Published on: Jul 29, 2022 4:02 am IST|Updated on: Jul 29, 2022 4:04 am IST
PHO vs LAS Dream11: The WNBA is closing towards the Playoffs and we have seen another riveting season as things get more and more interesting with each day. I wish the season was a couple of weeks longer as some teams are now being tested in big ways after sitting at the top for most parts. But some teams just seem to not get any rhythm and two such teams Phoenix Mercury and the Los Angeles Sparks will meet here.
The Mercury has fallen apart in absence of Brittney Griner, and the last season runner-ups have lost 16 and won 12 games, mostly struggling on the defensive end. They did a great job in the last game, winning 94-78 against Phoenix Mercury as Skylar Diggins-Smith collected 35 points.
The Sparks are pretty much in the similar territory to the Mercury, having won 12 and lost 15 games. They have not been in a great rhythm and have seen Liz Cambage leave the team. They come into this game after an embarrassing 66-84 in another poor outing.
The Mercury and the Sparks last met in the first week of July where the Sparks won 78:75. The Sparks have won two out of the three meetings thus far.
Home: Phoenix Mercury Visitors: Los Angeles Sparks Match Timing: 29 July, @ 07:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Footprint Center
Mercury’s defense has struggled
The Mercury has not been up-to-the-mark on the defensive end and without Griner, their defensive rotation has surely taken a hit. The offense has remained strong regardless, as they have a shooter like Taurasi, an iso scorer like Skylar, while Sophie Cunningham is having a breakout season and has had incredible moments this season. Overall. the team has struggled on the rebounding end, give up too many open looks from deep, and have not been up to the mark in terms of shot selection at times.
The Sparks need better shooting
The team chemistry of the Sparks has not been at its best, to be frank, both Mercury and the Sparks have had their chemistry issues. The biggest issue for the Sparks has been the lack of deep shooting and identifying a consistent scorer other than Nneka Ogwumike. With Liz’s exit, the team can pitch a better running lineup with perhaps rookie Nelson-Ododa fitting in as a diver to the rim, but overall, a lot will depend upon how the coaching staff adjusts now. Time is running out!
Performance Predictions
Highest scorer: Nneka Ogwumike: 22 Highest rebounder: Nneka Ogwumike: 8 Top assists maker: Skylar Diggins-Smith: 7 Score Prediction: Mercury 89 Sparks 75
Los Angeles Sparks Teams News:
Sparks Expected Starting Five Isolation Forward: PF: Nneka Ogwumike Scrapper: C: Chiney Ogwumike Stretch-Three: SF: Katie Lou-Samuelson Sharpshooter: SG: Kristi Tolliver Leading Playmaker: PG: Jordin Canada
BENCH: Brittney Sykes, Chennedy Carter, Jordan Canada, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Lexie Brown.
Phoenix Mercury Teams News:
Mercury Expected Starting Five Defensive Specialist: F: Brianna Turner Off-The-Ball Sharpshooter: F: Sophie Cunningham Two-Way Energy Bunny: G: Shey Peddy All-Around Isolation Scorer: PG: Skylar Diggins-Smith Playmaking and Deep Shooting Guard: PG: Diana Taurasi
BENCH: Megan Gustafson, Reshanda Gray, Kaela Davis, Sam Thomas, Jenna Simms.
Nneka Ogwumike(LAS) Points: 10 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 01 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Isolation Scorer Nneka has been in prime form offensively once again and she is an incredible player. I believe she will be in 18-24 points and 5-8 rebounds range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 WNBA Prediction scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 35-45
Skylar Diggins-Smith(PHO) Points: 35 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 06 Skylar has been a huge factor offensively and her bag of tricks keeps on expanding, as she makes lovely floaters, runners, jumpers, and what-not. I believe she will be in 20+ points, 4-7 assists, and 3-6 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 34-44
Diana Taurasi(PHO) Points: 28 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 07 Steals: 03 Blocks: 02 Taurasi continues to be an exceptional shooter whose playmaking and rebounding have been great too. The veteran can be in 15-21 points range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 25-35
Brittney Sykes(LAS) Points: 02 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 02 Blocks: 01 Brittney’s offense isn’t dazzling as it was last month but she remains a huge factor both as a defender and a long-range shooter. I believe she will be in 8-13 points and 1-3 blocks/steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-34
Chiney Ogwumike(LAS) Ogwumike missed the last game and she was in the terrific form before that, and with Liz’s absence, her role will increase. I believe she will be in 10-16 points and 8-12 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-32
Sophie Cunningham(PHO) Points: 19 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 02 Guard Sophie has become an incredible scorer who can knock down deep shots and also posing promise as a future All-Star. I believe she will be in 15-21 points and 4-6 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-34
(If Chiney plays) PG: S Diggins-Smith(SP), J Canada, C Carter SG: D Taurasi(PP) SF: K Lou-Samuelson PF: C Ogwumike, S Cunningham C: O Nelson-Ododa
(If Chiney doesn’t play) PG: S Diggins-Smith(SP), C Carter SG: D Taurasi, K Toliver SF: K Lou Samuelson PF: N Ogwumike(PP), S Cunningham C: O Nelson-Ododa
Skylar Diggins-Smith and Nneka Ogwumike will once again put on a show, which will make for interesting viewing, does that tickle your fancy? You can watch this game on the WNBA League Pass which is an avenue WNBA action can be seen. You can watch the highlights of the game on the official YouTube of the WNBA. To learn the scores, news, and stats, visit the official website of the WNBA.