Published on: Aug 4, 2022 8:08 pm IST|Updated on: Aug 5, 2022 12:58 am IST
CON vs PHO Dream11: The WNBA has been showering us with a bunch of incredible games as expected and as we head towards the Playoffs, there are a bunch of places at stakes. For some teams, the Playoffs location has been sealed and it is a matter of preparing for the road ahead. Connecticut Sun is one such team and they will face the Phoenix Mercury here.
The solid and seasoned base of the Sun once again performed as expected and has gathered 21 wins and just 10 losses. They have been phenomenal on the defensive end and there is no doubt that they are one of the title favorites.
Matters are different for Phoenix Mercury, a team is not even a shadow of the squad that reached the last Finals. Without Griner plans have fallen apart and so has the team chemistry as the team has crawled to a miserable and the team has only won 13 and lost 18 games.
These two met just a day ago or so and unsurprisingly the Sun crushed the Mercury 87-63, winning the season series.
Host: Connecticut Sun Visitors: Phoenix Mercury Match Timing: 5 August, @ 04:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena
Sun continue to impress
The Sun has been transformed into a much stronger unit than last season since Alyssa Thomas has been active. Her activity level has propelled Sun to a much more cohesive squad this season and when you have such a strong two-way player, the Playoffs can be approached with confidence. Jonquel Jones will be huge during the Postseason while Natisha Hiedeman’s play has improved since midseason. How DeWanna Bonner and Courtney Williams perform will matter a lot, and guess what, both have been ready for primetime.
Mercury has become a trainwreck Losing Griner was always going to hurt the defensive end and then the Tina Charles decision only worsened things as the team is loaded with dominant offensive players. Skylar Diggins-Smith and Diana Taurasi have continued to be effective on the offensive end but it is the defense that has deserted the team. It is a shame that Sophie Cunningham’s breakout season has been sacrificed to poor team chemistry. The Mercury remain in the hunt for the last three Playoffs spots, but signs are not encouraging at all.
Performances Predictions
Top Scorer: Skylar Diggins-Smith: 28 Top Rebounder: Alyssa Thomas: 10 Highest assists deliverer: Alyssa Thomas: 9 Scoreline Prediction: Sun 91 Mercury 79
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.
Phoenix Mercury Teams News:
Mercury Expected Starting Five Post Forward: F: Brianna Turner Defensive Threat and Off-Ball Shooter: F: Sophie Cunningham Two-Way Energy Bunny: G: Shey Peddy Isolation Scorer: PG: Skylar Diggins-Smith Playmaking and Long-Range Guard: PG: Diana Taurasi
BENCH: Megan Gustafson, Reshanda Gray, Jennie Simms, Kaela Davis, Sam Thomas.
Jonquel Jones(CON) Points: 10 Rebounds: 10 Assists: 03 Blocks: 02 Forward Jones’ numbers are way down but her impact is still incredible as a scorer, rebounder, and playmaker. I believe she will be in 11-18 points, 6-11 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks/steas range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-41
Skylar Diggins-Smith(PHO) Points: 15 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 04 Blocks: 01 Although she had a couple of lean nights, the lefty guard will fancy herself to recover and post a big scoring night potentially. I believe she will be in 20+ points, 5-8 assists, and 4-7 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 36-45
Alyssa Thomas(CON) Points: 10 Rebounds: 12 Assists: 10 Steals: 01 One of the strongest players in the world, Thomas means business and has been stuffing the stat-sheet frequently. I believe she will be in 15-20 points, 8-11 assists, and 8-11 rebounds range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 WNBA Prediction scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 35-47
Sophie Cunningham(PHO) Points: 15 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 02 Blocks: 02 Steals: 01 Guard Sophie has hit her stride this season and has become one of the best away from the ball shooters while being tough on defense. I believe she will be in 15-21 points and 2-4 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 27-39
Courtney Williams(CON) Points: 12 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 01 Blocks: 01 Guard Williams knows how to push the pace and is especially effective from mid-range while being an effective rebounder and playmaker. I believe she will be in 13-19 points, 4-7 rebounds, and 3-6 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 23-36
Diana Taurasi(PHO) Points: 00 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 01 Taurasi is QUESTIONABLE for the game but when she has played, it has been a pleasure to watch her even when she has had some off nights. I believe she will be in 11-16 points range if she plays. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-31
(Recommended) PG: S Diggins-Smith(PP), S Peddy, N Hiedeman SG: C Williams, N Clouden SF: A Thomas(SP) PF: S Cunningham C: M Gustafson
(Alternate) PG: S Diggins-Smith(PP), S Peddy SG: N Clouden SF: A Thomas(SP), D Carrington PF: S Cunningham C: J Jones, M Gustafson
How will things prop up when Alyssa Thomas will clash against Skylar Diggins-Smith again? You can catch this battle between the Connecticut Sun and the Dallas Wings on the WNBA League Pass. Watch the highlights on the official YouTube channel of the WNBA. To know the scores, stats, and news, visit the official website of the WNBA.