On Monday, September 1, the Connecticut Sun (10-29) will host the Atlanta Dream (25-14) in a WNBA regular-season battle.
The Sun enters the game after a disappointing yet expected 70-94 loss against the confirmed 1st seed Minnesota Lynx. The team lost despite 14-point performances by Tina Charles and Marina Mabrey. The Sun recently improved to 11th spot in the standings.
On the other hand, the Dream enters the game after a rip-roaring 100-78 win against the Dallas Wings. Rhyne Howard led the proceedings with 24 points. The Dream has a fragile grip on the 3rd place in the standings.
Will the Dream get an easy dub, or will the Sun make it harder? Go through the predictions related to player props, total, and spread here.
Connecticut Sun
The Sun is playing a much better brand of basketball in the second half of the season. They play tight defense, thanks to defensive anchor Leila Lacan.
Meanwhile, Saniya Rivers has been brilliant off the bench, laying the foundation of a promising future. Here are some facts about the squad:
Sun Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Leila Lacan | SG: Marina Mabrey | SG/SF: Lindsay Allen | PF: Aneesah Morrow | C: Tina Charles
Key bench players: SG: Saniya Rivers, PF: Aaliyah Edwards.
Injuries/Updates: Olivia Nelson-Ododa is QUESTIONABLE. Bria Hartley can be OUT too.
Atlanta Dream
The Dream is one of the best defensive squads. The two-way guard duo of Howard and Allisha Gray is something to behold. Their only concern is streaky shooting. Here are some stats about them:
Dream Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Te-Hina Paopao | SG: Rhyne Howard | SG/SF: Allisha Gray | PF: Naz Hillmon | C: Brionna Jones
Key bench players: C: Brittney Griner, SG: Maya Caldwell.
Injuries/Updates: Jordin Canada can RETURN after three weeks.
The Sun can be limited to 80 or fewer on many occasions. They have had some strong defensive performances, too, but can struggle in that area, too.
The Dream has restricted opponents to 81 or fewer points in ten straight games. Meanwhile, offensively, they have been struggling to go past 80, too, resulting in many close games.
Thus, we may be in for a low-scorer, which is the case with many Dream games.
Total: Under 159.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Here is an overview of my selections
| Picks | BetMGM Odds |
| Total U 158.5 | -110 |
| Spread- Dream -10.5 | -110 |
| Rhyne Howard O 2.5 3-Pointers | TBD |
| Money Line- Dream | -625 |
Rhyne Howard O 2.5 3-Pointers: Howard is one of the best long-range bombers in the league. She has nailed 2.9 triples per game.
Howard has made 4 or more in three of the last six games. I see her making at least 2 here.
Marina Mabrey U 14.5 points: Mabrey has been in great touch. She is averaging 14.6 PPG on a rather shabby 36.3% FG.
She has scored 14 or more and more in four straight games. But I see the Dream limiting her to under 14.
Allisha Gray O 16.5 Points: Gray’s scoring has gone down from 20 PPG to 18.7 PPG. But she remains a strong scoring option in the streaking Dream lineup.
She has scored 19 or more in three of the four games. I see her scoring at least 19 again.
Main pick: Rhyne Howard O 2,5 3-Pointers at BetMGM
The Dream is a much better team than the Sun. They have booked a playoff spot and are aiming at least a top-three finish.
The Sun has played tough defense so they can bother Atlanta, but the visitors are an even better defensive team. Overall, it can be a low-scoring, gritty battle.
I see the Dream pulling away at some point and winning big to cover the spread.
Spread/Money Line Pick: Spread: Dream -10.5 for -110 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
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