Published on: Aug 11, 2022 12:12 am IST|Updated on: Aug 11, 2022 12:12 am IST
DAL vs NYL Dream11: The WNBA has now come to a crucial stage where the Playoffs remain less than a week away and just a few games are remaining. Some times have picked up their games recently while others are struggling. The Dallas Wings are the ones who have picked the game and they will clash against the New York Liberty here.
The Wings come into this game in a sky-high form, winning five in a row and in they have thus cemented the sixth spot in the Playoffs. Dallas defeated the Liberty 86-77 in the last game as Marina Mabrey stacked up 31 points. The last win gave them 17 wins and 16 losses record.
The Liberty remain on the fringes of the Playoff positioning and their chances are looking a bit dire. They have lost two in a row at the worst time possible and as stated above, the Liberty lost to the Wings in the last game despite a 32 points performance by Sabrina Ionescu.
The Wings have already won the season series two-nil but for the Liberty, matters are pressing in the game.
Host: Dallas Wings Visitors: New York Liberty Match Timing: 11 August, @ 05:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: College Park Center
Wings unlock their potential
The Wings lost their way in the middle of the season and that was surprising considering their wealth of multiple ball-handlers and shooters. Without Arike, the team’s chemistry has looked better and it has helped other players get multiple touches. The team defense has also been much better while having Teaira McCowan in the starting lineup has helped the rebounding and inside scoring end, which has been a huge boost in numerous ways.
Liberty keeps losing the way
The Liberty has been unable to figure out their rotations thus far. They lack the physical chops to get the defense going and their offense has been full of taking questionable shots. Sabrina Ionescu has had her moments, emerging as one of the best all-around players but she can also make some questionable shot selection. Marine Johannes gave a boost to the guard rotation but apart from her and Sabrina, the three-point shooting can be off. Natasha Howard has done her bit but the lack of depth has been apparent.
Highest scorer: Sabrina Ionescu: 27 Highest rebounder: Teaira McCowan: 12 Top assists maker: Sabrina Ionescu: 8 Score Prediction: Liberty 87 Wings 78
Dallas Wings Teams News:
Wings Expected Starting Five Defensive Forward: F: Kayla Thornton Inside Threat: C: Teaira McCowan Two-Way Guard: G: Allisha Gray Sharpshooter: SG: Marina Mabrey Defensive Specialist: PG: Veronica Burton
BENCH: Tyasha Harris, Charli Collier, Awak Kuier, Isabelle Harrison, Jasmine Dickey.
New York Liberty Team News:
Liberty Expected Starting Five Athletic Forward: PF: Natasha Howard Physical Presence: C: Stefanie Dolson Expert Ball-Handler: G: Crystal Dangerfield Off-The-Ball Guard: SG: Rebecca Allen Leading All-Around Ball-Handler: PG: Sabrina Ionescu
BENCH: Sam Whitcomb, Marine Johannes, Jocelyn Willoughoby, Michaela Onyenwera, Xu Han, Betnijah Laney, DiDi Richards.
Sabrina Ionescu(NYL) Points: 32 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 04 Steals: 01 Guard Ionescu has become one of the best all-around players in the league and she has been able to keep the Liberty afloat for most parts. I believe she will be in 20+ points, 7-10 assists, and 6-9 rebounds range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-44
Marina Mabrey (DAL) Points: 31 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 04 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 Guard Marina has recovered her rhythm after a lean phase in the middle and she has one of the smoothest shooting games you’ll ever see. I believe she will be in 21-26 points and 4-6 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-45
Marine Johannes(NYL) Points: 19 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 00 Guard Johannes adds incredible shooting touch and her presence has helped Liberty to be more competitive. I believe she will be in 14-19 points and 4-7 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-33
Teaira McCowan(DAL) Points: 16 Rebounds: 09 Assists: 01 Steals: 01 Center Teaira has been in great touch as a rebounder and inside scorer, and she is one of the tallest players. I believe she will be in 14-19 points and 8-12 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-42
Betnijah Laney(NYL) Points: 04 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 03 Forward Laney is known for her incredible isolation scoring but she has missed a decent chunk of season due to injuries. I believe she will bounce back here and be in 10-15 points range, Expected Fantasy Points Range: 19-29
Allisha Gray(DAL) Points: 18 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 04 Guard Gray has been performing well and her deep-range shooting has been highly impressive especially when Arike is out. I believe she will be in 13-18 points range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-40
(Recommended) PG: C Dangerfield, S Ionescu(SP) SG: M Mabrey, M Johannes SF: A Gray PF: K Thornton C: S Dolson, T McCowan(PP)
(Alternate) PG: C Dangerfield, S Ionescu(SP) SG: M Mabrey(PP), M Johannes SF: A Gray PF: K Thornton C: T McCowan, H Xu
Can the desperate Liberty crawl back in the Playoffs position here? You can watch this brilliant game on the WNBA League Pass a place for all live games and replays are available. To see the highlights, go to the official YouTube channel of the WNBA. To learn the scores, news, and stats, go to the official website of the WNBA.