Mystics vs Dream Picks and Prediction – 9/13/2024

The Washington Mystics (12-24) are visiting the Atlanta Dream (12-24) in this Eastern Conference showdown. Washington is on a roll, winning five straight on the road, while Atlanta has struggled, dropping the last two games. Both teams are tied in the standings, making this a crucial game for playoff positioning. Take the WNBA by storm with our WNBA picks.

Washington has been solid offensively, averaging 79.6 points per game and shooting 43.5% from the field. Ariel Atkins has been the driving force, putting up 14.8 points per game on 42.8% shooting. The Mystics' offense thrives on ball movement, ranking second in the conference with 22.0 assists per game, led by Julie Vanloo’s 4.6 assists. The ability to score efficiently gives them an edge against Atlanta’s defense, which has been inconsistent this season.

Defensively, Washington has held opponents to 79.3 points over the last ten games, averaging 8.4 steals and 4.6 blocks per game. The Mystics allow 82.4 points per game overall, and the road defense has been the backbone of the squad’s recent success. Shakira Austin will be missed in the paint, but the perimeter defense should hold firm against Atlanta’s shooters, especially with Atlanta’s three-point struggles (6.1 made threes per game).

Offensively, Atlanta has struggled to find rhythm, averaging only 77 points per game while shooting 40.8% from the field. Rhyne Howard has led the Dream with 17.9 points per game, but her shooting efficiency has been underwhelming at 37.6%. The Dream’s rebounding prowess, led by Tina Charles, who grabs 9.6 boards per game, will be a key factor. Atlanta’s offense tends to be stagnant, and the 18.4 assists per game suggest that ball movement could be better.

On the defensive side, Atlanta allows 80.8 points per game and has struggled to contain efficient offenses. The rebounding advantage (36.1 per game) will be critical, but defensive lapses have plagued them, particularly in close games. The absence of Cheyenne Parker-Tyus could be significant, leaving the interior defense vulnerable against Washington’s attack. Despite blocking 3.8 shots per game, Atlanta’s inability to consistently stop teams in crunch time has cost them in recent games.

Washington’s offense has been clicking, and road performances have been impressive. Atlanta’s recent form is shaky, especially defensively, and Washington’s efficient scoring should expose those weaknesses. Final Score Prediction: Washington Mystics win 82-76.