The Atlanta Dream and Phoenix Mercury meet Sunday in WNBA action at the Footprint Center. The Atlanta Dream need a win after losing 6 of their last 8 games. The Phoenix Mercury look for a win after splitting their last 10 games.
The Atlanta Dream are averaging 77.2 points on 41.7 percent shooting and allowing 80.5 points on 41.8 percent shooting. Rhyne Howard is averaging 14.7 points and 4.4 rebounds, while Tiffany Hayes is averaging 14.2 points and 1.6 assists. AD Durr is the third double-digit scorer and Cheyenne Parker is dishing 1.7 assists. The Atlanta Dream are shooting 34.1 percent from beyond the arc and 78.3 percent from the free throw line. The Atlanta Dream are allowing 34.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 35.3 rebounds per game.
The Phoenix Mercury are averaging 83 points on 43.3 percent shooting and allowing 85.7 points on 44.8 percent shooting. Skylar Diggins-Smith is averaging 19.6 points and 4.1 rebounds, while Tina Charles is averaging 17.3 points and 7.3 rebounds. Diana Taurasi is the third double-digit scorer and Diamond DeShields is dishing 2 assists. The Phoenix Mercury are shooting 32.5 percent from beyond the arc and 81.1 percent from the free throw line. The Phoenix Mercury are allowing 37.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 31.3 rebounds per game.
The Atlanta Dream look like a team that's ready for their season to end, and their defense continues to take steps back, allowing 81 or more points in 5 of their last 6 games. The Phoenix Mercury have been underwhelming this season and are dealing with a lot of off the court problems, but they're still super talented and experienced, and they're fresh off a solid win over the Mystics. Currently, in a playoff spot, the Mercury could put together a run and have everybody forget about their past struggles. Still cautious with Phoenix, but this is a more than winnable game at home. I'll lay the chalk.
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
Follow Randy Chambers on Twitter @WizardOf0dds