Published on: Jul 29, 2022 1:54 am IST|Updated on: Jul 29, 2022 1:58 am IST
DAL vs WAS Dream11: The WNBA is just a few days away from the Playoffs window and we have had another remarkable season as the reach of the league continues to grow in all spheres. There is a long way to go but even now, there is a substantial audience that follows the league around the globe. The quality of players has been astounding for around 25 years since the inception of the league. In this game, the quality will be on full display as Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics clash.
The Wings have again been a so-so team, there are moments of brilliance but the overall structure remains questionable. They have won 12 games and have compiled 15 losses, winning half of their 6 games. In their last game, they won 96:86 against the Indiana Fevers as Arike Ogunbowale boosted 22 points.
Meanwhile, the Washington Mystics are a much-improved team compared to last season, boasting of an elite defense. They have won 17 games and lost 11 games, winning six of their last eight games. They defeated the Liberty 78:69 in the last game as Elena Della-Donne put up 25 points.
These two teams last met in May as the Mystics defeated the Wings 84;68. The series is leveled at 1-1.
Host: Dallas Wings Visitors: Washington Mystics Match Timing: 29 July, @ 05:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: College Park Center
Wings: Shooting woes, defensive concerns
The Wings have a huge issue with their shot selection and they can end up taking tough shots, which emanates from Arike Ogunbowale. Their defense also has fallen with each month as they allow teams to shoot 45.5% which is the third worst in the league. Their inside defense is especially vulnerable while the perimeter defense is much better.
Arike is having another fantastic season and has the ability to single-handedly win games but that doesn’t happen enough. The inside positions are not up-to-the-mark and Isabelle Harrison didn’t follow up on her hot start whereas Satou Sabally has been injured a lot. Marina Mabrey started in a scintillating fashion but has been off since injury, while Allisha Gray continues to be a big part. Teaira McCowan has given solid minutes but the defensive integrity has been questionable.
Mystics need Elena
The Mystics season can be summed up by the fact that they have won 14 and lost 5 with Elena Della-Donne, whereas they have a three wins and 6 losses record without her. Simply, they need Elena as she is their most consistent offensive player and brings tremendous leadership to the floor. A proven winner who can clinch the momentum on both ends.
The Mystics are an elite defensive squad but their offense has been highly inconsistent especially when Elena is not playing. The backcourt of Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins has misfired too much, especially Cloud whereas the Forward rotations and the frontline rotations are still indecisive. The Mystics still look touch short of being a championship team.
Highest scorer: Arike Ogunbowale: 25 Highest rebounder: Teaira McCowan: 8 Top assists maker: Natasha Cloud: 8 Score Prediction: Wings 87 Mystics 81
Dallas Wings Teams News:
Wings Expected Starting Five Defensive Forward: F: Kayla Thornton Inside Enforcer: C: Teaira McCowan Two-Way Guard: G: Allisha Gray Sharpshooter: SG: Marina Mabrey Isolation Deep Shooting Scorer: SG: Arike Ogunbowale
BENCH: Tyasha Harris, Charli Collier, Isabelle Harrison, Veronica Burton, Teaira McCowan, Jasmine Dickey.
Washington Mystics News
Mystics Expected Starting Five Slashing Wing: SF: Alysha Clark Slashing Forward: PF: Myisha Hines-Allen Inside Presence: C: Shakira Austin High-Scoring Guard: SG: Ariel Atkins Ball-Handler: PG: Natasha Cloud
BENCH: Tianna Hawkins, Rui Machida, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Kennedy Burke.
Ariel Atkins(WAS) Points: 16 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 00 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 Ariel is an amazing scorer and does a lot of other things, and she will be key for the Mystics if they want to make a deep Postseason run. I believe she will be in 16-22 points and 5-8 rebounds range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Prediction scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-44
Arike Ogunbowale (DAL) Points: 22 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 05 Steals: 02 Guard Ogunbowale can click on the offensive end but can have an ebb and flow type of effect. I believe she will be in 19-24 points, 4-6 assists, and 3-5 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-44
Natasha Cloud(WAS) Points: 08 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 03 Steals: 01 Guard Cloud is a great contributor on the scoring and the playmaking end while also being an effective defender. I believe she will be in 9-15 points, 5-8 assists, and 4-7 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 27-37
Allisha Gray(DAL) Points: 16 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 03 Steals: 03 Blocks: 02 Guard Gray has been a dependable presence, especially as a scorer and gets it done on the defensive end. I believe she will be in 13-19 points, 4-6 rebounds, 2-4 assists, and 1-3 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-30
Myisha Hines-Allen(WAS) Points:13 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 02 Steals: 01 Forward Myisha is an incredible Forward who can see a spike in her role with Elena being out. I believe she will be in the 11-19 points, 5-8 rebounds, 3-6 assists, and 1-3 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-34
Marina Mabrey(DAL) Points: 08 Rebounds: 01 Assists: 02 Steals: 01 Guard Marina is an incredible scorer but her progress has been thwarted in the second half of the season considerably. I believe she will be in 8-13 points and 3-5 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 19-31
(Recommended) PG: A Atkins, N Cloud(PP) SG: A Ogunbowale(SP), M Mabrey, S Walker-Kimbrough SF: M Hines-Allen PF: K Thornton C: T McCowan
(Alternate) PG: A Atkins(PP) SG: A Ogunbowale(SP) SF: A Gray, A Clark, M Hines-Allen PF: K Thornton C: E Williams, T McCowan
Would you love to watch Arike Ogunbowale take on Ariel Atkins in a fun battle between the Mystics and the Wings? You can watch this great game on the WNBA League Pass a place for all live games and replays are available. To witness the highlights, visit the official YouTube channel of the WNBA. To learn the scores, news, and stats, go to the official website of the WNBA.