A few weeks ago, all but two WNBA squads were in action on Sunday, and once again, that is the case. So just like last time, we have a little guide to get you ready for all the action. Let’s get into it.
Connecticut Sun at Atlanta Dream, 3:00 PM EST (NBA TV)
The playoff dream for Atlanta (#nailedit) looks like it’s over, as they sit five and a half games back of the final playoff spot with just 11 games to go. Still, they’re an exciting bunch to watch with Angel McCoughtry getting buckets, and Shoni Schimmel back in form. McCoughtry went off for 32 the other day against the Lynx, while Schimmel almost put up a triple-double, doing this in the process.
As for the Sun, they’re in desperate need of a win, as they’ve fallen a bit back of the pack in the East. Still, while they’re a game and a half out of the last postseason spot, they’re also just two games back of second place in the conference. So they certainly have plenty to play for. Oh, and they have Alex Bentley, and she does things like this.
Minnesota Lynx at Washington Mystics, 4:00 PM EST (Live Access)
This is the only WNBA game not on national TV today, but that’s just a scheduling quirk, not an indication of the matchup. The Lynx have Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen, Sylvia Fowles, and the best record in the league. Moore is on fire, having scored 32 and 36 points in her last two games, so you might want to find a way to check this one out. Oh, and she did this the other day.
The Mystics, meanwhile, remain a bit underrated because of their lack of a true star. They don’t have an Elena Delle Donne, or Maya Moore, or Candace Parker. But what they do have is a very solid all around team. Stefanie Dolson and Emma Meesseman both made the All-Star team, and Kara Lawson is back from injury to provide veteran leadership at the point. They could be a real problem if they can get into the playoffs in the East, which of course, is not a forgone conclusion for anyone except the Liberty.
Chicago Sky at Los Angeles Sparks, 5:00 PM EST (NBA TV)
Game two of NBA TV’s triple-header is the game of the day. If you can only tune in to one matchup today, pick this one. Elena Delle Donne is back from her brief absence with an ankle injury, and is in the midst of one of the greatest seasons in league history. If you haven’t seen her play yet, you are seriously missing out. Here’s what she did the other night in the Sky’s big win against the Storm.
Right now, the Sky sit alone in second place in the East, but it’s a precarious position, as only two and a half games separate them from fifth place and missing the playoffs. With every team below them in action, they really need a win this afternoon.
As for the Sparks, don’t let their poor record deceive you. They may be just 7-16, but they played most of the year without Candace Parker and Alana Beard. Those two are back now, and the Sparks are looking like a real threat to the power structure in the West.
Indiana Fever at Phoenix Mercury, 8:00 PM EST (ESPN 2)
If you don’t get NBA TV or Live Access, don’t worry, you can still catch the Fever-Mercury matchup later tonight on ESPN 2. Each 7-3 in their last 10 games, both of these squads look to be playoff caliber, but while the Mercury have a spot nearly locked up, the Fever are still battling in the bunched up East.
Tamika Catchings’ career might be winding down, but she can still play, leading the Fever with 13 points a night. The other day she dropped a 20 spot in a vital win over the Mystics.
But Catchings and company will have their hands full against a Mercury group that features Brittney Griner and DeWanna Bonner. Bonner is putting up 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists a night, and has shown a penchant for hitting huge shots. The other day against the Shock, she hit a buzzer beater from three to give Phoenix the overtime victory.
Griner meanwhile, is putting up 16 points, 9 rebounds, and over 4 blocks a night, proving once again just how dominant she is in the paint. Those four blocks don’t include the countless ones she either alters or prevents all together.
San Antonio Stars at Seattle Storm, 9:00 PM EST (NBA TV)
These two are on the outside looking in at the Western Conference playoffs right now. And with the way the Sparks have looked since Parker and Beard returned, it’s where they might stay. Still, both are within two games of that precious final spot, so hope is not lost. It does make tonight’s game especially important, however.
With the Sparks facing a tough matchup against the Sky, this could be a chance for whoever wins to gain a game. A Sparks loss and a Stars win would put the Stars back in fourth, while a Sparks loss and Storm win would pull the Storm to just one game back for the final playoff seed.
The Storm’s Jewell Loyd looks to be a favorite for Rookie of the Year, while Sue Bird is as crafty as ever. Meanwhile, Kayla McBride has been getting buckets for the Stars all year, but hasn’t been appreciated as the Stars have struggled.