The WNBA has started, and we have already seen several teams perform well. This is how the league operates, and you can see some excellent offense, ball distribution, and some outstanding athleticism. Atlanta Dream will host the Los Angeles Sparks to continue the streak. The high-potential Dream won the previous game 61:56, with rookie Rhyne Howard leading the squad in scoring with 16. In the previous game, the Sparks trounced the Fever 87:77, led by Liz Cambage’s 22 points and 12 rebounds. Can the Sparks keep up their hot start?
Current Team Forms
Rhyne is the Fantasy Player.
The high-potential Dream: Forget about the attacking end; Rhyne was more active on the defensive end in the previous game. Although she is labeled as a guard, her length and quickness allow her to play defense like a wing, negating height advantages. She shot 4/15 in the last game and had some weird possessions, but the rookie’s defensive involvement is unquestionably encouraging. It should be mentioned, though, that the Dream played a shorthanded Wings club that also shot poorly.
To be honest, I’m divided on the attacking end because if Rhyne doesn’t step up big, where will the Dream find their groove? Erica Wheeler is one of the finest ball-handlers, but she only shot 4/13 from the field, and Nia Coffey isn’t an aggressive offensive player either. This is why Cheyenne Parker, who shot 4/11 in the last game, will need to improve. Monique Billings got 14 rebounds on the night, but can he help the team’s offensive woes?
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Sparks have a lot of options.
Liz Cambage used her stature to her advantage for a 20-10 double-double in the middle for the Sparks. She seemed defensively active, and she had clearly improved on her fitness, something I did not mention in the previous write-up. The Sparks have seemed to be a disruptive perimeter defensive force, and Brittany Sykes, a dynamic open-court player, has started the season on a mission. The Sparks have forced 17 turnovers in a row.
The high-potential Dream: Then there’s Nneka Ogwumike, one of the most polished post-players and an offensive player who understands how to get the job done. Jordin Canada did not have a 20-point game like she had in the first game, but her driving and playmaking have been excellent. Chennedy Carter and Lexie Brown also seem to be excellent picks. The Sparks have a varied scoring line, and although their outside shooting is a concern (1/10 from three in the past game), their driving game seems to be unrivaled!
Injuries
- Tiffany Hayes is OUT;
- Sparks; Katie Lou Samuelson, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, and Kristi Tolliver are OUT.
Expert Betting Advice
Range of Points: The problem for the Dream sans Tifanny Hayes is that they lack consistent scorers on the open floor. The Dream pushed their shots in the previous game and also lack a reliable pivot player. When it comes to pivots, the Sparks have a godsend in the shape of Liz Cambage, who is the sort of player the Sparks were missing last season. The Sparks lack major outside shooting options, but their inside scoring might be the best in the league this season. The Dream will have to be cautious while moving the ball around since the Sparks have proved they can get their hands on the ball whenever they want. I predict the Sparks will force another uptempo game, with a point total of 150-160.
Prediction: The Dream are without Tiffany Hayes, and it’s tough to see how they’ll produce an effective offense with so few shot makers. Rhyne Howard, a rookie, is a talented player who will need to improve her efficiency; nevertheless, one game is a tiny sample size. The Sparks, on the other hand, have veterans who know how to win, and I’d pick them to win this game. I think the Sparks will win 87:70. OKBET Sportsbook allows you to bet legally online.
