DAL vs PHO Dream11: The WNBA is approaching its halfway stage and soon the All-Star voting will be closing within a few days. The favorites so far appear to be Breanna Stewart, A’ja Wilson, and Kelsey Plum. We are also in the trajectory of teams that are falling behind at this point but still have an ample amount of time to step it up, but that window is closing too. And in this game, two such teams in dire need of a run the Dallas Wings and the Phoenix Mercury will clash.
The Wings did a great job of starting and winning five of their seven games but since then, they have won just one game and have lost six games. In their last match-up, they lost to the Aces 84:92 as their defense collapsed once again. The Mercury had a contrasting start, winning just two out of their ten games, but since then, they have won four out of their five games. In their last game, they beat the Fever 93:80 as Tina Charles had a season-high 29 points. Can the Wings get something going here?
Host: Dallas Wings
Visitors: Phoenix Mercury
Match Timing: 18 June, @ 05:30 AM (+05:30 UTC)
Venue: College Park Center
Wings repeating last season’s mistakes
The Wings’ defense once again crumbles and it has posed a bunch of problems this season. They have also been unable to get their offense going in key moments and have lost close games repeatedly. The team has a capable shooting lineup but the defense will need to get tight and with Satou Sabally out, that problem will be exacerbated further.
Arike Ogunbowale has done a great job as a shooter but she can force some tough shots. Allisha Gray needs to be more efficient as she has a tendency to fall off. Marina Mabrey has been consistent but coach Vickie Johnson is yet to figure out a two-way combination to pull through. Awak Kuier has gotten a bunch of minutes lately but her offensive game isn’t enough to get the team through. Isabelle Harrison has been incredible on both ends.
Mercury is getting better
One thing is clear to most Mercury fans and it is that without Britney Griner, their defense hasn’t been as elite as it was last season. Center Tina Charles started slow but her offense has been getting there, as indicated by her efficient 29 points performance in the last match-up. The offense isn’t much of a problem for the Mercury, it is the defense that needs to take care of business.
The offense is not a problem because of the presence of dynamic two-way guard Skylar Diggins-Smith whose backcourt mate Diana Taurasi has been doing her bit too. Diamond DeShields has been a strong addition on the offensive end whereas Brianna Turner can seal a bunch of rebounds. Shey Peddy has been amazing off the bench.
Highest scorer: Skylar Diggins-Smith: 24
Highest rebounder: Tina Charles: 11
Top assists maker: Skylar Diggins-Smith: 8
Score Prediction: Mercury: 90 Wings: 84
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.
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: Megan Gustafson, Krlie Samuelson, Sam Thomas, Kristine Anigwe.
Skylar Diggins-Smith(PHO)
Points: 13
Rebounds: 05
Assists: 06
Blocks: 03
Steals: 01
Guard Skylar is an all-around guard who has been amped=up on the defensive end lately. I believe she will have an explosive scoring night and be 20+ points, 5-8 assists, and 4-7 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)
Points: 28
Rebounds: 01
Assists: 04
Steals: 02
Guard Ogunbowale is an incredible quick shooter but she can tend to be way too streaky at times. I believe she will be in 18-24 points and 3-5 assists range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-34
Diana Taurasi(PHO)
Points: 17
Rebounds: 01
Assists: 02
Blocks: 01
Taurasi has been effective from long-range and she can also dish and dime the ball in numerous ways. I believe she will be in 14-19 points and 3-6 assists range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-30
Allisha Gray(DAL)
Points: 10
Rebounds: 06
Assists: 02
Blocks: 01
Guard Gray has had her moments on the offensive end but her overall efficiency hasn’t been that effective. I believe she will be in 14-19 points, 4-6 rebounds, and 2-4 assists range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-33
Tina Charles(PHO)
Points: 29
Rebounds: 07
Assists: 04
Blocks: 03
Steals: 01
Center Charles has been struggling from the field mostly but she has gotten it done on the rebounding end. I believe she will be in 18-24 points, 6-10 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 26-36
Isabelle Harrison(DAL)
Points: 12
Rebounds: 10
Assists: 02
Forward Harrison is having a breakout season and surely she deserves more touches on the offensive end. She is also an amazing rebounder and she can be in 11-17 points, 7-11 rebounds, and 1-2 steals/blocks range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-30
(Recommended)
PG: S Diggins-Smith(SP), S Peddy, T Harris
SG: D Taurasi
SF: D DeShields
PF: I Harrison
C: T Charles(PP), A Kuier
(Alternate)
PG: S Diggins-Smith(SP), S Peddy, T Harris
SG: A Ogunbowale(PP), D Taurasi
SF: D DeShields
PF: K Thornton
C: A Kuier
Will it not be fun to see Skylar Diggins-Smith exchanging buckets with Arike Ogunbowale? You can watch this brilliant game on the WNBA League Pass where all live games and replays are available. To watch 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.
