We’ve got more Unrivaled action on Friday as Season 2 rolls on, with the Laces and the Phantom set to clash in an electric three-on-three showdown that pits elite talent against elite talent.
The Phantom enter as 1.5-point home favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total set at 141.5. Let’s get into my prediction and pick for Friday’s star-powered showdown.
Laces vs. Phantom Prediction
The Laces handed the Lunar Owls their third loss of the season on Monday and roll into Friday riding confidence and shot-making. Brittney Sykes continues to be a problem, dropping 25 points and seven boards in just 13.9 minutes — her second 25+ outing of the season. Jackie Young added 22 despite an off shooting night, Maddy Siegrist knocked down 13 while hitting 50% from deep, and Alyssa Thomas and Jordin Canada chipped in 10 apiece. Five of the Laces’ six players reached double figures, and that balance is what makes this group dangerous.
The chemistry extends off the floor, too. Sykes recently joined JuJu Gotti on Good Follow, where she raved about her teammates — especially Thomas’ physicality. “I knew, right when I was a rookie, that was one person on my list I am not taking a charge on,” Sykes said. She also shouted out Young’s “effortless shot,” something that still leaves her in awe during practice. With versatile playmakers like Thomas and Young leading the way, the Laces have the personnel to match up with anyone in Unrivaled.
The Phantom enter Friday off a gritty three-point win over the Mist, their second victory of the season. While Kelsey Plum stole headlines earlier in the season with a 38-point, double-double gem, it was Kiki Iriafen who led the way Monday, pouring in 19 points and seven rebounds in just 13.4 minutes. Aliyah Boston owned the glass with 12 boards, and Natasha Cloud continued to orchestrate the offense with seven assists, nine points, and eight rebounds. The concern for the Phantom remains ball security — they turned it over 11 times on Monday and are averaging 9.0 giveaways per game — an issue that could loom large against an aggressive Laces defense.
Both teams come in off wins and have no shortage of scoring, but this matchup feels like it’ll swing on the defensive end. The Laces lead Unrivaled in steals per game (6.7) but rank near the bottom in blocks (1.0). The Phantom sit middle of the pack in both steals (4.0) and blocks (3.0), making this a clash of pressure versus protection at the rim. If the Laces can turn Phantom turnovers into easy buckets, they’re well-positioned to keep the momentum rolling Friday night.
Laces vs. Phantom Pick
With Brittney Sykes continuing to prove she’s an absolute bucket and Alyssa Thomas anchoring things as a versatile playmaker on both ends, I’m giving the Laces the edge in what should be a close, competitive matchup.
