Published on: Aug 14, 2022 10:42 pm IST|Updated on: Aug 14, 2022 11:16 pm IST
PHO vs CHI Dream11: The WNBA Regular Season is on its last day and this has been another pleasurable season to follow. As the season towards the Playoffs, two spots remain open. In this game, the Phoenix Mercury is going to clash against Chicago Sky.
The Mercury remains in the Playoffs running and despite a whirlwind season, the growth of some players has put them in ascension. They will head into this game with a record of 15 wins and 20 losses, picking up a crucial 86-74 win against Wings as Diamond DeShields scored 24 points.
The Sky has had a terrific season and they remain one of the top teams in the league. They have lost two in a row and in their last match-up, they lost to the Aces 78:89 despite a 28 points outing by Kahleah Copper.
This is the third time the Sky and the Mercury will meet. The Sky has already won the season series.
Home: Phoenix Mercury Visitors: Chicago Sky Match Timing: 14 August, @ 02:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Footprint Center
Mercury remains in the race
Despite missing Brittney Griner, the fallout with Skylar Diggins-Smith, the departure of Tina Charles, and the Regular Season-ending injury to Diana Taurasi, the Mercury remains in Playoffs contention. The trio of DeShields, Peddy, and Cunningham have played hero since the beginning of the month, and this has been the key fixture for the team. meanwhile, their defense has shown slight improvements too. The Mercury are by no means looking like a deep Playoff team but a win here can allow them to seal seventh/eigth spot, but nothing is guaranteed.
Sky-high
Although the last two losses have hurt the chances of the Sky finishing at the top, they remain one of the best defensive and a well-rounded squad. Having Emma Messeman and Candace Parker provides an all-around acumen to the team whereas Courtney Vandersloot has been on fire on the offensive end, adding great scoring alongside passing. This is a team with the best bench in the league, loaded on all positions and it will be surprising if they don’t reach the Finals at least. They have too many tools to decipher oppositions.
Performance Predictions
Highest scorer: Sophie Cunningham: 26 Highest rebounder: Candace Parker: 10 Top assists maker: Courtney Vandersloot: 8 Score Prediction: Sky: 87 Mercury: 78
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 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.
Candace Parker(CHI) Points: 15 Rebounds: 12 Assists: 06 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 Forward Parker has a strong all-around game and she continues to be one of the smartest players in the league on both ends. I believe she will be in 12-17 points, 8-13 rebounds, and 5-8 assists range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 Prediction scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 34-45
Shey Peddy(PHO) Points: 18 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 08 Steals: 02 Guard Shey has had a profound impact on matters and she is a great energy-pumper on both sides of the floor. I believe she will be in 15-21 points, 5-8 rebounds, and 4-7 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-44
Kahleah Copper(CHI) Points: 28 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 03 Guard Copper is one of the best offensive options in the league and also knows how to use her athleticism to finish near the rim. I believe she will be in 17-23 points and 4-6 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-42
Sophie Cunningham(PHO) Points: 16 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 03 Blocks: 01 Guard Cunningham has been hitting her mark from outside and her improved play means that she will be one of the biggest pursued players soon. I believe she will be in 15-23 points and 4-6 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 27-37
Courtney Vandersloot(CHI) Points: 06 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 06 Steals: 01 Guard Courtney has been one of the best passers in the league and can also do a great job of scoring the ball. I believe she will be in 10-18 points and 6-9 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 19-31
Diamond DeShields(PHO) Points: 24 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 05 Steals: 02 Diamond has been receiving great minutes lately and her role has significantly improved due to the absence of multiple key players. I believe she will be in 16-23 points, 4-7 assists, and 3-5 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-35
(Recommended) PG: S Peddy(PP), C Vandersloot(SP) SG: A Quigley SF: K Copper, D DeShields PF: S Cunningham, E Messeman C: M Gustafson
(Alternate) PG: C Vandersloot, S Peddy(PP), V Burton SG: A Quigley, J Simms SF: D DeShields PF: S Cunningham C: C Parker(SP)
How will Cunningham and co respond in this must-win game as the Sky look to seal the first place? You can watch this scintillating battle on the WNBA League Pass a gateway to get hold of all the live games and you can also watch the full-game replays. To learn the scores, news, and stats, go to the official website of the WNBA. Highlights can be viewed on the official YouTube channel of the WNBA.