Dream vs Lynx Preview: Can the Dream Avoid a Sweep as They Fight for a Playoff Spot?

On September 11 at 7:30 AM, the WNBA regular season continues with the Atlanta Dream hosting the Minnesota Lynx.

The Lynx have won three consecutive games and are in excellent form, ranking second in the league with a 26-9 record, virtually securing the top spot in the West. The Lynx have a balanced attack and defense, averaging 82.9 points per game (ranked 6th in the league) and conceding only 76.3 points per game (ranked second in the league), with a net win of 6.6 points also ranking second in the league. In terms of home and away records, the Lynx have a home record of 15 wins and 3 losses, which is clearly better than their away record of 11 wins and 6 losses.

The Lynx boast the best roster depth in the league. Collier is the absolute core of the Lynx, averaging 20.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.9 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, all ranking among the top ten in the league, making her one of the top forwards in the league currently. McBride averages 15.3 points with excellent outside shooting accuracy, while Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith also average double-digit scoring. With Carlton, Allen, Sydeman, Juhász, Zandalasini, and others, the Lynx have a balanced offense and defense, with strong inside and outside play.

The Dream lost to the Fever in overtime in their last game, with a 12-23 record placing them ninth in the league, one game behind the eighth-ranked Sky, at a critical juncture in the playoff race. This game cannot be lost. The Dream have the worst offense in the league, averaging just 77.3 points per game, but their defense is relatively solid, allowing an average of 80.9 points per game, ranking fifth in the league, making them a team that is stronger defensively than offensively.

Howard is the Dream’s leading scorer, averaging 18.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. She has been in scorching form recently, scoring over 30 points in three consecutive games, including 36 points in the last game against the Fever. Alysia Gray averages 15.7 points and 4.2 rebounds, veteran Charles contributes 15 points and 9.4 rebounds, showing no signs of slowing down, and Canada averages 10.5 points and 6.3 assists. Shyian Parker and Powell are currently injured and unable to play, leaving the Dream somewhat short on roster depth.

This season, the two teams have met three times, with the Lynx winning all three games, including two wins by 13 points and one by 7 points, showing a clear advantage. In these three games, the Dream failed to score more than 80 points, even scoring as low as 55 points in one game. Meeting again, the Dream will fight hard for a playoff spot, aiming to avoid being swept, and may have a stronger desire to win, but their roster strength is not as good as their opponents, so the outcome of this game remains uncertain.

>>”>More predictions for this game can be found here>>>