Mystics vs. Lynx Preview: Second Meeting in Three Days with Multiple Mystics Absences Likely to Hamper Their Performance

On the morning of August 18, the WNBA continues with a matchup between the Mystics and the Lynx at the Mystics’ home court.

The Lynx are ranked third in the league with an 18-8 record, averaging 81.1 points per game and conceding 74.8 points per game, with an away record of 6 wins and 5 losses. The Mystics have a record of 6 wins and 20 losses, ranking 11th, averaging 78.9 points per game while conceding 83.7 points per game, and have a home record of 3 wins and 9 losses. After the break, the two teams have already met once, and this time they will meet again for the second time within three days.

On August 16, the Mystics lost 68-79 to the Lynx on the road, with only three players from the Mystics scoring in double figures: Atkins scored 12 points, Sykes had 11 points, and Meesseman contributed 10 points, while Austin added 9 points and 10 rebounds. Four players from the Lynx scored in double figures, with Collier easily contributing 17 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Courtney Williams scored 14 points with 5 assists, while McBride and Alanna Smith both scored 12 points each.

This season, the Lynx have performed relatively well overall. As the team’s star player, Collier averages 19.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game. McBride averages 16.1 points, Alanna Smith averages 11.3 points, and Courtney Williams averages 10 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game.

The Mystics have a record of 6 wins and 20 losses, with a win rate of 23.1%, which is tied with the Wings for the worst in the league. There are not many standout players on the team. Atkins averages 15.4 points, making him the team’s top scorer, while Austin averages 11.3 points and 7.3 rebounds, Sykes averages 11.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, and Dolson averages 10 points.

In terms of injuries, multiple players from the Mystics will be unable to play in this game, including Austin, Richard, and Sykes.

In terms of both strength and roster completeness, the Lynx are superior. Even playing at home, the Mystics do not seem to have any advantage, given that their home win rate of 25% ranks last in the league. The two teams have met three times since entering 2024, one preseason game and two regular-season games, with the Mystics losing all three matches. It seems unlikely that the Mystics can pose much difficulty for the Lynx in this game.

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