Published on: Aug 7, 2022 12:08 am IST|Updated on: Aug 7, 2022 12:08 am IST
DAL vs IND Dream11: The WNBA is constantly hurling towards the Playoffs and this has been one of the most entertaining periods of the season. While the top five teams the Sky, the Aces, the Sun, the Mystics, and the Storm have sealed their places for the postseason, three spots are still up for grabs. And one of the contenders for those spots, Dallas Wings will clash against already eliminated Indiana Fever.
The Wings have been amidst a wild season, and find themselves with 15 wins and 16 losses. They have won three in a row and in their last game against the Aces, they won 82-80 as Teaira McCowan scored 21 points.
On the other hand, the Indiana Fever comes into this game after an 81:91 loss to the Atlanta Dream despite a 21 points night by NaLyssa Smith. This was their 15th loss in a row.
The Wings and the Fever have met twice and both of the times the Wings won comprehensively.
Host: Dallas Wings Visitors: Indiana Fever Match Timing: 7 August, @ 05:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: College Park Center
Wings solidify Playoffs position
The Wings lost their way in the middle but a three-game winning streak has emboldened their Playoffs position. The huge booster is the fact that they bet the top-two teams in the league back-to-back and that too without their leading scorer Arike Ogunbowale. It raises a question if the team is better without Arike or is it just a brief spark before the flame settles?
There is no doubt that the re-insertion of Teaira McCowan in the starting lineup has improved the team in many ways. If the Wings make the Playoffs, it will be important for both Allisha Gray and Marina Mabrey to click from the shooting area. Kayla Thornton has done a much better job at the Forward position but the frontline depth is an issue.
Fever’s results are not surprising
The Fever has not won in more than two and half months period. The major reason for that has been their awful defense. There is just no interior defense when it comes to Indiana and the other area where they have struggled is identifying spot-up shooters who could ease the load on Kelsey Mitchell, who has been incredible in terms of scoring.
The Fever has a big stack of rookies. NaLyssa Smith is the most promising as a scorer, rebounder, and defender. Queen Egbo can benefit from playing with a loaded playmaker(ala Shakira Austin was helped by Natasha Cloud) whereas Destanni Henderson has turned heads. On the other hand, Emily Engstler and Lexie Hull have shown promise too.
Highest scorer: Arike Ogunbowale: 23 Highest rebounder: NaLyssa Smith: 11 Top assists maker: Kelsey Mitchell: 7 Score Prediction: Wings 85 Fever 77
Dallas Wings Teams News:
Wings Expected Starting Five Defensive Forward: F: Kayla Thornton Athletic Forward: F: Isabelle Harrison Two-Way Guard: G: Allisha Gray Sharpshooter: SG: Marina Mabrey Isolation Scorer: SG: Arike Ogunbowale
BENCH: Tyasha Harris, Charli Collier, Awak Kuier, Veronica Burton, Teaira McCowan, Jasmine Dickey.
Indiana Fever Team News
Fever Expected Starting Five Two-Way Rookie Forward: PF: NaLyssa Smith Inside Presence: C: Queen Egbo High-Scoring Guard: SG: Victoria Vivians Driving Guard: SG: Danielle Robinson Primary Ball-Handler: SG: Destanni Henderson.
BENCH: Alanna Smith, Emily Engstler, Emma Cannon, Khayla Pointer, Lexie Hull, Rennia Davis.
NaLyssa Smith(IND) Points: 21 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 01 Steals: 01 Forwad NaLyssa has been in great groove in her Rookie year, being one of the Rookie of the Year candidates, utilizing her brilliant size. I believe she will be in 15-23 points and 5-8 rebounds range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-44
Arike Ogunbowale (DAL) Guard Arike has missed a couple of games but is likely going to be ready for this game. I believe she will be in 20-26 points and 4-6 assists range if she plays. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-45
Victoria Vivians(IND) Points: 06 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 06 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Vivians has been off from the field for a long time but her role only increased with Kelsey Mitchell out of the picture. I believe she will be in 10-18 points, 4-7 assists/rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-33
Teaira McCowan(DAL) Points: 21 Rebounds: 16 Assists: 00 Steals: 02 Center McCowan has been peerless on the rebounding and inside scoring lately, completely dominating both columns. I believe she will be in 17-24 points and 10-15 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-42
Emma Cannon(IND) Points: 16 Rebounds: 08 Assists: 03 Forward Emma has been known to give strong minutes off the bench and continues to do so. I believe she will be in 8-14 points and 4-7 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 19-29
Marina Mabrey(DAL) Points: 15 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 03 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Mabrey’s return to the early season form has been a major factor during recent Wings’ victories, and the team need her to perform on this level at least 90% of times. I believe she will be in 13-19 points range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-40
(If Arike plays- Recommended) PG: D Robinson, L Hull SG: A Ogunbowale(PP), M Mabrey SF: V Vivians PF: K Thornton, N Smith C: T McCowan(SP)
(If Arike doesn’t play) PG: D Robinson SG: M Mabrey SF: A Gray, V Vivians PF: K Thornton, N Smith(PP) C: T McCowan(SP), E Cannon
Wanna watch a young NaLyssa Smith try to battle against an emphatic Center Teaira McCowan? You can catch this brilliant game on the WNBA League Pass a place for all live games and replays are available. To view 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.