Published on: Jul 7, 2022 1:44 am IST|Updated on: Jul 7, 2022 3:32 am IST
WAS vs ATL Dream11: The WNBA is now in its midway stages and we are going to witness the All-Star game real soon. This has been another fantastic season and the level of women’s basketball has been right up there. This means that the Playoffs will be even more thrilling, but before that the Washington Mystics and the Atlanta Dream will clash against each other.
The Mystics have been a much-improved team compared to last season and are heading to the Playoffs at this rate. They have compiled an impressive 13 wins and 10 losses record. They come into this game after losing a close OT battle to the Sun 72:74 despite a 18 points effort by Ariel Atkins. On the other hand, the Dream are a much-improved squad too and although they are not yet on Mystics’ level, they are not far away. They have 10 wins and 11 losses, coming into this game after winning against the Storm 90:76 as Cheyenne Parker marked 21 points. Can the Dream repeat such heroics against the Mystics?
Host: Atlanta Dream Visitors: Washington Mystics Match Timing: 7 July, @ 05:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Entertainment & Sports Arena
Mystics’ solid defense
The Mystics have built an elite defense. They can both lock down the perimter and also take care of the inside. Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins take care of the outside while Alysha Clark is a tough help defender. They have been inspired by rookie Shakira Austin but one thing is clear, this squad can’t be a Playoff team without Elena Della-Donne, they have won 10 and lost four with her while they have a losing record without her. She gives stability to an otherwise inconsistent offense as no other player has developed any sort of groove.
Dream needs more rhythm
Although the Dream has improved a lot compared to last season, they lost their way when Wallace, Wheeler, and Coffey got injured, which affected the team balance. But the team did receive a big gift back recently alongside the aforementioned players; Tiffany Hayes. Tiffany is someone who can run the floor well and can stabilize the team that missed such a player. Dream’s pace has been admirable, rookie Rhyne has been impressive but they need to improve upon a lot.
Highest scorer: Elena Della-Donne: 22 Highest rebounder: Elena Della-Donne: 10 Top assists maker: Natasha Cloud: 9 Score Prediction: Mystics 85 Dream 75
Washington Mystics News
No reports of injury at the time of writing.
Mystics Expected Starting Five Slashing Wing: SF: Alysha Clark Veteran All-Star Scorer: PF: Elena Della-Donne Inside Presence: C: Shakira Austin High-Scoring Guard: SG: Ariel Atkins Ball-Handler: PG: Natasha Cloud
BENCH: Tianna Hawkins, Rui Machida, Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Kennedy Burke, Myisha Hines-Allen.
Atlanta Dream Team News:
Dream Expected Starting Five High-Post Forward: F: Cheyenne Parker Inside Presence: F: Monique Billings Slasher: G: Tiffany Hayes Ball-Handling Expert: PG: Erica Wheeler Sharpshooting Two-Way Guard: SG: Rhyne Howard
BENCH: Beatrice Mompremier, Ad Durr, Maya Caldwell, Kristy Wallace, Naz Hillmon.
Elena Delle-Donne(WAS) Points: 11 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 01 Elena makes the Mystics a winning squad and her presence has been necessary for the Mystics in a myriad ways. She can be in 12-17 points, 6-10 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 26-40
Rhyne Howard(ATL) Points: 16 Rebounds: 05 Assists: 02 Steals: 03 Guard Howard has a lovely shooting stroke and she has given brilliant defense as well as strong rebounding. I believe she will be in 14-21 points, 4-7 rebounds, and 1-3 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 29-41
Natasha Cloud(WAS) Points: 06 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 06 Blocks: 01 Steals: 01 Although she has been an exceptional defender, playmaker, and all-around presence, Cloud’s shooting has been on and off. I expect her to be in 11-16 points, 6-9 assists, and 4-7 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-33
Cheyenne Parker(ATL) Points: 21 Rebounds: 09 Assists: 04 Forward Parker has been usually a hit than a miss and her offense and rebounding has been especially impressive. I believe she will be in 14-20 points and 6-9 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-31
Ariel Atkins(WAS) Points: 18 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 04 Steals: 04 Guard Atkins has been a tad inconsistent offensively but she has done a great job as a defensive player. I believe she will be in 14-19 points and 4-5 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-31
Tiffany Hayes(ATL) Points: 10 Rebounds: 00 Assists: 01 Steals: 01 Guard Tiffany has a brilliant fastbreak game and she can also expand her game by an effective shooter, able to play well off-the-ball. I believe she will be in 12-17 points range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 19-31
(Recommended) PG: A Atkins, N Cloud(SP), A McDonald SG: K Anne Wallace SF: A Clark PF: M Billings C: C Parker(PP), S Austin
(Alternate) PG: N Cloud(PP) SG: K Anne-Wallace SF: A Clark, R Howard(SP) PF: M Billings, T Hayes C: E Williams, S Austin
Rookie Howard taking on a veteran Mystics team, who will come through here? You can catch this brilliant battle on the WNBA League Pass, a place for all the live games and their replays if you can’t get to the game. To catch 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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