Wings vs Dream Game 2 Prediction WNBA Playoffs 9/19
- Lm Tipster
- Sep 18, 2023, 8:00:45 PM
© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
WNBA First Round - Game 2: Dallas Wings vs Atlanta Dream
The Dallas Wings (22-18, 11-9 home) lead the first-round playoff series 1-0 against the Atlanta Dream (19-21, 8-12 away). Game 2 of this electrifying series is scheduled for September 19, 2023, at the College Park Center in Arlington, TX.
Dallas Wings: The Dominators
Season Series
The Wings have been utterly dominant against the Dream this season, winning all three matchups. This includes a most recent win of 94-77 on September 10th, which was followed by another win in Game 1 of the playoffs. The Wings have demonstrated a high level of consistency, maintaining an average lead of 15 points across all their encounters with the Dream this year.
Key Players
Arike Ogunbowale has been the leading scorer for the Wings with an average of 21.2 points per game. Her remarkable ability to score both inside and outside has made her a headache for opposing defenses. Teaira McCowan, on the other hand, has been a dominant force in the paint, averaging 9.1 rebounds per game and also contributing significantly on the offensive end. These two players form the backbone of the Wings' dominating performance.
No Injury Concerns
Both teams have full rosters with no players listed on the injury report. While this is good news for both sides, it becomes particularly advantageous for the Wings given their current form. The lack of injuries ensures that they can maintain their momentum and rely on their primary rotation players without any hitches.
Superior Team Chemistry
Over the course of the season, the Wings have shown excellent team chemistry, especially in their ball-sharing. Averaging around 20 assists per game, they have demonstrated that their victories are a collective effort, which makes them a well-rounded and difficult team to beat.
Defensive Tactics
While the Wings' offense grabs headlines, their defense has been equally impressive. Averaging nearly five blocks and eight steals per game, they have shown the ability to disrupt the offensive flow of their opponents effectively. This is crucial for the team to maintain a lead and, more importantly, cover the -6.5 points spread.
Atlanta Dream: The Underdogs
Season Struggles
Despite Renee Howard's standout performance this season, the Dream have not been able to solve the Wings' puzzle. Their season stats show a points per game average of 82.5 and a lackluster field goal percentage of 42.8%. The inconsistency in their play is evident, as they’ve been unable to win consecutive games in the last two months.
Key Player Performance
Renee Howard is leading the Dream in points and assists, but her efforts alone haven’t been enough to challenge the Wings. She's averaging 17.5 points per game but has not received consistent support from the rest of the team, especially from the bench, which has been a weak link for the Dream.
Lack of Defensive Cohesion
The Dream's defense has struggled against high-scoring teams like the Wings. They have a below-average defensive rating, which has been exploited in their matches against the Wings. Without significant improvements on this end, it's difficult to see how they could stop the Wings from covering the spread.
Prediction:
Head-to-Head Dominance
The Wings have been in a class of their own when facing the Dream. The average winning margin in their previous games against the Dream supports the idea that not only are they likely to win, but they are also likely to cover the spread easily.
Offensive Efficiency
Scoring an average of 87.9 points per game on a field goal percentage of 44.3%, the Wings have shown that their offensive efficiency is at an elite level. This superior firepower provides them with the necessary arsenal to cover the spread against a Dream team that has defensive issues.
Home Advantage
Playing at the College Park Center, where the Wings have a decent 11-9 record this season, offers an additional layer of confidence. The crowd support, familiarity with the court, and the comfort of being at home can provide that extra edge to cover the spread.
Final Thoughts
Taking into account the Wings' head-to-head dominance, their high-octane offense, their unyielding defense, and the home-court advantage, there's a high likelihood that they will not only win but also cover the -6.5 points spread in Game 2.
This analysis is intended for informational purposes. Betting on sports carries risks, and individual results may vary. Always do your own research and consider various factors before placing bets.
