It’s an ION Friday for the WNBA with 4 video games on the community to kick off the weekend.
We begin with three video games starting at 7:30 p.m. ET: the Atlanta Dream internet hosting the Dallas Wings, the Connecticut Solar at dwelling towards the Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever going through off towards the Minnesota Lynx. The ultimate recreation would be the Chicago Sky welcoming the Los Angeles Sparks at 9:30 p.m. ET.
With playoffs approaching and battles for seeding intensifying, let’s give attention to the 2 matchups with the largest postseason implications: Solar vs. Aces and Fever vs. Lynx.
A’ja Wilson is Aces
You could be bored with listening to it, however get used to it: A’ja Wilson is otherworldly. She has surpassed Tamika Catchings in profession double-doubles with 97 and counting and had a latest 41-point and 17-rebound recreation towards the Phoenix Mercury. Due to her play, Las Vegas has received three video games in a row.
The crew continues to be underperforming on the season and caught on the No. 4 spot within the standings. A win towards the Solar on Friday might take one recreation off the three-game benefit Connecticut has on them.
Beating the Solar hasn’t been a straightforward job in 2024. They’ve solely misplaced 9 video games, however a kind of defeats got here by the hands of the Aces again on June 21, when Las Vegas prevailed 85-74. That is one among two matchups left between these two squads, and given how tight issues are, each groups will wish to win these video games to safe the most effective playoff spot potential and personal the tiebreaker over the opposite crew.
For Connecticut, profitable is all about sustaining steadiness. They’ve six gamers averaging double figures in scoring and can want important contributions from all of them to maintain Las Vegas at bay.
A Check for the Fever
The Fever have been spectacular for the reason that Olympic break and are tied for the most effective report within the WNBA throughout this stretch with seven wins and only one loss. The issue is the crew that has matched their mark is the Lynx.
Each groups are on fireplace, however the Lynx have the expertise and the most effective participant on the ground in Napheesa Collier. The Fever’s Caitlin Clark will definitely attempt to destroy that assertion, and if she will get going from past the arc, she very properly may just do that.
The Fever have been so good as of late for a myriad of causes. Clark by some means has grow to be an ever-better passer, at present main the whole league with 8.4 assists per recreation. Her enchancment in pick-and-roll actions with Aliyah Boston, together with Kelsey Mitchell averaging a team-high 25.6 factors over the previous eight contests, has the Indiana offense exploding.
Nonetheless, the Lynx can be fearless on the highway. With a win on Friday, they intention to regain the second seed within the standings. This crew is as harmful as they arrive and is on a mission for a title. The Fever are a enjoyable and thrilling younger crew, however they don’t seem to be fairly at that degree but. This recreation can be extra of a check for the Fever than for the Lynx. Passing it could put the whole league on discover.
Sport data
Atlanta Dream (11-22) vs. Dallas Wings (9-24)
When: Friday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET
The place: Gateway Middle Area at School Park in Atlanta, GA
How one can watch: ION
Dream damage report: Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (out; ankle), Ariel Powers (out; calf)
Wings damage report: Stephanie Soares (possible; knee)
Connecticut Solar (24-9) vs. Las Vegas Aces (21-12)
When: Friday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET
The place: Mohegan Solar Area in Uncasville, CT
How one can watch: ION
Solar damage report: Tiffany Mitchell (out; sickness)
Aces damage report: none
Indiana Fever (18-16) vs. Minnesota Lynx (24-9)
When: Friday, September 6 at 7:30 p.m. ET
The place: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
How one can watch: ION
Fever damage report: Temi Fagbenle (questionable; shoulder)
Lynx damage report: none
Chicago Sky (11-22) vs. Los Angeles Sparks (7-26)
When: Friday, September 6 at 9:30 p.m. ET
The place: Wintrust Area in Chicago, IL
How one can watch: ION
Sky damage report: Elizabeth Williams (out; knee)
Sparks damage report: Cameron Brink (out; left knee), Lexie Brown (out; Crohn’s), Layshia Clarendon (out; psychological well being causes)