Published on: May 25, 2022 9:17 pm IST|Updated on: May 25, 2022 9:17 pm IST
LAS vs PHO Dream11: The WNBA is in full swing and it is one of the best leagues in the world. You can see some incredibly gifted athletes performing tough drives, dishing lovely passes, playing tough defense, grabbing hard rebounds, knocking outside shots, and a lot more! To add to the party, in this game the Los Angeles Sparks will host the Phoenix Mercury as both teams look to find some steam.
The Sparks lost to the overpowering Aces in the last game, conceding 76:104 as once again they collapsed on both ends of the floor. The Sparks have had a tough schedule, to be honest. On the other hand, the Phoenix Mercury has been playing without their two-way Center Britney Griner, also losing to Aces, as the latter closed out on a 100:80 win. The Sparks have lost five of their seven games whereas the Mercury have lost four of the six games, who will find their groove?
Host: Los Angeles Sparks Visitors: Phoenix Mercury Match Timing: 26 May, @ 08:00 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Crypto.com Arena
Sparks lack of three-point shooting, Mercury has been terrible on defense
The Sparks shot 5/23 from three in the last game and this has become a pattern for this team that looks one of the worst from beyond the arc. Due to the lack of shooting, it is easy for the teams to get in the lane and close out inside. Therefore, the team will need someone to make the long ball and frankly, unless Katie Lou Samuelson does something special or Lexie Brown figures it out, the Sparks look extremely fragile in that department.
The Mercury’s defense has been on the downside after they had been an elite team last season. The reason is simple; no Brittney Griner. The Mercury looks exposed against running teams and because they lack tough inside defense and Taurasi is in his last years at this point, Skylar Diggins-Smith has been unable to pull the defense through despite all her talent. The Mercury desperately need a defensive boost and for Tina Charles to figure out her offense. Diamond DeShields has been a breath of fresh air to this team.
In terms of match-up, the backcourt of Taurasi and Diggins-Smith looks to outmatch the Sparks’ Brown and Canada, and the former two are incredible three-point shooters. Tina Charles and Liz Cambage’s middle match-up is brilliant but Cambage need more shooting around her and has been inconsistent. Nneka Ogwumike can extract an advantage for the Sparks but Diamond DeShields has been on fire so far.
Highest scorer: Nneka Ogwumike: 22 Highest rebounder: Liz Cambage:11 Top assists maker: Diana Taurasi: 8 Score Prediction: Mercury 88 Sparks 81
Los Angeles Sparks vs Phoenix Mercury NBA Live, Team News and Lineups
Los Angeles Sparks Teams News:
Sparks Expected Starting Five Isolation Forward: F: Nneka Ogwumike Tallest Player: C: Liz Cambage Disruptive Presence: G: Brittney Sykes All-Around Guard: G: Lexie Brown Two-Way Driving Guard: G: Jordin Canada
BENCH: Chiney Ogwumike, Jasmine Walker, Amy Atwell, Chennedy Carter, Rae Burrell.
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, Diamond DeShields, Megan Gustafson, Emma Cannon, Sam Thomas, Jennie Simms, Kristine Anigwe.
NBA Scores, Fantasy Basketball Top Picks
Nneka Ogwumike(LAS) Points: 09 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 01 Forward Nneka is one of the craftiest scorers and can also come hard on rebounds, but she will need to do more. I believe she will be in 18-24 points and 5-9 rebounds range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 26-35
Skylar Diggins-Smith (PHO) Points: 10 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 06 Blocks: 01 Skylar has missed the last two games and when she plays, she gives immense two-way production although she is yet to figure out her rhythm. I believe she will be in 15-22 points, 5-7 assists, and 3-5 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 21-34
Liz Cambage(LAS) Points: 10 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 01 Blocks: 03 Center Liz is an incredible inside player who can also knock down mid-rangers at a high clip while playing decent defense and clasping boards. I believe she will be in 13-19 points, 7-10 rebounds, and 1-3 blocks range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-37
Diana Taurasi (PHO) Points: 14 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 07 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Taurasi made just one of her seven threes in the last game but she still can get it going from beyond the arc. I believe she will be in 17-23 points and 5-8 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-35
Jordin Canada(LAS) Points: 11 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 09 Guard Jordin is more of a driving guard who can also make some beautiful passes to set up her teammates. I believe she will be in 12-18 points and 5-9 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-33
Diamond DeShields(PHO) Points: 19 Rebounds: 01 Assists: 02 Diamond has been a terrific offensive player and has had a strong start to this season, playing first time for the Mercury. I expect her to be in 16+ points and 4+ rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-34
(Recommended) PG: S Diggins-Smith(PP), C Carter SG: D DeShields, D Taurasi SF: K Lou-Samuelson PF: N Ogwumike(SP), B Turner C: L Cambage
(Alternate) PG: C Carter SG: D DeShields, D Taurasi(PP) SF: S Cunningham PF: N Ogwumike, B Turner C: L Cambage(SP), T Charles
Which team will figure out a way to seize some momentum as Nneka Ogwumike face off against Diana Taurasi? You can catch this exciting game on Amazon Prime and also WNBA League Pass through which you have all the live games and also the full-game replays. To know the scores, news, and stats, go to the official website of the WNBA.