Connecticut hosts Atlanta at Mohegan Sun Arena on Monday at 1:00 p.m. ET. Atlanta is 25-14 and first in the East. Connecticut is 10-29 and fifth in the East.
This is the third meeting this season. The teams split the first two, with Connecticut winning 84-76 on June 6 and Atlanta winning 79-55 on May 25. Playoff stakes are higher for Atlanta as seeding is still in play.
Sun Preview – Can the Home Effort Hold Up?
Connecticut has won four of its last six, but lost 94-70 to Minnesota on Saturday. The Sun shot 36.2% in that game and were led by Marina Mabrey and Tina Charles with 14 points each. Aaliyah Edwards added 11 points off the bench.
The current starting group features Tina Charles, Lindsay Allen, Marina Mabrey, Leila Lacan, and Angelique Morrow. Charles added eight rebounds against Minnesota and remains the main interior option. Per the report, Bria Hartley is out for the season with a knee injury.
Connecticut’s home record is 6-13. The Sun are 22-17 ATS and 18-19-2 to the Over/Under. They will try to slow the game and improve efficiency after the low shooting night.
Dream Preview – Push for Seeding Continues
Atlanta has clinched a playoff spot and is 12-8 on the road. The Dream are 23-15-1 ATS and 17-20-2 to the Over/Under. They are 4-3 over the last seven and seek better consistency before the playoffs.
In the 100-78 win over Dallas on Friday, Rhyne Howard scored 24 points and went 6-for-11 from three. She also blocked six shots, a career best. Allisha Gray scored 19, Brionna Jones had 16 on 7-for-11, and Te-Hina Paopao added 14 with eight assists.
Atlanta lists no injuries. The last game starters were Brionna Jones, Allisha Gray, Naz Hillmon, Rhyne Howard, and Te-Hina Paopao. Bench scoring included 11 points from Brittney Griner.
Sun Preview – Key Numbers to Watch
Connecticut was held to 36.2% shooting in the recent loss. The starters combined for 42 points in that game. The Sun need more from the wings to keep pace with Atlanta’s guards.
Home form has lagged at 6-13. Rebounding from Charles is the anchor and could set second-chance points. Turnovers must stay low to limit Atlanta’s transition threes.
In the series split this year, the home team won each time. Connecticut won by eight at home in June. A good start will matter against an Atlanta team that scores in bunches.
Dream Preview – Key Numbers to Watch
Atlanta’s profile points to balance. The Dream rate well in rebounds, assists, and turnover margin from the listed league ranks. The offense is around 83 points per game with strong three-point volume.
Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray drive the perimeter. Paopao’s eight assists last game show steady creation. The Dream have also protected the ball well with low turnovers in the rankings.
Atlanta won the first meeting by 24 and lost the second by eight. If the threes fall early, the road form has been strong at 12-8. Depth scoring helped in the Dallas win and should carry over.
Betting Prediction
Trends point to Atlanta. The Dream have the better record, stronger road split, and a 23-15-1 ATS mark. Connecticut has improved, but recent shooting and home form are concerns.
Projected score: Dream 84, Sun 76. Lean to Atlanta to win and cover a small number. With Connecticut’s recent shooting dip, the total leans Under based on pace and half-court play.
Pick: Dream to win and cover; Under
