Three of the top four teams in the WNBA standings will be in action tonight. The Minnesota Lynx are looking to further cement themselves as No. 1 across the league against a Golden State Valkyries squad that's on a two-game losing streak. The Atlanta Dream strive to keep themselves within the top four against a Los Angeles Sparks team that has nothing to lose.
Here's everything you need to know about tonight's WNBA action.
WNBA schedule for Aug. 24
MATCHUP | TIME | HOW TO WATCH |
|---|---|---|
Lynx vs. Valkyries | 8:00 p.m. ET | USA Network |
Sparks vs. Dream | 10:00 p.m. ET | Peacock/NBCSN |
Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries
What to know: While this might be the final regular-season meeting between these two squads, don't be surprised if we see it again in the postseason. The Valkyries are in second place in the WNBA standings, below only the Lynx. But when you look at the series record, 3-0 in favor of Minnesota, it seems like the Lynx are miles ahead of the Valks. However, with each matchup, Golden State has held Minnesota to fewer and fewer points. Their defense has been top-tier all season; it's their offense that lags.
The Valkyries bench has played a big role in each of the first three matchups against the Lynx — expect the same tonight. But it won't matter if the starters don't get going. This has been a problem in Golden State's most recent matchups — both resulting in losses. Last week, against the Sky, the starters combined for only 19 points.
Players to watch: Maya Caldwell will likely step in for Courtney Williams, who is out tonight with an injury. This could be her moment to shine. For the Valkyries, Janelle Salaün who you'll want to keep an eye on. She cannot only bail out some unproductive starters, but also is one of the best 3-point shooters on the team. Golden State has shot below average in their last two meetings with Minnesota. If Salaün can get hot, it could be game over for the Lynx.
Injury report:
- Minnesota Lynx:Â Courtney Williams (OUT)
- Golden State Valkyries:Â None
Prediction: Even without Courtney Williams' production, the Lynx will sweep the Valkyries in the regular season.
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Atlanta Dream
What to know: The Sparks have struggled defensively all season long, especially against the Atlanta Dream. In their first meeting, Los Angeles allowed 101 points. In their second, just last week, they allowed a whopping 124. In that matchup, the Dream simply weren't missing. They shot over 60 percent from the field, draining 16 3-pointers.
There are so many components of last week's meeting that the Sparks need to improve upon if they want to keep up with Atlanta tonight. First, the defense. The Dream not only outshot them from beyond the arc, but also outscored them in the paint 56-32. Secondly, Los Angeles committed 21 turnovers, resulting in 35 points for Atlanta.
Players to watch: Angel Reese has put up 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in both meetings against Los Angeles this season. If the Sparks pick up the pressure in the paint, she'll be the one expected to combat it. Speaking of that frontcourt pressure, the weight will fall on the shoulders of Nneka Ogwumike, who leads the Sparks in both rebounding and scoring. However, if Los Angeles is looking to win this game from beyond the arc, expect a player like Rae Burrell to get the rock a lot.
Injury report:
- Los Angeles Sparks:Â None
- Atlanta Dream: Brionna Jones (OUT)
Prediction: The Atlanta Dream will pull out the victory with another 100+ point night, thanks to a fifth straight double-double from Angel Reese.
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