Published on: Jun 15, 2022 4:03 pm IST|Updated on: Jun 15, 2022 4:03 pm IST
DAL vs LVA Dream11: There are a lot of reasons to love the WNBA. Most of the players in the league after working hard on their games for four years in college under incredible coaches and tough programs. This is why when you watch the game, the defense is well-trained while the ball movement can be in full flow as well. And you can witness the same by tuning in to the game between the Dallas Wings and the Las Vegas Aces.
The Wings have lost their rhythm after a decent start and are now one game below the 50% win mark with seven losses and six wins. They come into this game after losing to the Storm 79:84 despite a 20-points effort by Allisha Gray. Meanwhile, the Aces have been on the top since the beginning of the season and sit at the zenith with 11 wins and two losses. They march into the game after beating the Sparks 89:72 as A’ja Wilson compiled a brilliant 35 points performance. Can the Wings topple such a difficult team without Mabrey and Saballay?
Host: Dallas Wings Visitors: Las Vegas Aces Match Timing: 15 June, @ 10:30 PM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: College Park Center
Wings need to move the ball
The Wings are too much hung upon isolation games, sure, they are one of the best three-point shooting games, but late in the game, they tend to take tough shots rather than looking for open looks. Arike Ogunbowale is a hit-and-miss player and when she is off, the Wings are unable to get their jets going. Mabrey’s injury has surely hurt the team’s balance too.
Another area where they have struggled is finding their rotations in the frontline. While Isabelle Harrison has been phenomenal, the Wings haven’t figured out how to get a middle player to scrap boards, finish inside, or act as a defensive anchor. Their frailties are exposed by teams that have efficient shooting and their defense inside has been a concern like last season.
Aces are unstoppable
The Aces have been on fire this season and they have built a squad that is loaded at all positions. They have the most athletic team and their ability to push the ball up at a quick rate, takes the energy out of the defenses and they are equally effective in terms of moving the ball around and also generating multiple opportunities through their incredible rebounding.
A’ja Wilson continues to do a lot on both ends whereas Kelsey Plum’s elevation to a superstar scorer has enabled them to build an effective offense, both from inside and outside. Jackie Young is injured but when she has been active, she has played like an All-Star. Chelsea Gray brings veteran production but the bench is a bit suspect. The Aces can have three All-Stars participating in Plum, Young, and Wilson.
Highest scorer: Kelsey Plum: 26 Highest rebounder: A’ja Wilson: 12 Top assists maker: Kelsey Plum: 8 Score Prediction: Aces 88 Wings 80
Las Vegas Aces Teams News:
Aces Expected Starting Five Two-Way Star Forward: PF: A’ja Wilson Athletic Rebounding Forward: F: Dearica Hamby Veteran Playmaking Guard: PG: Chelsea Gray Sharp-Shooting Playmaking Guard: PG: Kelsey Plum Athletic All-Around Guard: SG: Jackie Young
BENCH: Kiah Stokes, Theresa Plaisance, Sydney Colson, Aisha Sheppard, Kierstan Bell.
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.
A’ja Wilson(LVA) Points: 35 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 01 Blocks: 04 Steals: 02 A’ja is a phenomenal athlete who has seized her chances and has come up with big nights throughout her career. I believe she will be in 19-26 points, 9-13 rebounds, and 1-3 steals/blocks 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) Points: 02 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 01 Steals: 01 Guard Arike isn’t an efficient scorer but she poses a huge threat as a quick-release shooter and an incredible isolation threat. I believe she will be in 17-23 points range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-34
Kelsey Plum(LVA) Points: 17 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 08 Steals: 02 Plum has done a great job as a scorer but it has been her playmaking that has gone to another level this season. I believe she will be in 18-24 points, 6-9 assists, and 1-2 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 36-51
Allisha Gray(DAL) Points: 20 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 03 Steals: 01 Lefty Guard Gray made eight of her twelve shots and she brings amazing shooting, defense, and a driving game as well. I believe she will be in 13-18 points, 4-6 rebounds, and 3-5 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 27-39
Dearica Hamby(LVA) Points: 20 Rebounds: 08 Assists: 00 Steals: 03 Forward Hamby is one of the best rebounds in the league and she fits amazingly well with the Aces running game. I believe she will be in 14-19 points and 8-12 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 23-34
Isabelle Harrison(DAL) Points: 04 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 00 Steals: 01 Isabelle has had some off nights but overall, she is in the midst of the best season of her life by far. I believe she will be in 10-15 points, 6-8 rebounds, and 1-2 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 17-28
(Recommended) PG: T Harris, K Plum(SP) SG: A Ogunbowale SF: A Gray PF: T Plaisance C: T McCowan, A Kuier, A Wilson(PP)
(Alternate) PG: T Harris, K Plum(SP) SG: C Gray SF: A Gray(PP) PF: I Harrisson, D Hamby C: T McCowan, K Stokes
Wouldn’t you love to see Kelsey Plum take on Arike Ogunbowale, as the Wings look to exact revenge? You can catch this brilliant game on the WNBA League Pass where all live games and replays are available. For 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.