points night but that wasn’t enough in this game where the Sky defense collapsed in an uncharacteristic manner.
This becomes a must-win game for the Sky in a best of three scenario. What will be the result here?
Host: Chicago Sky Visitors: New York Liberty Match Timing: 20 August, @ 09:30 PM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Wintrust Arena
Sky was overwhelmed
New York scored 25 or more in three straight quarters. The Liberty shot an awesome 44% from the three-point line and 49.3% from the field. Apart from Howard and Ionescu, Betnijah Laney and Stefanie Dolson had strong nights too, in what was finally a game where Liberty showed their full potential. The Liberty had 28 assists with Guards Ionescu and Johannes putting on a passing clinic.
The Sky did eke out a 37-34 rebounds advantage but shot just 25% from three, getting outgunned by four triples. They committed 10 turnovers compared to 8 by Liberty in a game that was played cleanly. The Sky was aggressive on offense but their defense abandoned them in big ways.Can they make it through or will the brilliant passing of the Liberty will burying them?
Performance Predictions
Highest scorer: Sabrina Ionescu: 23 Highest rebounder: Candace Parker: 11 Top assists maker: Courtney Vandersloot: 9 Score Prediction: Sky: 87 Liberty:77
Verdict: I don’t see Sky’s defense giving up 90+ at all and I believe they will stretch the series to a decisive Game Three.
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, Jullie Allemand
*Season Averages* Candace Parker(CHI) Points: 17 Rebounds: 10 Assists: 05 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Candace made six of her 13 shots and with her incredible rebounding and passing, the Sky would fancy forcing Game Three. I believe she will be in 15+ points, 8-13 rebounds, 4-6 assists, and 1-2 steals/blocks range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 WNBA Prediction scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 33-44
Sabrina Ionescu(NYL) Points: 22 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 06 Steals: 02 In a rare occasion, Sabrina shot 8/12 and gave the Liberty a great lift in terms of shot selection and various other fields as usual. I believe she will be in 20+ points, 6+ rebounds and assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 38-51
Courtney Vandersloot(CHI) Points: 13 Assists: 10 Rebounds: 03 Courtney led all players in assists and is an elite passer while making six of her 13 shots, in what has been a stellar scoring season. I believe she will be in 13-18 points, 6+ assists, and 3-5 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-40
Natasha Howard(NYL) Points: 22 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 03 Steals: 01 Howard made 9/17 shots and she has been one of the best off-the-ball players this season, enabling the Liberty to make it this far. I believe she will be in 14-19 points and 6-9 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-35
Kahleah Copper(CHI) Points: 21 Rebounds: 08 Assists: 01 Blocks: 01 Copper made seven of his 14 shots and she is a phenomenal athletic player who was active, hustling around in the last game. I believe she will be in 17-23 points and 4-6 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-36
Betnijah Laney(NYL) Points: 17 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 05 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Forward Betnijah is a superb isolation scorer who was popping off in other facets of the game too. I believe she will be in 13-18 points and 4-6 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-33
(Recommended) PG: C Vandersloot(PP), S Ionescu(SP), C Dangerfield SG: M Johannes SF: B Laney PF: E Messeman C: S Dolson, 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
The Sky need to win this game or their title defense is over. Candace has been here too many times to be fidgety, will she bring in something special? You can watch this game on the WNBA League Pass where all the WNBA action can be seen. You can catch 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.