Bring on the W! On Monday, the Washington Mystics head to Dallas to take on the Wings in a matchup featuring plenty of young star power. Tip-off is set for 8:00 p.m. ET, with the Wings listed as 4.5-point favorites and the total sitting at 171.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Let’s get into it!
Mystics vs. Wings prediction
The Mystics are coming off back-to-back overtime games, the latest being a thrilling 104-102 win over the Indiana Fever. In that matchup, Sonia Citron finished with 30 points and six rebounds while shooting an efficient 71% from the field, leading Washington in scoring.
I’ve already mentioned the dynamic sophomore duo of Kiki Iriafen and Citron, and the production just keeps coming. Iriafen, who currently leads the league in rebounds at 13.7 per game, posted a 25-point, 13-rebound double-double despite turning the ball over six times. As a team, Washington shot 56% from the field and completely dominated in the paint, outscoring Indiana 58-28 inside. That’s where this team has truly thrived to start the season.
Not only are the Mystics averaging 43.3 rebounds per game (2nd in the league), but they’ve also used their physicality to score 57% of their total points in the paint through three contests. 6’5″ center Shakira Austin has been another huge factor in Washington’s interior success, averaging 10 rebounds and 17.7 points per game. Pair that with Iriafen’s dominance on the glass, and you have a team that consistently controls possessions and creates extra scoring opportunities.
Dallas plays a very different style. While Washington operates at a slower pace (96.92), the Wings like to push tempo, emphasizing player movement and floor spacing. Despite losing to the Lynx in their last outing, Dallas is starting to find its offensive rhythm with new pieces like Alanna Smith and Odyssey Sims settling in. Paige Bueckers looked every bit the star, leading the team in points and assists while shooting 75% from three. This year’s No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd also got in on the action, adding eight points in 20 minutes off the bench as she slowly works her way into the league while managing a knee injury.
The Wings are looking to bounce back after two losses by five points or fewer, and it starts with Arike Ogunbowale’s shooting. The veteran guard went just 2-for-11 from the field against Minnesota, finishing with six points after averaging 21 points across her first two games of the season. Tonight needs to be a get-right spot for a scorer who’s averaged 19.9 points per game over her eight-year career.
Mystics vs. Wings, Best Bet
There’s plenty of young star power in this matchup, but Washington’s size and control of the paint makes me lean toward the Mystics. I still expect this to be a fairly close game, though, especially if Dallas is able to use its spacing and pace to put pressure on Washington’s defense.
