The Washington Mystics return home to CareFirst Arena on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, to take on the Connecticut Sun. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET. The Mystics sit at 16-18 and are battling to move into playoff position, while the Sun enter with the league’s worst record at 6-27.
This will be the third meeting between the teams this season. Washington has controlled both matchups so far, including a 90-85 road win in May and a 104-67 blowout at home in June. These teams will play again later this week in Connecticut to close out their season series.
WAS Preview – Offense Finding Rhythm
The Mystics have turned a corner offensively since the All-Star break. They are 3-1 in their last four games and have scored 80 or more in each of those contests. That offensive push has given them momentum as they chase one of the final playoff spots.
Rookie Sonia Citron has been the driving force, averaging nearly 20 points per game during this stretch and shooting over 50 percent from the floor. Kiki Iriafen has been just as important, averaging 18.3 points and 10 rebounds per game in her last four outings. Their growth has made Washington more dangerous late in the season.
In the June 8 win over Connecticut, the Mystics had five players score in double figures, showing how balanced their roster can be. Center Shakira Austin has also added steady play inside, helping Washington control the boards. Coach Sydney Johnson praised the team’s improved ball movement and execution, which has been evident in recent weeks.
Washington’s defense has also made strides. While they gave up points earlier in the season, they’ve tightened up against mid-tier opponents, holding several teams under 70 in the past few weeks. That combination of efficient scoring and stronger defense has them positioned well heading into the stretch run.
CON Preview – Struggles Continue Late in Season
The Sun have had a difficult year, entering with a 6-27 record and only one road win all season. They did pick up a 71-62 victory over Chicago last week but followed it with a disappointing overtime loss to Indiana after blowing a large halftime lead. Their inconsistency has been a season-long issue.
Marina Mabrey continues to shine as their main scoring option, pouring in 27 points in the loss to Indiana. Veteran Tina Charles added 21 points and six rebounds, while young guard Leila Lacan impressed with 14 assists. These performances show the Sun have talent but cannot keep it going for four full quarters.
Defensively, Connecticut has allowed 90 or more points three times already this month. Their collapse against Indiana was another example of poor second-half defense. Coach Rachid Meziane admitted after the game that the team failed to adjust once the Fever got hot, something that has happened often this year.
Connecticut’s offense is also streaky, scoring well in spurts but struggling with efficiency when Mabrey or Charles cool off. The Sun average just 75.3 points per game, ranking last in the WNBA. On the road, those scoring issues become even more of a problem as they have lost 15 of 16 away from home.
Betting Prediction
The Mystics are listed as 6-point favorites, with the total set at 158. Washington has already beaten Connecticut by 5 and 37 points this season, showing clear control in the matchup. With Citron and Iriafen playing at a high level, and Washington’s offense producing its best numbers of the year, the Mystics hold the advantage again.
Connecticut has shown some fight in recent weeks but still cannot sustain it against playoff-level opponents. Washington’s balance on offense and improved defense makes them the stronger pick. A predicted final score is Mystics 88, Sun 74, with Washington covering the spread and pushing the total slightly Over.
Pick: Mystics -6
