Published on: Aug 12, 2022 12:38 am IST|Updated on: Aug 12, 2022 12:38 am IST
LVA vs CHI Dream11: The WNBA has now entered its most crucial phase as we remain just a few days away from the Playoffs. For some teams, there are Playoff spots at stake, while others are just pondering about the road ahead. And this goes for the heavyweights’ Las Vegas Aces and Chicago Sky as they clash here.
This is an interesting game for various reasons. First, this can be a Finals preview, secondly, it can end up playing a huge role in terms of Playoffs seedings. These two have been the top-two squads for most parts, in the first half, the Aces were the top, in the second half of the season, it was all about the Sky.
If the Sky wins this, they will seal first place in the standings whereas if the Aces win this, they will have tied their record with the Sky and will have a big chance at the first seed. Both these teams will be more concerned about the Playoffs irrespective of the seedings. Let us see how this battle pans out. The season series is tied so far.
Host: Las Vegas Aces Visitors: Chicago Sky Match Timing: 12 August, @ 07:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Michelob Ultra Arena
Aces can run a lot
The Aces have had the fastest pace in the league (80.4) since the first days of the season. They have led the league in points, averaging almost 90 a game which naturally means that they have the best offensive rating. There is no doubt that the Aces can put up a lot of shots, have quick trigger shooters, and also have amazing lane-fillers. They are also equally effective in the half-court setting but the defensive rating of 106.6 is sixth in the league.
But hey, it is their style that makes that possible, when they need stops, they can become focused on the defensive end. Kelsey Plum has been in great touch and this has been the best season for her. A’ja Wilson’s improved three-point shooting poses concern whereas Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray bring the young-veteran touch to a loaded backcourt. Can the Aces make it through deep Playoffs stage.
Sky’s wonderful balance
While the Aces have a loaded starting lineup, the Sky is full to the limit when it comes to the multiple options, having perhaps the best bench in the league accompanied by a top-rated starting lineup. Because of that, they are second in points per game(86.6), having the best field percentage(48.3%). The Sky has multiple elite passers, spearheaded by Courtney Vandersloot, and are number one in assists per game(24.3)
They also allow the least number of three-pointers per game(6.5). They have an incredible inside defense too. They have all-around stalwarts like Candace Parker, Emma Messeman, and Courtney Vandersloot, surrounded by isolation scorer Kahleah Copper and an incredible spot-up shooter Allie Quigley. From the bench, Azure Stevens brings great scoring and rebounding, Rebekah Gardner is an energy injector while Jullie Allemand is a tremendous talent too. The Sky is loaded.
Highest scorer: A’ja Wilson: 26 Highest rebounder: A’ja Wilson: 11 Top assists maker: Courtney Vandersloot: 10 Score Prediction: Aces: 92 Sky: 84
Las Vegas Aces Teams News:
Aces Expected Starting Five Two-Way Star Forward: PF: A’ja Wilson Rebounding Specialist: C: Kiah Stokes Veteran Playmaking Guard: PG: Chelsea Gray Sharp-Shooting Playmaking Guard: PG: Kelsey Plum Athletic All-Around Guard: SG: Jackie Young
BENCH: Riquna Williams, Theresa Plaisance, Sydney Colson, Aisha Sheppard, Kierstan Bell.
Chicago Sky News
Sky Expected Starting Five All-Around Forward: F: Candace Parker All-Around Forward: F: Emma Messeman Isolation two-way Guard: SG: Kahleah Copper Leading Playmaker: PG: Courtney Vandersloot Sharpshooting Guard: SG: Allie Quigley
BENCH: Azura Stevens, Dana Evans, Rebekah Gardner, Ruthy Hebard, Jullie Allemand
Candace Parker(CHI) Points: 14 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 05 Steals: 02 Candace fits well into the Sky as a balanced scorer, incredible rebounder, and also someone who can bring in elite defense and passing. I believe the veteran Forward will be in 13-17 points, 8-11 rebounds, and 4-6 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 31-42
Kelsey Plum(LVA) Points: 22 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 08 Steals: 01 Plum has entered her prime form and she has been dipping points and has improved her passing game, becoming an MVP candidate. I believe she will be in 18-25 points and 5-8 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 33-46
Courtney Vandersloot(CHI) Points: 28 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 07 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 Not only is Courtney is an elite passer, she has also amped up scoring-wise, having scored 20 or more twice in a row. I believe the veteran Guard will be in 16-22 points, 7-10 assists, and 3-5 rebounds range., Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-44
A’ja Wilson(LVA) Points: 24 Rebounds: 14 Assists: 03 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 Forward A’ja has continued to be an effective, post-scorer, rebounder, and has an improved three-point shot and elite defense. I believe she will be in 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 1-2 steals/blocks range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 Prediction scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 40-50
Kahleah Copper(CHI) Points: 17 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 03 Guard Kahleah has a lot of tools in her bag and can be a big difference-maker as a scorer and is one of the most athletic players. I believe she will be in 14-19 points and 4-6 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-31
Chelsea Gray(LVA) Points: 22 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 06 Gifted veteran Guard Chelsea has amped up her game lately and has been a huge difference maker as a scorer and playmaker. I believe she will be in 14-19 points and 5-8 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-35
(Recommended)
PG: C Vandersloot(PP), K Plum SG: R Williams SF: J Allemand PF: E Messeman C: A Stevens, A Wilson(SP), K Stokes
(Alternate) PG: C Vandersloot(PP), R Gardner SG: A Quigley, R Williams SF: K Copper PF: E Messeman C: A Wilson(SP), K Stokes
Where to watch WNBA Live Score?
Can Courtney Vandersloot help the Sky overcome guard Plum and the running Aces? You can watch this brilliant battle on the WNBA League Pass, an avenue for all the live games and their replays if you can’t catch the game. To witness the highlights, visit the official YouTube channel of the WNBA. To know the scores, news, and stats, visit the official website of the WNBA.
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