Minnesota Lynx vs Washington Mystics 8/11/20- WNBA Picks & Predictions

The Washington Mystics and Minnesota Lynx come in on two different paths, the Mystics have lost four straight games, a losing streak that was extended with a 91-84 loss to drop their record on the season to 3-4 on the year. The Mystics have won four of their last five, but are coming off a 97-81 loss to the L.A. Sparks. 

The Mystics are averaging 85.3 points per game but struggle from the field shooting 43.9% from the field which ranks 10th/12 in the WNBA. The Mystics have four players averaging 14+ points, but are led in scoring by Ariel Powers who is averaging 16.3 points per game while adding 4.8 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. The paint is dominated by Myisha Hines-Allen who averages a team-high 8.7 rebounds per game while adding in 15.9 points per game. 

The Minnesota Lynx rank 8th in the WNBA coming in averaging 80.6 points per game while averaging 44.1% from the field. Leading the Lynx is the duo in the middle, Slyvia Fowles and Napheesa Collier. Fowles leads the team in rebounding with 11 per game while also leading the team with 16.8 points per game. Collier trails closely behind her with 13.4 points per game while adding in 7.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game.

The Lynx early season success is due to their lockdown defense which is allowing opposing teams to shoot just 78.9 points per game ranking 2nd in the WNBA this season in scoring defense. Opposing teams are shooting 45% from the field which is just below the league average in the WNBA. The Mystics are allowing 81.7 points per game while oppoins teams are shooting 44.8% from the field.