Published on: Aug 12, 2022 2:01 am IST|Updated on: Aug 12, 2022 2:01 am IST
CON vs LAS Dream11: The WNBA has been amidst a great season and we are just steadily heading towards the Playoffs situation as only a couple of spots for the Postseason right now. The Los Angeles Sparks are in a desperate race right now as they face the Connecticut Sun here.
The Sun has been a solid team again and remains a title contender for five years straight or so. They have stacked up 23 wins and 11 losses and have a huge shot at finishing third and a decent chance of making it to the second seed.
Meanwhile, the Sparks are having another disappointing season, they have just 13 wins and 21 losses, their playoff hopes all but dashed. The Sparks have lost seven out of the last eight games.
The Sparks and the Sun met just a couple of days ago when the Sun dealt a huge 97-71 loss to the Sparks. The Sparks have lost both their games against the Sun thus far.
Host: LA Sparks Visitors: Connecticut Sun Match Timing: 12 August, @ 08:00 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: crypto.com Arena
Sparks have been off
The Sparks have been a disaster this season, somehow imploding with each month and unable to even remain competitive for most parts. They have lost the plot on the defensive completely while the three-point shooting has been horrendous for most parts. While Sykes has balled lately, the team lacks the scoring depth to keep up against most teams. The Sparks need to revamp their roster in the offseason, this one looks like a mishmash at this point with only Sykes and Nneka being effective.
The Sun can be big in the Playoffs
The Sun has had a terrific season and they have improved offensively compared to last season. Two main reasons; one, Alyssa Thomas has accelerated the pace alongside Courtney Williams, and two, the Sun has figured out their rotations despite missing veteran Jazmine Thomas as Hiedeman has picked up her game. This is a team that can’t be underestimated into the Playoffs, considering both their experience and intensity.
Performances Predictions
Top Scorer: Nneka Ogwumike: 21 Top Rebounder: Alyssa Thomas: 10 Highest assists deliverer: Alyssa Thomas: 9 Scoreline Prediction: Sun: 92 Sparks: 78
Connecticut Sun Team News
Sun Expected Starting Five Quick Scorer: F: DeWanna Bonner Disruptive Fastbreak All-Around Wing: SF: Alyssa Thomas All-Around Two-Way Forward: PF: Jonquel Jones Defensive Specialist: PG: Natisha Hiedeman Isolation Mid-Range Expert: SG: Courtney Williams
BENCH: Joyner Holmes, Brionna Jones, DiJonai Carrington, Kiana Williams, Nia Clouden.
Los Angeles Sparks Teams News:
Sparks Expected Starting Five Isolation Forward: PF: Nneka Ogwumike Low-Post Threat: C: Olivia Nelson-Ododa Stretch-Three: SF: Katie Lou-Samuelson Playmaker: PG: Jordin Canada Athletic Guard: G: Brittney Sykes BENCH: Chennedy Carter, Chiney Ogwumike, Lexie Brown, Jazmine Walker, Kianna Smith.
WNBA Scores, Fantasy Basketball Top Picks
Jonquel Jones(CON) Points: 21 Rebounds: 10 Assists: 02 Forward Jonquel remains a huge threat as a scorer despite her average dipping this season and is an elite rebounder and defender as well. I believe she will be in 16-22 points, 7-10 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks range, Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-41
Nneka Ogwumike(LAS) Points: 16 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 02 Steals: 04 Blocks: 01 Forward Nneka has been having another solid season but her presence hasn’t been enough to rescue the sinking ship of the Sparks. I believe she will be in 18-24 points and 4-7 rebounds range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 36-45
Alyssa Thomas(CON) Points: 11 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 07 Steals: 04 Built strong, Alyssa is an all-in-one package. An effective defender, a terrific playmaker, a great rebounder, and a scrappy scorer. She can be in 13-19 points, 7-10 assists, and 5-8 rebounds range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 WNBA Prediction scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 35-47
Brittney Sykes(LAS) Points: 18 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 03 Steals: 06 Sykes has been the only effective offensive threat for the Sparks apart from Nneka, and she has been amping it up lately. I believe she will be in 14-19 points, 6-8 rebounds, 3-5 assists, and 3-4 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 27-39
DeWanna Bonner(CON) Points: 10 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 01 Steals: 03 Blocks: 01 Shifty wing Bonner is capable of doing damage on both ends and her frame helps her to contort production. I believe she will be in 13-19 points, 4-7 rebounds, and 1-3 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 23-36
Jordin Canada(LAS) Points: 15 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 06 While Canada has been an exceptional passer, the Sparks wished that her scoring was as effective as last game, which hasn’t been the case. I see her in 7-12 points and 5-8 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-31
(Recommended) PG: J Canada, N Hiedeman SG: B Sykes(PP), C Williams SF: A Thomas(SP), D Carrington PF: D Bonner C: O Nelson-Ododa
(Alternate) PG: O Sims, N Hiedeman SG: B Sykes, C Williams SF: D Carrington PF: N Ogwumike(SP) C: J Jones(PP), O Nelson-Ododa
Can the Sparks get some glimmer to end the season or will the Sun continue to dominate? You watch this battle between the Connecticut Sun and the LA Sparks on the WNBA League Pass. Witness the highlights on the official YouTube channel of the WNBA. To learn the scores, stats, and news, visit the official website of the WNBA.