The Dallas Wings (1-0) host the Chicago Sky (0-1) for the second consecutive sport to start the 2024 WNBA common season this Saturday, Could 18. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and the sport will likely be broadcast nationally on NBA TV.
The Wings earned their first win of the season on Wednesday, outlasting the Sky for an 87-79 victory. Although Dallas received off to a sluggish begin, it outscored Chicago 47-36 within the second half and 14-4 within the closing three minutes, utilizing benefits within the paint and off the dribble to start its 2024 marketing campaign on a excessive word.
Saturday, the 2 groups will meet once more, although the Wings will likely be lacking a good portion of their frontcourt this time round. The group introduced that ahead Natasha Howard, who averaged 16.5 factors and eight rebounds per sport in 2023 and recorded 15 factors and 13 rebounds on Wednesday, will miss the subsequent three to 6 weeks with a damaged foot. Howard will be part of forwards Satou Sabally (shoulder) and Jaelyn Brown (nostril) on the sidelines; Dallas signed ahead Monique Billings to an emergency hardship contract as a short lived substitute.
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Dallas prides itself on controlling the sport within the paint and on the boards, so Howard’s absence will definitely be felt, particularly towards a Sky group that grabbed 16 offensive rebounds of its personal on Wednesday. Chicago had no reply for Wings heart Teaira McCowan (18 factors and 13 rebounds); she’ll as soon as once more be a giant a part of the sport plan on Saturday regardless of who shares the courtroom together with her.
The Sky might want to account for McCowan, which is simpler mentioned than executed, however they’ll even have to wash up their late-game offense in the event that they’re going to depart Dallas with a win. Although Chicago received double-figure scoring from every of its 5 starters on Wednesday, not all of these factors got here effectively; as a group, the Sky shot 39.2 p.c from the sphere (35.3 p.c within the fourth quarter) and made simply 19 of their 27 free throw makes an attempt (59.3 p.c).
Chicago may also profit from getting its star rookie, Angel Reese, occurring offense. Reese completed her WNBA debut with 12 factors and eight rebounds, however shot simply 5-for-14 from the sphere and 2-for-8 on the free throw line. She gained’t be matched up with Howard—a former Defensive Participant of the 12 months—on Saturday, although, so maybe she’ll have a better time within the rematch.
Can the Mercury decelerate Tina Charles and the Dream with out Brittney Griner?
Talking of groups which are navigating large accidents to their frontcourt, the Mercury will likely be with out star heart Brittney Griner for the foreseeable future. Griner suffered a toe fracture previous to the beginning of the common season, and the Mercury didn’t present a timetable for her return.
Evidently, Phoenix might want to make main changes to compensate for the loss. With out Griner’s presence within the paint, the Mercury turn out to be extra of a jump-shooting group; they took 36 3-pointers of their season opener towards Las Vegas, and although they in the end got here up quick (89-80), first-year head coach Nate Tibbetts will possible encourage his gamers to proceed firing away from lengthy vary.
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Phoenix will host the Atlanta Dream, who’re coming off a 92-81 win over Los Angeles, on Saturday. Atlanta’s Rhyne Howard scored a game-high 25 factors in her season debut, and she or he’ll match up towards the Mercury’s Kahleah Copper, who continues to be getting acclimated in Phoenix after being traded from Chicago through the offseason. The Mercury may also must provide you with an answer for Tina Charles; the No. 4 scorer in WNBA historical past didn’t play final season, however appeared sturdy in her first sport with the Dream, and might be in for one more large day with out Griner standing in her manner.
Sport data
Chicago Sky (0-1) vs. Dallas Wings (1-0)
When: Saturday, Could 18 at 8 p.m. ET
The place: Faculty Park Middle in Arlington, TX
How you can watch: WNBA League Cross, NBA TV, Bally Sports activities SW, Marquee Sports activities Community
Sky damage report: Kamilla Cardoso (out; shoulder)
Wings damage report: Natasha Howard (out; foot), Satou Sabally (out; shoulder), Jaelyn Brown (out; nostril)
Atlanta Dream (1-0) vs. Phoenix Mercury (0-1)
When: Saturday, Could 18. at 10 p.m. ET
The place: Footprint Middle in Phoenix, AZ
How you can watch: WNBA League Cross, NBA TV, Arizona’s Household 3TV, Peachtree Sports activities Community
Dream damage report: None
Mercury damage report: Brittney Griner (out; toe)
