Mystics Look To Stay In Playoff Race

Washington Mystics vs Connecticut Sun Prediction 8-31-24

Mystics Look to Stay in Playoff Race

The Washington Mystics (14-17) are entering play on Thursday, August 31 off a loss to the Minnesota Lynx. The defeat dropped the Mystics 2.5 games back of the final playoff spot in the WNBA. Elena Delle Donne leads Washington with 15.6 points per game, followed by Ariel Atkins (13.8) and Natasha Cloud (13.4).

Washington has struggled defensively this season, ranking 11th in the league with opponents averaging 83.9 points per game. This could be a major concern against a Connecticut team that leads the league in scoring at 90.8 points per game.

Sun Look to Continue Dominance

The Connecticut Sun (22-8) are one of the hottest teams in the WNBA, having won nine of their last 11 games. The Sun are led by Jonquel Jones, who is averaging 20.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game. DeWanna Bonner (17.6) and Alyssa Thomas (17.4) are also averaging over 17 points per game.

Connecticut's success this season has been fueled by their strong defense, which ranks third in the league with opponents averaging 76.7 points per game. This should be a major advantage against a Washington team that has struggled to score at times this season.

Prediction

The Connecticut Sun are a much better team than the Washington Mystics on paper, and they should get the victory in this matchup. The Sun are more talented, have a better defense, and have been playing better lately.

• Connecticut 87, Washington 78