The WNBA is officially back in action following a break for All-Star festivities in Chicago this past weekend. The action got rolling last night and continues on Wednesday evening with a two-game slate, including a matchup between the Atlanta Dream and the Dallas Wings. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET.
Here’s a betting preview, prediction and pick for this Dream vs. Wings game courtesy of WNBA odds and lines on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Dream vs. Wings prediction, preview.
Heading into the home stretch of the campaign, the Atlanta Dream are legitimate contenders to secure a postseason spot. While they’re unlikely to compete for the championship, they’re still 16-10 and have the potential to make some moves at the trade deadline as well. The Dream rank sixth around the WNBA in NETRTG (+5.0), sitting fifth in OFFRTG and fourth in DEFRTG. One of the clear strengths of this club is their presence on the glass, ranking third in REB% and first in OREB%. That helps create and extend possessions, with Atlanta at fifth in PPG (89.3) despite ranking 11th in FG% (43.8%) and 13th in 3P% (31.1%). The defense allows the fourth-fewest PPG (85.3) on the other end, though it’s worth noting opponents have the best FG% and 3P% when facing this group.
Allisha Gray paces the Dream in scoring with 19.1 points per game, followed by Rhyne Howard with 17.6 points and 2.4 steals a night. However, it might be Angel Reese who’s the biggest name on the roster, posting an impressive double-double of 15.4 points and 11.5 rebounds per outing. Jordin Canada also plays a key role with 11.7 points and a team-best 7.7 dimes.
The Wings, meanwhile, are 18-9 this season and seem to have the franchise on the right trajectory. They’re fifth in NETRTG (+5.1) with the fourth-best OFFRTG and fifth-best DEFRTG, so they’re very good on both ends of the floor. In particular, the offense stands out with the fourth-most PPG (90.2) on excellent efficiency – a 46.5% FG% ranks fourth and they lead the WNBA in assists per game (22.5), TO% and AST/TO ratio. Dallas also sits fifth in REB% and fifth in opponent PPG (86.2), so this group aren’t slouches on that side of the ball, either.
Former No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers has taken her game up a notch this year with a team-best 20.9 points and 6.2 assists a night as the Wings’ clear top dog. She’s complemented by veterans Jessica Shepard with 14.9 points, 5.4 assists and a staggering 12.0 rebounds, as well as standout scorer Arike Ogunbowale with 14.6 points per game. Rookie Azzi Fudd also pitches in 13.2 points a night.
Dream vs. Wings pick, best bet
DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Dream as a slim 1.5-point favorite on the road with -132 odds on the Moneyline. The Wings are a +109 underdog to win outright with the game total set at 181.5.
There’s a ton to like about this matchup. There’s a ton of star power on both sides with three All-Stars on each roster. Bueckers is the biggest name on the floor and has been quite the young floor general with a deep bag of scoring tricks, so she and Gray should go head-to-head here. Shepard and Reese will surely battle for supremacy in the paint as these rebounding titans fight for positioning. Ogunbowale and Howard can also trade buckets, so fans are in for a treat with this one.
While you could argue the Dream have the upper hand, it’s important to note that they face one of the best rebounders in the league tonight. Shepard’s presence should neutralize Atlanta’s greatest strength, or at least negate it to some degree. Without standout efficiency while relying on the glass to buy extra possessions, the stage is set for the home side to fall to the Wings. I like the outright upset in this one.
