On Sunday, the Atlanta Dream (17-11) will host the Washington Mystics (13-14) in a WNBA regular-season game. The short-handed Dream has risen to the third position while the Mystics are battling at the 9th spot.
The Mystics come into this game after a heartbreaking 67-68 loss against the Golden State Valkyries. Sonia Citron led with 16 points while Brittney Sykes missed the game-winning shot.
On the other hand, the Dream dominated the Mercury 95-72 as Allisha Gray erupted for 26 points. The Dream cashed in on 13 triples in another impressive showing without their 3-point leader, Rhyne Howard.
Can the gritty Mystics fend off the resilient Dream? Check the predictions related to player props, total, and spread here.
Atlanta Dream
Dream Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Jordin Canada | SG: Allisha Gray | SG/SF: Maya Caldwell | PF: Naz Hillmon | C: Brionna Jones
Key bench players: PF: Nia Coffey, SG: Te-Hina Papao, SG: Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
Injuries/Updates: Brittney Griner can be OUT. Rhyne Howard is OUT but can return soon.
Washington Mystics
Mystics Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Sug Sutton | SG: Sonia Citron | SG/SF: Brittney Sykes | PF: Kiki Iriafen | C: Shakira Austin
Key bench players: SG: Lucy Olsen, C: Stefanie Dolson, PG: Jade Melbourne, PF: Emily Engstler
Injuries/Updates: Aaliyah Edwards has been OUT for quite a while. Georgia Amoore is OUT for the season,
The Mystics are among the bottom offensive teams. They have scored 72 or fewer points in three of the last four games. On the other hand, the Dream is a much better scoring team. Atlanta has put up 88 or more in four of the last five games.
Defensively, both teams are pretty tight, limiting opponents to around 80 on many occasions. Overall, Mystics games can be low-scoring, but I see the high-scoring Atlanta setting the tone. The last game between the two produced 183 points.
Total: Over 157.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Here is an overview of my selections
| Picks | BetMGM Odds |
| Total O 157.5 | -110 |
| Spread- Dream –6.5 | -105 |
| Allisha Gray O 18.5 Points | -115 |
| Money Line- Dream | -250 |
Shakira Austin O 14.5 Points: Austin has been a bright spot in the disjointed Mystics offense. However, she has scored 14 or fewer in three of the last four games. I see a bonce-back game from her.
Allisha Gray O 19.5 Points: Gray is enjoying a solid season, scoring 18.6 PPG. She had 26 in the last game after scoring 15 or under in three straight games. I see her building on her previous strong performance.
Kiki Iriafen O 8.5 Rebounds: The Mystics rookie has already become one of the best rebounders. She is averaging 8.4 RPG, and I expect her to pin down at least 9 boards here.
Main pick: Allisha Gray O 18.5 points for -115 at BetMGM
The Dream is rediscovering its early-season mojo, which enabled a 9-4 start. The team is overcoming injuries terrifically and needs to keep grinding on both ends. Meanwhile, Washington needs to be better scoring-wise, or their playoff hopes can take a big hit.
The Mystics are also sub-par on the road, so this game will be a huge challenge. I’d expect the Dream to cover the spread considering these circumstances.
Spread/Money Line Pick: Spread: Dream -6.5 for -105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
nba Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!
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