Washington Mystics Are Great Dark Horse in WNBA Championship Odds

The WNBA season is just around the corner and the league is in for a treat. Elena Delle Donne will be back full time this season, which is always a good thing. When healthy, Delle Donne is one of the best in the world and can take the Washington Mystics from pretenders to contenders. 

Delle Donne only played in three games last season due to back pain and nerve pain upon returning to action. She’s had a full offseason to recover and rehab, giving me hope she’ll be ready for this season. If Delle Donne is healthy, the Mystics are a good dark horse to win the WNBA Finals. 

The Mystics, even without Delle Donne, were tied for the final playoff spot (No.8 seed), but lost out to the New York Liberty in a tiebreaker. Washington had Tina Charles to carry it in Delle Donne’s absence. She’s gone now and plays for the Phoenix Mercury. This leaves Delle Donne’s spot as the lead scorer on this team open for her return. 

Outside of Delle Donne, the Mystics have talent and experience. Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins have been pillars of this team for years now. Washington is also set to get a big influx of talent after winning the WNBA Draft lottery. The Mystics will be able to pick up some of the scoring as Delle Donne makes her way back.

In order to truly improve, the Mystics will have to improve their road record. They went 4-12 away from home last season. A bit of positive regression this year and the Mystics will be in the playoffs.

Washington is +1500 to win the title, putting them towards the middle of the league. The Mystics will need a big year from Delle Donne, but this is the year for them to bounce back. 

Don't forget about the 2022 Masters! Check out the video below for great analysis and predictions!