Published on: Aug 7, 2022 7:28 pm IST|Updated on: Aug 7, 2022 7:36 pm IST
WAS vs LASDream11: As we head towards the Playoffs leg of the WNBA, a lot is at stake for teams that still want to reach the Postseason with the last few spots still up for grabs. The Dallas Wings are steadily maintaining their Playoffs claim but below them, it is a close race. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Sparks have fallen off significantly and are on the cusp of elimination and things will only get tougher when they meet a feisty Washington Mystics.
The Mystics have built a defensive identity and as a result, they have won 20 out of the 33 games, having already qualified for the Playoffs and still having a strong shot at the Fourth Spot. They come into this game after losing to the league’s best Chicago Sky 83-93 once again missing their superstar Elena.
On the other hand, the LA Sparks are having another abysmal season and they continue to lose their claim for a Playoffs spot. They have lost six in a row and come into the game after losing a close 86:88 game to the Atlanta dream despite a 23 points outing by Brittney Sykes.
The Mystics and the Sparks have met twice, with both teams winning one each. This is the game that will decide the season series.
Host: Washington Mystics Visitors: LA Sparks Match Timing: 8 August, @ 12:30 AM (+05:30 UTC) Venue: Entertainment & Sports Arena
Mystics struggle without Elena Della-Donne
The Mystics have an elite record of 16 wins and 6 losses with Elena Della-Donne. Without her, they have just four wins and seven losses, which indicates the importance of her presence. She not only helps the offensive end, but brings tremendous leadership, defensive, and rebounding skills. The backcourt of Atkins and Cloud has been a tad inconsistent offensively but both can switch on better with Elena around. Shakira Austin has been brilliant while Alysha Clark continues to leave her imprints through some veteran play. The Mystics lack depth but when Elena is there, they look like a championship squad.
Sparks are reeling
The Sparks have somehow gotten worse over the last month or so. One of the major struggles for them has been the inability to play defense and identify consistency from the guard rotation. With the season going deep, even stalwart Nneka Ogwumike has looked frustrated. The departure of Liz Camabge has only brought down the remaining physicality and the team is yet to identify what rotations they have to assign. This has been a tough season for the Sparks fans, and the team desperately needs a revival with the Playoffs hopes all but dashed.
Highest scorer: Nneka Ogwumike: 25 Highest rebounder: Elena Della-Donne: 10 Top assists maker: Natasha Cloud: 9 Score Prediction: Mystics 90 Sparks 78
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.
Los Angeles Sparks Teams News:
Sparks Expected Starting Five Isolation Forward: PF: Nneka Ogwumike Scrapper: C: Chiney Ogwumike Stretch-Three: SF: Katie Lou-Samuelson Playmaker: PG: Jordin Canada Athletic Guard: G: Brittney Sykes BENCH: Chennedy Carter, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Lexie Brown, Jazmine Walker, Kianna Smith.
*stats from both teams’ last game* Elena Delle-Donne(WAS)(From her last game) Points: 05 Rebounds: 11 Assists: 05 Blocks: 01 Elena has been a huge factor as the leader of the Mystics and her mere presence makes the whole team function in a winning way. I believe she will be in 16-22 points, 7-10 rebounds, and 1-2 blocks range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 26-40
Nneka Ogwumike(LAS) Points: 16 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 01 Blocks: 01 Forward Nneka has been in terrific touch as an offensive player and she can also pull down boards and give quality defense. I believe she will be in 17-24 points and 5-8 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 29-41
Natasha Cloud(WAS) Points: 06 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 04 Cloud is one of the best passers and defenders in the league who can have her moments while looking to score as well. I believe the gritty guard will be in 11-17 points, 5-9 assists, and 4-7 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-33
Brittney Sykes(LAS) Points: 23 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 04 Steals: 01 Blocks: 01 Guard Sykes has been having a decent season and has had some strong offensive nights but her overall production has been huge. I believe she will be in 12-16 points, 4-7 rebounds, and 3-6 assists range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-31
Ariel Atkins(WAS) Points: 06 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 01 Guard Ariel is having another impactful season, bringing tough defense and more than handy scoring to the floor. I believe she will be in 12-17 points and 3-6 rebounds range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 20-31
Jordin Canada(LAS) Points: 04 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 08 Steals: 02 Guard Canda has given elite playmaking but her scoring has let the team down many times which has made a lot of difference. I believe she will be in 7-11 points, 5-8 assists, and 1-2 steals range. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 19-31
(Recommended) PG: A Atkins, N Cloud(PP), J Canada SG: S Walker-Kimbrough SF: K Lou Samuelson PF: E Delle-Donne(SP) C: O Nelson-Ododa, S Austin
(Alternate) PG: A Atkins, N Cloud(PP) SG: S Walker-Kimbrough SF: K Lou-Samuelson, A Clark PF: N Ogwumike(SP) C: O Nelson-Ododa, S Austin
Wanna see Nneka Ogwumike and Elena Della-Donne continue their historic rivalry? You can eatch this crucial 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, go to the official website of the WNBA.
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