The Connecticut Sun return home looking to end a rough start to their season when they host the Atlanta Dream on Friday night. The game tips off at 7:30 PM ET at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. Connecticut is 1-6 and winless at home, while Atlanta sits at 5-2 and has won four in a row.
These teams met less than two weeks ago in Atlanta, where the Dream won easily, 79-55. That game marked Connecticut’s second-lowest scoring total of the season. Atlanta has covered the spread in five of their seven games, while the Sun have covered only twice. The Dream are favored by 9.5 points going into this one.
Sun Preview – Looking to Reset After Blowout Loss
Connecticut last played on Sunday and lost by 48 points to New York, 100-52. They shot just 31.1% from the field and committed as many turnovers (19) as made shots. Only Tina Charles and Jacy Sheldon scored in double figures, with 10 points each.
The Sun have struggled on both ends. They rank last in scoring defense, giving up 89.1 points per game. Offensively, they’re shooting just 42% from the field and 32.1% from three. They’ve lost all three of their home games this year.
Coach Rachid Meziane says the team must play both offense and defense better to compete. Bria Hartley, Marina Mabrey, and Stephanie Rivers all shot under 40% in the last game. With starting guard Layshia Clarendon out due to a hamstring injury, depth remains an issue.
Dream Preview – Hot Start Backed by Scoring Duo
Atlanta is trending up with four straight wins. Their latest was a 94-87 road win at Seattle last Friday. Rhyne Howard led the way with 33 points, and Allisha Gray added 28. It was the Dream’s best offensive game of the season.
Howard is averaging 17.6 points per game, while Gray leads the team with 21.4 per game. Atlanta ranks second in the league in scoring at 85.9 points per game and is also second in field goal percentage. They have shot the ball well and limited turnovers, ranking second in assist-to-turnover ratio.
Te-Hina Paopao is giving the team solid minutes off the bench in her rookie season. Brittney Griner played limited minutes last week while recovering from a knee injury but is expected to play more in this one. Atlanta beat Connecticut by 24 points in the last meeting, with Gray and Nia Coffey scoring 18 points each.
Betting Prediction
Atlanta is a big favorite in this game at -9.5, with the total set at 157.5. The Dream are playing well on both ends and just beat the Sun by 24 points two weeks ago. Connecticut has not shown improvement since that loss and just gave up 100 points to New York.
The Dream have advantages in scoring, shooting, and depth. Howard and Gray continue to lead a fast-paced offense, and Griner’s return helps in the paint. The Sun are struggling with turnovers and lack of scoring options. Prediction: Atlanta wins 86-66 and covers the spread again.
Pick: Dream -9.5
