The New York Liberty travel to Texas to take on the Dallas Wings on Friday night at College Park Center. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET. New York leads the Eastern Conference at 19-10, while Dallas sits seventh in the West at 8-22. The season series is tied 1-1 after the Liberty won 85-76 at home on Tuesday.
This is the final meeting between the two teams this season. Dallas took the first game at home on July 28, 92-82, before New York responded earlier this week. Both teams are dealing with key injuries, and the Wings will be watching the status of leading scorer Paige Bueckers, who is questionable with a back strain.
Liberty Preview – Balanced Attack Without Stewart
The Liberty continue to play without Breanna Stewart, who will miss her sixth straight game with a knee injury. In her absence, Jonquel Jones has stepped up, recording 15 points and 10 rebounds in Tuesday’s win. Emma Meesseman, signed recently, has made an immediate impact, scoring 13 points in 24 minutes against Dallas and averaging 12 points in her first two games.
Sabrina Ionescu runs the offense, contributing nine points, five rebounds, and three assists last game despite a cold shooting night. Leonie Fiebich added 14 points on 5-for-7 shooting, while Natasha Cloud tallied 12 points and six assists. The Liberty shot 50% from three-point range against Dallas, hitting 12 of 24 attempts.
New York ranks second in the WNBA in points per game at 86.9 and first in free throw percentage at 83.9%. They are also one of the league’s best passing teams, ranking second in assists per game at 21.9. Defensively, they allow 86.5 points per game, placing them in the lower half of the league, but their efficient scoring keeps them competitive in high-total matchups.
Wings Preview – Hoping Bueckers Can Play
Paige Bueckers has been the offensive leader for Dallas, averaging 18.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game. She scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the last matchup despite her injury. Dallas will need her production to keep pace with New York’s high-powered offense.
Arike Ogunbowale struggled in Tuesday’s loss, shooting just 3-for-12 for 14 points. Maddy Siegrist scored 13 points in her return from a knee injury and could provide a boost as she gets back into game shape. The Wings were just 6-for-27 from three-point range against New York, which hurt their chances late.
Dallas averages 80.5 points per game and allows 87.2, ranking near the bottom in scoring defense. They do well on the glass, pulling down 34.5 rebounds per game, and they rank fourth in the league in free throws made per game at 17.6. Myisha Hines-Allen, probable for this game, could help bolster their inside presence.
Betting Prediction
The Liberty enter as -8.0 favorites with the total set at 173.0. New York’s shooting advantage from three and consistent free throw production give them a clear edge. Dallas has struggled to defend the perimeter, ranking 13th in opponent three-point percentage, which could be costly against a hot-shooting Liberty team.
Projected score: Liberty 90, Wings 80. New York should cover the spread if Bueckers is limited or unavailable. The over is possible given both teams’ defensive numbers, but New York’s pace control may keep it close to the number.
Pick: Liberty -8
