On Tuesday, July 29, the Washington Mystics (12-13) host the Chicago Sky (7-18) in a WNBA regular-season game. The Mystics are 8th in the WNBA standings, whereas the Sky have been lingering at 11th spot.
The Mystics lost to the Mercury 72-88 in the last match-up. Shakira Austin’s 20-point charge wasn’t enough as Washington shot just 38% from the floor (Mercury-51%).
On the other hand, the Sky lost 78-93 against the Washington Mystics without Angel Reese. Rachel Banham erupted for 26 points but committed 7 turnovers (Sky- 20 turnovers).
Can Reese return to give her team a boost against the tough Mystics? Go through the predictions related to player props, total, and spread here.
Chicago Sky
Sky Expected Starting Lineup
SG: Rachel Banham | SG: Kia Nurse | SF: Michaela Onyenwere| PF: Angel Reese | C: Kamilla Cardoso
Key bench players: PG: Hailey Van Lith, SF: Rebecca Allen, C: Elizabeth Williams.
Injuries/Updates: Angel Reese is PROBABLE. Ariel Atkins will likely be OUT. Courtney Vandersloot is OUT FOR THE SEASON.
Washington Mystics
Mystics Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Brittney Sykes | SG: Sonia Citron | SG: Sug Sutton | PF: Kiki Iriafen | C: Shakira Austin
Key bench players: PG: Jade Melbourne, C: Stefanie Dolson, SG: Lucy Olsen, PF: Emily Engstler
Injuries/Updates: Georgia Amoore is OUT for the season. Aliyah Edwards’ status is UNCERTAIN.
The Mystics are one of the least productive offensive teams. They have scored fewer than 80 in most cases. Meanwhile, the Sky is faring even worse. Chicago’s turnover issue (worst in the league- 16 TOPG) and lack of playmaking make them currently the worst offensive team.
The Sky has been in tatters defensively, too. Repeatedly giving up 90+, meanwhile, the Mystics have been much better, usually holding squads in the early 80s. Overall, the Mystics can have a strong offense against the weak Sky defense. The score may go “Under” the mark, though.
Total: Under 161.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Here is an overview of my selections:
| Picks | BetMGM Odds |
| Total U 157.5 | -110 |
| Spread- Mystics -7.5 | -110 |
| Shakira Austin O 15.5 Points | -105 |
| Money Line- Mystics | -325 |
Shakira Austin O 15.5 Points: Austin is averaging 13 PPG. Her points average keeps improving as the Mystics center has recovered well from her injuries. Austin has scored 16 or more in four of the last six games. I expect her to go “Over” the projected mark again.
Angel Reese O 12.5 Rebounds: Reese has missed the last two games due to a back issue. Before that, she was pulling ‘em rebounds like no one else. She has tallied 12.5 RPG. The paint player has pulled down 10-11 rebounds in four straight games, but I expect her to surpass that mark here.
Kiki Iriafen O 9.5 Rebounds: Iriafen’s rebounding prowess has made headlines. She has grabbed 8.4 RPG. I expect her to pull down over 9 rebounds against the struggling offense of the Sky.
Main pick: Shakira Austin O 15.5 points for -105 at BetMGM
The Mystics will be the favorites here, whether Reese plays or not. They are a strong team at home, and Austin is in good rhythm. Washington is much better than Chicago on both ends and has a much better bench, too.
Overall, Sky will need to play out of their skins to fend off Washington away from home. But I see the Mystics denying them a win and covering the spread.
Spread/Money Line Pick: Spread: Mystics -7.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Daniel Kucin Jr.-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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