Published on: Jul 2, 2022 7:13 pm IST|Updated on: Jul 2, 2022 7:13 pm IST
CHI vs PHO Dream11: The WNBA is in the halfway stage and the All-Star Game is just a week away or so. We have seen another intense season where the top teams have once again continued their brilliant rhythm and we have also seen a bunch of teams improve at a rapid rate. Then we have the defending champion Chicago Sky, who will play against the Phoenix Mercury here.
The Sky has resumed where they left last season and have stacked up 14 wins in just 19 games. They have beaten all the elite teams so far and move into the game after defeating the Sun 91:83 as legend Candace Parker dropped 25 points. Meanwhile, the Mercury, the team that Sky faced in the Finals last her, has been off its game so far, winning just 9 of the 21 games. But the team has recovered from 2 wins and eight losses start, winning 7 of the last 11 games, currently on a three-game winning streak. The Mercury defeated the Fever 99:78 in the last game as Skylar Diggins-Smith put up 17 points. Can the Mercury keep up their rhythm or will the Sky be too much to handle?
Host: Chicago Sky Visitors: Phoenix Mercury Match Timing: 2 June, @10:30 PM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Wintrust Arena
Sky can win it all again
The Sky management has done a great job in the offseason to shore up the squad. Having a championship core didn’t satisfy the management and the team brought in Emma Messeman, who fits well in the system as someone who doesn’t force things, can share the ball, play strong defense, and do a lot more. Having Candace Parker is a boost as a major triple-threat player whereas Courtney Vandersloot, Kahleah Copper, and Allie Quigley can aid in both scoring and playmaking. The bench of Azure Stevens and Rebekah Gardner makes this team one of the deepest and most flexible.
Mercury looks better
Mercury unloaded Tina Charles and since then has utilized Sophie Cunningham in the starting lineup. She has scored in 14-17 points range since her inclusion and her defense has been top-notch as the small defensive lineup has improved the defense. Diggins-Smith and Diana Taurasi have been terrific scorers whereas Shey Peddy has given quality minutes. Diamond DeShields has been huge off the bench whereas newly acquired Reshanda Gray has gotten it done too.
Performance Predictions
Highest scorer: Skylar Diggins-Smith: 22 Highest rebounder: Candace Parker: 11 Top assists maker: Courtney Vandersloot: 8 Score Prediction: Sky 86 Mercury 78
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.
Skylar Diggins-Smith(PHO) Points: 17 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 07 Steals: 04 Blocks: 01 Skylar has been aggressive on the offensive end and has also given much more than just scoring chops. I believe she will be in 18-24 points, 4-7 rebounds, and 4-7 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 32-43
Candace Parker(CHI) Points: 25 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 07 Blocks: 04 Candance was amazing in the last game on both ends and this is a dangerous sign for the oppositions. I believe she will be in 14-19 points, 7-11 rebounds, and 5-8 assists range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Prediction scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 37-54
Diana Taurasi(PHO) Points: 11 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 07 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 Guard Diana is an incredible shooter who has had some strong outside games and has also been doing a great job of passing the ball. I believe she will be in 13-17 points and 4-7 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 23-34
Courtney Vandersloot(CHI) Points: 09 Rebounds: 01 Assists: 06 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Guard Vandersloot continues to be the major ballhandler and has also had some amazing scoring games lately. I believe she will be in 13-17 points and 5-8 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-32
Shey Peddy(PHO) Points: 13 Rebounds: 01 Assists: 06 Peddy has given quality minutes throughout the season and continues to be a huge factor on both ends. I believe she will be in 8-13 points, 4-7 assists, and 1-2 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-32
Emma Messeman(CHI) Points: 04 Rebounds: 01 Assists: 01 Blocks: 01 Forward Emma has been getting it done as an all-around Forward and her shot selection has been spot-on. I believe she will be in 10-16 points, 6-9 rebounds, and 4-7 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-42
(Recommended) PG: S Diggins-Smith(PP), S Peddy SG: A Quigley SF: S Cunningham, E Messeman PF: C Parker(SP), M Gustafson C: A Stevens
(Alternate) PG: C Vandersloot(SP), S Peddy SG: A Quigley, D Taurasi(PP) SF: D DeShields, S Cunningham PF: B Turner C: A Stevens
Who will come on top when Candace Parker will take on Skylar Diggins-Smith? You can watch this brilliant battle on the WNBA League Pass, an avenue for all the live games and their replays if you miss the game. To get a hold of the highlights, go to the official YouTube channel of the WNBA. To know the scores, news, and stats, go to the official website of the WNBA.