Published on: Aug 18, 2022 2:15 am IST|Updated on: Aug 18, 2022 2:23 am IST
LVA vs PHO Dream11: The WNBA is now in its Playoffs stages and after an incredible run during the Regular Season. The Postseason will bring to us the best of the squads as the teams aim to win eight games to seal the deal. The Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury will enter with similar ambitions.
The Aces have been on fire for most of the season, winning 26 and losing 10. They won three in a row to end the season and will enter the Playoffs with great confidence.
Despite a rather off-color season, the Phoenix Mercury stormed their way back and managed to latch on to the last seed with 15 wins and 21 losses. What can they make of it though?
The first two games will be played on the home floor of the Las Vegas Aces and if the series is leveled after two games, the series will shift to the home floor of the Phoenix Mercury.
Host: Las Vegas Aces Visitors: Phoenix Mercury Match Timing: 18 August, @ 07:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Michelob Ultra Arena
Mercury will have their hands full
The Aces know how to run the floor and are perhaps the most athletic team in the WNBA set-up. They led the league in scoring and are blessed with incredible players. Their four-headed monster of Wilson, Plum, Young, and Gray bring amazing balance. While Gray and Plum are incredible ball-handlers and can shoot from outside, Jackie Young can also create both off-the-ball and off-the-ball. A’ja Wilson can nail the outside shot, use unstoppable cuts, and also make sure that the business is done on the rebounding and defensive end.
This kind of team is a nightmare for the Mercury, a team that doesn’t have the strictest defense and can get exposed against a running game. Without Taurasi and Diggins-Smith, they are dependent upon Sophie Cunningham and Shey Peddy, and Diamond DeShields with the frontline lacking significant scoring depth and the required to razzle dazzle. Can the Mercury stand a chance against the boisterous Aces?
Highest scorer: A’ja Wilson: 27 Highest rebounder: A’ja Wilson: 11 Top assists maker: Chelsea Gray: 8 Score Prediction: Aces: 94 Mercury: 76
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.
Phoenix Mercury Teams News:
Mercury Expected Starting Five Post-Defensive Forward: F: Brianna Turner Defensive Threat and Off-Ball Shooter: G/F: Sophie Cunningham Two-Way Energy Bunny: G: Shey Peddy Rugged Guard: G: Jennie Simms Isolation Threat: SG: Diamond DeShields
BENCH: Megan Gustafson, Reshanda Gray, Yvonne Turner, Sam Thomas.
Diamond DeShields(PHO) Points: 10 Rebounds: 01 Assists: 01 Steals: 02 DeShields has been doing her bit for the Mercury but the load has increased too much at this point. I believe she will be in 15+ points, 4-7 assists, and 3-5 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 31-42
Kelsey Plum(LVA) Points: 23 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 04 Steals: 02 Plum has had the best season of her life and has become one of the more effective inside-outside players also elevating her passing game. I believe she will be in 20+ points and 5+ assists range here. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 33-46
Shey Peddy(PHO) Points: 08 Rebounds: 00 Assists: 03 Guard Shey has been in a great rhythm lately and has had some big-time games but she needs to do much more at this point. I believe she will be in 10-16 points, 4-7 rebounds, and 3-6 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-35
A’ja Wilson(LVA) Points: 25 Rebounds: 10 Assists: 05 Steals: 02 Blocks: 01 Wilson finished second in the Associated Press’ Player of the Year ranking and has once again proven to be an elite scorer, rebounder, and defender. I believe she will be in 20+ points and 8+ rebounds range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 Prediction scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 38-51
Sophie Cunningham(PHO) Points: 00 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 02 Steals: 01 Sophie has been hitting the shot well from outside and she has had the best season of her young career. I believe she will be in 16+ points and 4-6 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-31
Jackie Young(LVA) Points: 02 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 04 Steals: 03 Forget the above numbers, Young has had a breakout season and she has become a highly reliable scorer and a brilliant passer. I believe she will be in 14-19 points, 4-7 rebounds, and 3-5 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-35
(Recommended)
PG: K Plum(PP), S Peddy SG: R Williams, J Simms SF: D DeShields PF: S Cunningham C: A Wilson(SP), K Stokes
(Alternate) PG: K Plum(PP), S Peddy SG: R Williams SF: J Young PF: S Cunningham C: A Wilson(SP), K Stokes, M Gustafson
Can the Mercury win as an underdog as the packed Aces look to hunt an easy win? You can watch this brilliant battle on the WNBA League Pass, a place for all the live games and their replays if you can’t catch the game. To view the highlights, go to the official YouTube channel of the WNBA. To learn the scores, news, and stats, visit the official website of the WNBA.
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