Published on: May 17, 2022 6:37 pm IST|Updated on: May 17, 2022 6:37 pm IST
SEA vs LVA Dream11: The WNBA has been in full flow and there is no doubt that despite all the talent they have, the league finds it tough to draw an audience. It’s not the fault of the athletes who have showcased tremendous offensive, defensive, and rebounding skills early in the season and well, those who love to ball, will do so with all their heart, whether one person is watching or a billion are watching. And I don’t know how many of y’all will watch this, let us jump into the match between the Phoenix Mercury and the Las Vegas Aces, something I’ll love to catch.
The Mercury were the finalists last season and despite Brittney Griner being unfairly detained in Russia, they have found their stride considering they brought in Tina Charles, a veteran to join a cast of veterans. They have won two out of their first three games. On the other hand, the Aces continue to showcase their athleticism and incredible inside-outside game, beginning with three wins in four games. Can the Mercury pull one off away from home?
Host: Las Vegas Aces Visitors: Phoenix Mercury Match Timing: 18 May, @ 07:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Michelob ULTRA Arena
These two are loaded!
It is early in the season and without much surprise, the Aces have been number two in pace at 82.2. With athletes like Wilson, Hamby, Young, Plum, and Gray, it is no surprise. Wilson can seal inside position, Hamby can slash hard, Yung can make shots early in the clock while Plum can pull-up from multiple areas at will. The Aces know how to run and with their athleticism, it is only the matter of making the right pass. Coach Becky Hammon’s team is the number one team on the offensive end and you gotta watch out for them!
The Mercury’s defense is certainly compromised without Griner and unlike Griner, Tina can’t help out on the defensive end as much. Still, they can’t be taken lightly as they have Skylar Diggins-Smith in her prime while Taurasi seems to never have left her prime since her rookie season. On the other hand, Diamond DeShields has been terrific off the bench while Shey Peddy and Sophie Cunningham can make for a balanced effort. Brianna Turner is a brilliant rebounder but she hasn’t scored as much.
Highest scorer: Kelsey Plum: 22 Highest rebounder: A’ja Wilson: 13 Top assists maker: Kelsey Plum: 8 Score Prediction: Aces 94 Mercury 80
Las Vegas Aces vs Phoenix Mercury NBA Live, Team News and Lineups
Las Vegas Aces Teams News:
Aces Expected Starting Five Two-Way Forward: PF: A’ja Wilson Athletic Forward: F: Dearica Hamby Veteran Guard: PG: Chelsea Gray Sharp-Shooting Guard: PG: Kelsey Plum Athletic Guard: SG: Jackie Young
BENCH: Theresa Plaisance, Sydney Colson, Aisha Sheppard, Kierstan Bell, Riquna Willimas
Phoenix Mercury Teams News:
Mercury Expected Starting Five Post Forward: F: Brianna Turner High-Yielding Scorer: C: Tina Charles Two-Way Guard: G: Shey Peddy 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
A’ja Wilson(LVA) Points: 15 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 01 Blocks: 05 Steals: 01 Ahtletic A’ja made 6 of her 13 shots and she is an excellent defender, rebounder, and certainly a superstar. I expect 17-24 points, 7-11 rebounds, and 1-3 blocks 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: 14 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 05 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 Skylar has been a terrific scorer both from outside and inside for many years now, providing a great edge to the Mercury. I believe she will be in 16-23 points, 4-6 assists, and 3-6 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-41
Kelsey Plum(LVA) Points: 14 Rebounds: 01 Assists: 11 Steals: 02 Lefty Guard Kelsey nailed three of her seven threes in the last game and she has started the season in a riveting fashion. I expect a 15+ points and 5+ assist range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 30-42
Diana Taurasi (PHO) Points: 24 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 02 Veteran Diana stacked six triples in the last game and oh my, she never fails to impress with her sharpshooting. I believe she will be in 13-19 points and 4-7 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-31
Dearica Hamby(LVA) Points: 11 Rebounds: 13 Assists: 00 Steals: 02 Dearica cracked home three of her seven games in the last game and she has been an incredible rebounder as well as defender. I belive she will be in 12-17 points, 8-11 rebounds, and 1-3 blocks/steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-34
Tina Charles (PHO) Points: 04 Rebounds: 10 Assists: 02 Blocks: 01 Center Tina made just two of her eight shots in the last game and she has had some trouble getting going, but she brings effective rebounding. I believe she will be in 12-18 points and 6-10 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-34
(Recommended) PG: K Plum(SP) SG: D DeShields, R Williams, D Taurasi SF: S Cunningham PF: D Hamby, B Turner C: A Wilson(PP)
(Alternate) PG: S Diggins-Smith(SP) SG: D DeShields, R Williams SF: S Cunningham PF: T Plaisance, D Hamby, B Turner C: A Wilson(PP)
Don’t you wanna catch A’ja Wilson being acrobatic around the rim or Sklar Diggins-Smith heating up on the offensive end? You can watch this exciting game on the 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.