The Atlanta Dream will play the Phoenix Mercury at Gateway Center Arena on August 1 at 7:30 PM ET. Both teams have strong records this season. Atlanta is second in the Eastern Conference at 16-11, and Phoenix holds second place in the West with a 16-10 record.
Atlanta beat Phoenix 90-79 when they last played on July 23. The Dream has won three of their last four games, with each victory by four points or less. Phoenix is struggling, losing four of its last five, including a 107-101 loss against Indiana.
Dream Preview – Can Atlanta Keep Its Hot Streak Alive?
Atlanta has been strong lately, winning three of its last four games. The Dream has been especially tough at home with an 8-4 record at Gateway Center Arena. Close games are becoming common, as the last three contests were decided by four points or fewer.
Allisha Gray leads Atlanta in scoring with 18.3 points per game. She also contributes with passing, averaging 3.5 assists per game. Gray scored 15 points and had seven assists in the win against Dallas on Wednesday.
Naz Hillmon has become very important off the bench. Hillmon scored a season-high 21 points against Dallas, hitting a late three-pointer to secure the win. Hillmon is averaging 8.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.
Atlanta will still miss key player Rhyne Howard, who is out with a knee injury. Howard averages 16.5 points per game, so other players will need to step up again. Brittney Griner will be key against her old team. She scored 17 points in the last game against Phoenix on July 23.
Mercury Preview – Can Phoenix Stop Its Losing Streak?
Phoenix has struggled recently, losing four of five games. Defense has been a problem, especially in their last game against Indiana, giving up 107 points. Phoenix is 7-6 on the road and needs a win badly to stay close to first place in the West.
Satou Sabally leads Phoenix in scoring with 17.6 points per game. She struggled in the recent loss to Indiana, scoring only nine points on 3-for-14 shooting. Sabally must shoot better against Atlanta.
Alyssa Thomas has played very well for Phoenix. She is averaging 16.4 points, 9.2 assists, and 8.3 rebounds this season. Thomas scored 32 points and grabbed 15 rebounds against Indiana, but her great game wasn’t enough.
Kahleah Copper adds scoring as well, averaging 15.2 points per game. Copper scored 22 points in the loss to Indiana, making six of her 10 shots. Phoenix has no injuries, giving them a full roster for this game.
Team Matchup – Key Stats
Atlanta and Phoenix have similar scoring numbers. Both teams average 83.8 points per game. On defense, Atlanta allows 79.1 points per game, the same as Phoenix. Both teams shoot about 43.5% from the field.
Phoenix is better at making three-pointers, averaging 9.6 per game. Atlanta shoots fewer three-pointers, averaging 7.2 made per game. Atlanta is slightly better at free throws, hitting 77.5%, compared to Phoenix at 77.7%.
Rebounding will be important. Phoenix averages 34 rebounds per game, while Atlanta gets about 32.2 rebounds per game. Atlanta is better at taking care of the basketball, turning it over 12.4 times per game compared to Phoenix’s 13.9.
Betting Prediction
Atlanta is playing better right now. They won three of their last four games and recently beat Phoenix easily on the road. Playing at home is also helpful, where the Dream has won eight of 12 games this year.
Phoenix has not played well defensively and struggled recently. Atlanta’s solid defense and home-court advantage should help them win again. Expect a close game early, but Atlanta should pull away late to win and cover the spread.
Pick: Atlanta Dream -2.5
