Washington Mystics vs Indiana Fever Preview

Mystics  vs Fever

When: Tuesday, June 3rd, at 7:00 p.m.

Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

TV: NBA TV

Injury

Mystics: Georgia Amoore (Out/ACL)

Fever: Caitlin Clark (Out/ Quad), Sophie Cunningham (Out, Ankle)

Keep An Eye on: 

Brittney Sykes....Getting Downhill: is a weapon all in itself for a Mystics team that struggles offensively. Sykes, who is averaging 21.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.3 steals per game, and is one of the WNBA's most explosive players, leads the W in free throws made (55) and free throws attempted (67), converting 82.1 percent from the charity stripe. Washington comes in ranking 11th in the WNBA in points per game (76.9), 11th in offensive rating (97.6), 10th in field goal percentage (40.8), 11th in assists per game (17.3) and they're 10th in turnovers per game (15.3).

In other words, the Mystics need to find as many ways to generate points...especially free, easy points...as possible. Sykes attacking the basket, getting downhill, regardless if its off of dribble hands offs, screens or in transition, is a sure fire way to consistently, get to the free throw line and generate points for a Washington team that struggles to do so. It also allows Washington to control the game more and play at their pace. In the Mystics win over the Fever in Baltimore back on May 28th, Sykes was 8 of 10 from the line, the Mystics controlled the boards (41-33) and they dished out a season high 20 assists, resulting in a 83-77 win. That's not a coincidence. Expect a heavy dose of Sykes attacking the basket, it benefits the Mystics a great deal.

MORE THREE POINTERS: is something that should be encouraged ahead of Washington's battle against Indiana. It's logical reasoning behind this thinking. Washington struggles to score points and yet, they're one of the most efficient 3-point shooting teams in the W, ranking second, with them converting 36.3 percent from deep. The Mystics have four players that shoot 40 percent or better from three point territory. Jade Melbourne leads the team at 45 percent from deep, Emily Engstler and Lucy Olsen both are hitting 44 percent and rookie sensation Sonia Citron is knocking down 40 percent of her three point attempts.

With the inside play of standout rookie Kiki Iriafen, center Shakira Austin and second year forward Aaliyah Edwards, along with Sykes living in the paint on drives, opportunities are there for good to great looks from three point range. More attempts from deep could prove to be key in potentially elevating Washington's scoring output.

A Fired up Indiana Fever: team is something all Mystics supporters should expect. One, they will want payback for their loss to the Mystics on May 28th in Baltimore. Two, they've lost three straight games by a combined 10 points and let's be honest, we all know they're hearing the noise of the team not being up to par without Caitlin Clark from some obnoxious fans and biased media personalities. As a competitor, which the Fever roster has a multitude of, you would want to right the ship and quiet the noise right away.

Indiana regardless of their recent struggles, are very talented, even with Clark being out with injury. Kelsey Mitchell (16.3 ppg, 3 apg) is a dangerous scorer from all three levels, Aliyah Boston (16.8 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.8 bpg) is playing at an All WNBA level, Natasha Howard (12.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg) is still effective and gave Washington fits early on when these two battled it out in Baltimore. Lexie Hull (10.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 57.1% 3FG) is one of the W's top shooters and defenders and the ageless DeWanna Bonner (7.3 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 1.3 spg, 38.5% 3FG) is still making an impact, as a reserve for the Fever. Again, expect the Fever to be highly motivated being back home and hungry to get back on the winning track.

Note: The Fever signed point guard Aari McDonald via the emergency hardship exception, due to the team falling below 10 game eligible players with Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham being out with injuries.