Mystics 14-16 vs Fever 8-23
When: Friday, August 18th, at 7:00p.m.
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
TV: ION, WNBA League Pass
Injury
Mystics: Ariel Atkins (Probable, Left Ankle Sprain), Elena Delle Donne (Probable, Left Ankle Sprain), Shakira Austin ( Questionable, Left Hip Strain), Kristi Toliver (Out, Plantar Fasciitis )
Fever: None
Keep an eye on:
Aggressive: Brittney Sykes is needed and should remain for the homestretch of the season. Washington is a different team when Sykes is looking to score first and set up teammates second. In a big win over Chicago Sunday as the Mystics aim to stay in the playoff race, Sykes was relentless, scoring a season high 30 points on 11-18 shooting from the field, 2-5 from deep while dishing out 6 assists and pulling down 4 rebounds. Sykes scoring barrage opened things up for the rest of the Mystics, specifically Queen Egbo, who was huge off the bench, posting 16 points and 3 rebounds on 3-3 shooting from the field.
As the Mystics continue to add players off the injured list and look to regain their rhythm before the playoffs arrive, Sykes continuing to be aggressive offensively, can help them ease their way back into rhythm and be in sync fully as a team when the playoffs arrive.
Health: of the Mystics is getting closer and closer to being as close to 100% as they have since the season started. Elena Delle Donne and Ariel Atkins are set to return tonight against the Fever and their return is right on time. With them returning, so does high level production. Delle Donne and Atkins combine to average 30.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Clearly, they will provide a big boost in a lot of ways to the Mystics, specifically offensively. Expect a little rust from both at times as they work to being back in peak form sooner than later.
