Mystics 20-14 vs Fever 5-29
When: Friday, August 12th, at 7:00p.m.
Where: Hinkle Fieldhouse
TV: Facebook, Bally Sports Indiana, Monumental Sports Network
Injury
Mystics: Myisha Hines-Allen (Health and Safety Protocols, Out)
Fever: Danielle Robinson (Shoulder, Questionable), Tiffany Mitchell (Calf, Questionable), Kelsey Mitchell (Foot, Out)
Keep an eye on:
Starters Stepping Up: is mandatory. Let's not sugar coat it, Sunday's loss to the Sparks was unacceptable for a team looking to climb in the playoff standings and has an eye on making a deep playoff run. A big reason for Washington's loss to LA was the inefficient shooting from Elena Delle Donne, Natasha Cloud and Alysha Clark. It goes without saying that Washington can't afford to have all three struggle in the same game if they want to continue to win. The trio shot a combined 4-21 from the field and 0-4 from 3-point range. It was uncharacteristic and obviously far below their standard of play. I would expect a focused hungry performance from these three tonight as they look to re-establish winning efficient habits, ESPECIALLY with the playoffs set to begin this upcoming Wednesday and the Mystics all but assured to be facing the dangerous Seattle Storm in the first round.
Rookie Battle: between two of the top three picks in Indiana's NaLyssa Smith and Washington's Shakira Austin. Smith, who was the second overall pick in the WNBA Draft back in April, has been one of the bright spots in an otherwise difficult season for Indiana. The 6'4 forward out of Baylor is second among rookies in points per game (13.8) and first in rebounds (8.1) and has established herself as a cornerstone to build around for years to come in Indiana. Austin, the third overall pick in the draft, has shined so much that she became the starting center for a veteran led Mystics team with championship hopes. Austin's combination of size and athleticism brought expectations of an immediate impact defensively, yet, she's also displayed skills offensively that has surprised many across the WNBA and has her on the fast track to possibly being one of the top centers in the game as she continues to develop and gain experience. The Mystics rookie center is third among rookies in scoring (8.7) and tied for second in rebounding with Queen Egbo, another 6'4 forward who has made an immediate impact for the Fever in her own right, pulling down 6.4 boards a game. These two will match-up a lot in tonights contest and will be key in determining the outcome of the game.