3 Bold Predictions for Tonight's 2022 WNBA Draft (Who Goes First Between Rhyne Howard and NaLyssa Smith?)

Before the NBA Playoffs and NBA Play-In Round tip-off on Tuesday, the WNBA Draft gets underway from New York City at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The Atlanta Dream hold the No. 1 pick on the board following a trade with the Washington Mystics. Atlanta sent the No. 3 pick, as well as the 14th overall pick in the second round in exchange to move up two spots. Washington also can swap its first round pick with Atlanta in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever have three picks coming in the first six picks and have four total in the first round! That's 1/3 of the picks going to Indianapolis!

Here's the order for tonight's draft.

2022 WNBA Draft Order - First Round

1. Atlanta Dream
2. Indiana Fever
3. Washington Mystics
4. Indiana Fever
5. New York Liberty
6. Indiana Fever
7. Dallas Wings
8. Minnesota Lynx
9. Los Angeles Sparks
10. Indiana Fever
11. Las Vegas Aces
12. Connecticut Sun

Before the festivities get underway, here are three bold predictions I expect to happen tonight from Spring Studios.

Bold Predictions for the 2022 WNBA Draft

NaLyssa Smith Goes to Atlanta Over Rhyne Howard

The Dream felt the need to swap picks with Washington to get into the No.1 spot, but if the consensus is that it's a toss-up between Howard and Smith, I'm going with the player that is the best fit in the new era of positionless basketball.

Smith has the size advantage over Howard and has improved her ability to step out and hit shots from outside, despite going 22.1 PPG and 11.5 RPG.

Howard is an incredible shooter, and still has good size at 6'2", but I can't help but think Smith's sensational athleticism and slightly higher upside could be the dealbreaker.

Destanni Henderson Goes to Vegas at No. 8

While Aliyah Boston was the Most Valuable Player of the NCAA women's tournament for South Carolina, Henderson was the best player in the national championship game; dropping 26 points on a UConn team that under Geno Auriemma, had never lost in the title game.

New coach Becky Hammon appreciates point guard play as well as anyone, and the Aces already has A'Ja Wilson, as well as Riquna Williams and Kiah tokes inside. Henderson fits the bill as a national champion adding more toughness, and explosive playmaking to a very good team next year.

The Aces, for what it's worth, are currently the favorites at WynnBET Sportsbook to win the title at +350 odds.

Nia Clouden Gets Drafted in the First Round

Maybe I'm just a fan of terrific point guard play, but like Henderson, I think there's a spot for Clouden late in the first round.

The terrific Michigan State Spartan point guard is starting to get some noteworthy buzz ahead of Monday's draft. She shot just under 40% this season from three point range; creating her own shot as well as anyone in the college game this year.

Several mock drafts have Clouden as high as 10 and as low as 20. I think the buzz is warranted, especially with a lot of bigs likely to go early in the draft. Maybe the Fever use one of their four picks to get the local midwest product.

Want even more WNBA Draft Coverage, check out FanSided's Justin Carter's Mock Draft!