Wings vs Mystics predictions
If you’ve been following the Dallas Wings this season, you know things haven’t exactly gone according to plan, but there are certainly some bright spots heading into their matchup against the Washington Mystics. Paige Bueckers has been the clear engine for Dallas, putting up a team-high 18 points per game and dishing out nearly six assists. I wouldn’t be surprised if she finds her way to another 20-point night, considering how scrappy she’s been running the offense. Myisha Hines-Allen continues cleaning up the glass with her average of 5.6 rebounds, and I’d keep an eye on her to do some damage in the paint, especially against Washington’s frontcourt. Dallas will be looking to tighten up on both ends, hoping someone else will step up alongside Bueckers—maybe a sudden spark off the bench will make all the difference.
On the other side, the Washington Mystics are coming into this one with a little bit of swagger after a standout 28-point performance from Shakira Austin. But let’s not forget the steady backbone of the team: Brittney Sykes. She’s been scoring just over 20 points per game and controlling the tempo with her playmaking abilities at nearly five assists a night. With Kiki Iriafen patrolling the boards and pulling down almost nine rebounds per game, the Mystics have the inside advantage at CareFirst Arena, especially with their well-balanced home record. It feels like Sykes is due for another big night, especially if she can get into the lane early and force the Wings’ defense to collapse.
So who’s taking home the W? The Wings have shown flashes of potential, particularly when Bueckers gets hot, but Washington just seems a touch more cohesive at the moment. Factor in that home-court energy and the recent surge from Shakira Austin, and it looks like the Mystics have the edge in this matchup. I’m leaning toward a win for Washington, though it wouldn’t shock me if Dallas keeps it closer than some folks expect—the Wings have a habit of hanging around in tough games. What do you think, are the Mystics too tough at home, or does Dallas finally flip the script?
