Published on: May 19, 2022 6:52 pm IST|Updated on: May 19, 2022 7:30 pm IST
DAL vs PHO Dream11: The WNBA is my favorite basketball league. Yes, they get flak for not dunking but they have put a lot of work, into playing at a high level, and to reach the WNBA, a woman needs to be on her peak game. Yes, the athleticism level may not be as much as in the WNBA or famous men’s basketball leagues, but hey, there is a lot of other stuff to watch for! In this game, the Dallas Wings will host the Phoenix Mercury.
The Wings have won two and lost two games, losing their last game to the Mystics 68:84 as Arike Ogunbowale disappeared and scored just 6 points while the other starters at least got in double-figures. On the other hand, the Phoenix Mercury has lost two and won two games. They lost their last encounter versus the Aces away from home despite a 17-point night by Tina Charles
Host: Phoenix Mercury Visitors: Dallas Wings Match Timing: 20 May, @ 07:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Footprint Center
Wings are just too streaky, the Mercury’s defense can struggle
The Wings have lost two out of four games and one thing was common in two losses, Arike Ogunbowale scored below 10 points. Arike is a streak shooter who can have consistency issues but if she buries a couple of jumpers, she can get in the groove. Harrison has been in incredible form while Thornton and Mabrey have been impressive too. So, yes, it is up to Arike now to take the Wings to the next level.
On the other hand, the Mercury has looked a bit off on both ends of the floor. There is no doubt that Britney Griner’s absence has shaken up the defensive end and also the offensive end. Meanwhile, Tina Charles’ inclusion has been huge in terms of scoring and rebounding but the backcourt especially Diana Taurasi has missed defensive assignments regularly. Diggins-Smith has been a little off too, not scoring as much as expected while Shey Peddy and Diamond DeShields have their work cut out. Brianna Turner needs to do more offensively.
Highest scorer: Skylar Diggins-Smith: 20 Highest rebounder: Tina Charles: 10 Top assists maker: Skylar Diggins-Smith: 7 Score Prediction: Mercury 80 Wings 72
Phoenix Mercury Teams News:
Mercury Expected Starting Five Post Forward: F: Brianna Turner High-Yielding Scorer: C: Tina Charles Athletic Guard: G: Diamond DeShields Isolation Scorer: PG: Skylar Diggins-Smith Playmaking Guard: PG: Diana Taurasi
BENCH: Sophie Cunningham, Shey Peddy, Megan Gustafson, Emma Cannon, Sam Thomas, Jennie Simms, Kristine Anigwe.
Dallas Wings Teams News:
Wings Expected Starting Five Athletic Forward: F: Kayla Harrison Two-Way Guard: G: Allisha Gray Slashing Wing: SF: Isabelle Harrison Versatile scorer: SG: Marina Mabrey Isolation Scorer: SG: Arike Ogunbowale
BENCH: Tyasha Harris, Moriah Jefferson, Charli Collier, Awak Kuier, Veronica Burton, Teaira McCowan, Jasmine Dickey.
Arike Ogunbowale(DAL) Points: 06 Rebounds: 01 Assists: 03 Guard Arike has had some consistency issues but when she gets it going, the chance of Wings’ win increases significantly. I believe she will be in 15-20 points range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 15-30
Skylar Diggins-Smith (PHO) Points: 10 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 06 Blocks: 01 Skylar is one of the most versatile scorers in the league but she can do a lot of other things too. She will look to be even more aggressive here and I expect a 17-23 points, 4-6 assists, and 3-5 rebounds range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 27-38
Isabelle Harrison(DAL) Points: 16 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 01 Steals: 01 Forward Isabelle has seen an increase in her production and has been an emphatic inside scorer while nailing mid-rangers. I believe she can be in 14-19 points and 5-8 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-34
Tina Charles (PHO) Points: 17 Rebounds: 09 Assists: 02 Center Tina made 8 of her 16 shots in the last game and her superb scoring abilities and rebounding abilities are huge in absence of Griner. I believe she will be in 18-23 points and 7-11 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-32
Kayla Thornton(DAL) Points: 13 Rebounds: 08 Assists: 02 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 Kayla is an exceptional rebounder and she can also supply a decent dose of shooting and other forms of scoring. I believe she will be in 10-16 points and 5-9 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 23-36
Brianna Turner (PHO) Points: 07 Rebounds:06 Assists: 01 Steals: 03 Blocks: 01 Bri made three of her three shots in the last game, and her defense and rebounding both have been huge. I believe she will be in 4-10 points, 5-8 rebounds, and 1-3 steals/blocks range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 17-29
(Recommended) PG: S Diggins-Smith(PP) SG: D DeShields, M Mabrey SF: S Cunningham PF: I Harrison, B Turner C: T McCowan, T Charles(SP)
(Alternate) PG: S Peddy SG: D DeShields, A Ogunbowale, M Mabrey SF: S Cunningham PF: I Harrison(PP), B Turner C: T Charles(SP)
Do you wanna watch Skylar Diggins-Smith going at her business or Tina Charles showing some great high-post/low-post moves? You can catch this exciting game on the WNBA League Pass through which you have all the live games and also the full-game replays. To learn the scores, news, and stats, go to the official website of the WNBA.