Though the Washington Mystics and the Chicago Sky won’t be WNBA contenders this year, they are proving to be exciting.
Washington reloaded in a big way by drafting Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron with the second and third picks. That has paid off immediately; both rookies made the All-Star game. Now they’ll square off against another team with a young star in Angel Reese.
This game may not have the most considerable implications on the WNBA standings. However, it serves as a good measuring stick for two teams looking to build their next contender. It’ll be some good morning entertainment with an 11:30 a.m. ET tipoff.
The Mystics are five-point favorites at home and are -218 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at 159.5 points. Let’s look at the best bets and predictions for this contest.
Sky vs. Mystics Prediction
The marquee matchup of this contest is the boards battle. Kiki Iriafen has been one of the best rebounders in the league as a rookie; Angel Reese has a strong claim as the best rebounder in the entire WNBA. Watching those two go to war on the glass will be a sight to see.
The main question for me: is anyone on this Sky squad capable of containing Sonia Citron? Ariel Atkins comes to mind first. She’s been one of the better perimeter defenders in the league for some time. But Citron is a different kind of challenge than most. She is just as threatening, if not more so, when off the ball as opposed to on it. That requires a level of constant attention.
The Mystics are in the playoff mix for a reason. The Sky are out of it for a reason as well. I think that holds in this contest.
Sky vs. Mystics Pick
Washington Mystics -5 (-110)
The trio of Sykes, Iriafen, and Citron alone would be enough to put some serious damage on the Sky. On top of that, they have Sug Sutton, Shakira Austin, and Jade Melbourne looking like good role players. It’s a tough formula for this Chicago team to handle.
Angel Reese has been on an absolute tear, filling the stat sheet like few can. But she alone is not enough for Chicago to triumph on the road against a better Mystics squad. I’m backing Washington to crawl back towards .500 with a win in this one.
