The Mystics will be looking to win against a Lynx team that will be missing Napheesa Collier and might be missing Olivia Miles. A win for Washington means they can get more comfortable in the standings and away from the Liberty. The Valkyries will want to bounce back against the Sky after taking a tough loss against Minnesota. Lastly, there's a battle between the two new expansion teams and the Fire can still technically make the playoffs.
Here is a preview for every game tonight.
WNBA schedule for Aug. 21
Matchup | Time (ET) | Where to watch |
|---|---|---|
Lynx vs. Mystics | 7:30 p.m. | ION |
Valkyries vs. Sky | 7:30 p.m. | ION |
Fire vs. Tempo | 10:00 p.m. | ION |
Minnesota Lynx vs. Washington Mystics
What you need to know: The Mystics are coming into this matchup needing to get the win. The young team still has a lot to prove and beating a team that's as hot as Minnesota would mean something. They have a real shot at it too because Miles hurt her left ankle when she stepped on Miles' foot last game, so the team might be without the two of them. Still, Washington can't overlook the rest of the roster, as Kayla McBride can get hot at any time. If Miles plays tonight or not, the Mystics will want to focus on having a great shooting night to pull off the win.
Stat to watch: Through the last five games, McBride is averaging 22 points and 2.4 steals.
Key Matchup: Kayla McBride vs. Sonia Citron
Injury report:
- Lynx: Olivia Miles (Probable), Napheesa Collier (Out)
- Mystics: None
Prediction: Minnesota holds on by a hair and is able to secure the win without Collier.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky
What you need to know: Chicago has had a restful three days after they got a big win against the New York Liberty. In the game, Natasha Cloud had a career night, which was key to their success. The Valkyries are having a career season all around. Despite losing against the Lynx, they didn't look like they usually do, shooting 25-for-77 from the field and 7-for-37 from the 3. That won't happen twice for a team like this. Even if they do, they're a great defensive team behind Gabby Williams and can overcome woes against Chicago.
Stat to watch: There aren't any teams in the league that allow under 80 points per game, besides the Valkyries, who allow 76.7.
Key Matchup: Gabby Williams vs. Sydney Taylor
Injury report:
- Valkyries: None
- Sky: Aicha Coulilbaly (Questionable), DiJonai Carrington (Out), Skylar Diggins (Out)
Prediction: It's hard to have a career night against a team like Golden State, so the Valkyries win this matchup easily.
Portland Fire vs. Toronto Tempo
What you need to know: Toronto is on a massive 12-game losing streak, during which they lost one to the Tempo. The Fire didn't win either of the two matchups that the teams have had this season. A spot that the Fire could take advantage of is in these teams' defensive effort because they're both at the bottom of the league in average rebounds. If Toronto can shoot enough and efficiently, they have a shot at winning. It'll be hard though, if the Fire's Carla Leite has a great shooting night of her own.
Stat to watch: Leite is averaging 17.8 points and 6.4 assists through the last five games.
Key Matchup: Carla Leite vs. Brittney Sykes
Injury report:
- Fire: Sania Feagin (Out)
- Tempo: Maria Conde (Out), Marina Mabrey (Out), Nyara Sabally (Out)
Prediction: The Tempo will finish the year never winning a game against their fellow expansion team.
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