Mystics 15-7 vs Fever 8-15
When: Thursday, August 8th, at 7 p.m.
Where: Entertainment and Sports Arena
TV: CBS Sports Network, Monumental Sports Network
Injury
Mystics: Kiara Leslie – (Out, Torn Meniscus in right knee)
Fever: N/A
Mystics -
87.2 - points per game
78.2 - points against
46.2 - Field goal %
Fever -
76.9 - points per game
79.1 - points against
42.0 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
Fever Backcourt: of Kelsey Mitchell and Erica Wheeler. Mitchell, while streaky, is a dynamic scoring threat due to her strength and explosiveness. Mitchell leads the Fever in scoring at 12.7 points per game and is at her best driving to the basket. Erica Wheeler, the reigning all-star game MVP, is one of the more efficient scorers in the WNBA. Averaging 11.9 points and 5.5 assist per game, Wheeler is knocking on the door of the exclusive 50/40/90 club, shooting 45 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 85 percent from the free throw line for the season. The strength of Indiana is on the perimeter, so look for Washington to use their depth at guard to wear down the Fevers dangerous backcourt.
Feed Emma: early and often. After an adjustment period getting back in rhythm after returning from the Eurobasket tournament, Meesseman is starting to find her groove. The 6’4 forward has quietly been off the charts shooting the ball efficiently, averaging 12.6 points on 73 percent shooting (17-23FG) over her last three games. With teams obviously focusing on Elena Delle Donne and Kristi Toliver, a consistent third scorer will need to emerge to keep opposing defenses honest as the Mystics make their push for home court advantage throughout the playoffs and for another shot at the WNBA championship. Emma is looking like the person to step in and fill that void. Stay tuned!