Washington Mystics vs Atlanta Dream Preview

Mystics 4-5 vs Dream 4-6

When: Sunday, June 13th, at 3:30p.m.

Where: Gateway Center, College Park, GA

TV: NBA TV, BSSO, TSN / Radio: N/A

Injury

Mystics: Elena Delle Donne (Out, Back), Sidney Wiese (Out, Ankle),

Dream: Chennedy Carter (Doubtful, Right Elbow)

Mystics -

81.9 - points per game

80.6 - points against

39.9 - Field Goal %

Dream -

81.8 - points per game

87.4 - points against

40.9 - Field Goal %

Keep an eye on:

Backcourt War: between Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins and the Dream's Tiffany Hayes and Courtney Williams is one to keep an eye on. Atkins is playing at an All WNBA level, averaging career highs in points per game (18.3), assists (3.0), rebounds (3.1), free throw percentage (89.7%), 3-point percentage (45%), and field goal percentage (46%). To go along with her elite defense, Atkins is making a case to be the best shooting guard in the WNBA this season. Cloud, is being the ideal all around floor general, leading and keeping everyone locked in game to game. Cloud is averaging a career high in steals (1.7), rebounds (3.6), and free throw percentage (87%).

For the Dream, Tiffany Hayes has returned with a vengeance. Hayes has been lethal this season, averaging a career high in points (17.8), steals (1.3) and 3-point percentage (43%). She's a handful for any team to slow down. Courtney Williams is the heart and soul of Atlanta. Her infectious energy and confidence propels her teammates in many ways. Williams is also having a career year, posting 17.2 points, team high in rebounds at 7.3 and 4.3 assists per game.....all career highs.

It's not rocket science, the backcourt that imposes their will the most this afternoon, will ultimately lead their respective team to victory.

Offensive Rebounding: is an area the Dream thrives in and that means Washington will have to keep a body on their match-up all game long. Atlanta is number one in the WNBA in offensive rebounding, grabbing 11.4 offensive boards a game. Three Dream players (Monique Billings, Elizabeth Williams, Courtney Williams) average 2.2 or more offensive rebounds per game. Washington on the other hand rank ninth in defensive rebounding, grabbing 25.9 boards a game. Washington has to step up on the glass to control pace and limit second chance scoring opportunities from Atlanta. Doing so, will hinder the Dream an increase the likelihood of a third straight win from Washington.