SEA vs DAL Dream11: The WNBA is a fascinating league, full of exciting players who can put on a show on a regular basis. We are now steadily heading towards the mid-season window and there has been changing of fortunes for multiple teams compared to last season. However, we are still early in the season and a lot can potentially change. In this game, the Seattle Storm will host the Dallas Wings.
The Storm has recovered after a slow start and is currently on a four-game winning streak, taking advantage of the home run. In the last game, the Storm defeated the Liberty 92:61 as Jewel Loyd nailed 22 points. On the other hand, the Wings won five of their last nine games but have lost the last two games. In the last game, they lost to the Sparks 91:93 despite a 20 points night by Isabelle Harrison. Can the Wings break their two game winning streak?
Host: Seattle Storm
Visitors: Dallas Wings
Match Timing: 4 June, @ 07:30 AM (+05:30 UTC)
Venue: Climate Pledge Arena
Storms’ lucky schedule, the road has been long for the Wings
The Storm has played five games in a row at home and with three games(including this) to go at home, they can solidify their position further. But that is not the only reason why the Storm has been winning lately. With Stewart as the Forward, they have someone who can score in multiple ways and also pluck up big rebounds.
Apart from her, Jewell Loyd done a wonderful job as the primary ball-handler. In the last game, Jantel Lavender filled in for Magbebor who is injured and gave quality minutes. Sue Bird is also absent due to COVID-19 protocols but Brian January has been strong in her absence. Gabby Williams has been impressive as a defender but may need to do more as an offensive player.
The Wings have two big issues, their pace is slow(77.2, 11 out of 12) and apart from that, their inside defense is weak as they allow around 46% overall, usually within the three-point line. The offensive rebounding has been great but the defensive rebounding has suffered. Earlier, the team was winning away from home but the influx of games away from home has taken its toll.
The Wings are more streaky than they should be as Arike Ogunbowale has the tendency to rather shoot too much. Marina Mabrey has been impressive but the frontline rotations are still here and there between Harrison, Sabally, and Thornton. In my opinion, coach Vickie Johnson still looks confused about what rotations to use. A starting unit of Mabrey-Ogunbowale-Gray-Harrison-Sabally would be my suggestion.
Highest scorer: Breanna Stewart: 24
Highest rebounder: Jantel Lavender: 11
Top assists maker: Jewell Loyd: 6
Score Prediction: Storm 91 Wings 84
Seattle Storm News
Storm Expected Starting Five
All-Around Scoring Forward: PF: Breanna Stewart
Defensive Wing: SF: Gabby Williams
Rebounding and Inside Specialist: PF/C: Jantel Lavender
Scoring Guard: SG: Jewell Loyd
Veteran Two-Way Guard: G: Briann January
BENCH: Reshanda Gray, Jade Melbourne, Stephenie Talbot, Mercedes Russell, Briann January.
Marina Mabrey (DAL)
Points: 16
Rebounds: 04
Assists: 03
Guard Marina is an incredible scorer who has one of the smoothest shots in the basketball world. I believe the sharpshooter will be in 15-21 points, 3-5 assists, and 3-5 rebounds range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-32
Breanna Stewart(SEA)
Points: 14
Rebounds: 08
Assists: 05
Steals: 06
Blocks: 02
Breana is an expert in terms of high-post, low-post, putbacks, off-the-dribble, off-the-catch types of shots, and well, the list can go on and on. The elite Forward can be in 18-26 points, 6-10 rebounds, 3-5 assists, and 1-2 steals/blocks range. She can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 32-44
Arike Ogunbowale(DAL)
Points: 16
Rebounds: 01
Assists: 01
Steals: 03
Arike is a quick shooter but her tendency to hog the ball too much can be both constructive and destructive, meaning, she can share the ball better. I believe she will be in 17-22 points range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-34
Jewell Loyd(SEA)
Points: 22
Rebounds: 03
Assists: 06
Guard Jewell is an incredible scorer who is effective both from outside and can also take it hard to the rim. The expert ball-handler can be in 17-23 points and 4-7 assists range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-37
Allisha Gray(DAL)
Points: 10
Rebounds: 06
Assists: 03
Steals: 02
Guard Gray has still not found her groove, struggling shooting-wise, but yes, her all-around abilities are handy. I expect a 11-16 points, 5-8 rebounds, 3-5 assists, and 2-3 steals range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-31
Jantal Lavender(SEA)
Points: 12
Rebounds: 10
Assists: 02
Blocks: 01
Lavender nabbed big boards in the last game and made a bunch of her inside shots, being a huge difference-maker. I believe she will be in 10-14 points and 8-12 rebounds range.
Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-28
(Recommended)
PG: B January
SG: A Ogunbowale, M Mabrey, J Loyd(PP)
SF: A Gray, S Sabally
PF: B Stewart(SP)
C: J Lavender
(Alternate)
PG: B January
SG: A Ogunbowale, M Mabrey(PP), J Loyd
SF: S Sabally
PF: I Harrison, B Stewart(SP)
C: J Lavender
It is a pleasure to watch Breanna hit insane shots with defense wrapped around her while Arike can also get it going, that’s fun, ain’t it? You can watch this brilliant battle on the WNBA League Pass where you have all the live games and their replays if you miss the game. For Indian viewers, the game is available on Amazon Prime too. For highlights, go to the official YouTube channel of the WNBA. To learn the scores, news, and stats, go to the official website of the WNBA.
