Mystics 0-9 vs Sky 3-5
When: Thursday, June 6th, at 7 p.m.
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC.
TV: Amazon Prime
Injury:
Mystics: Shakira Austin – Left Hip – OUT
Brittney Sykes – Left Ankle – OUT
Sky: None
Keep An Eye on:
Rebounding: will be even more of importance than normal for the Mystics. Washington ranks dead last in the WNBA in rebounding, pulling down 31.1 rebounds per game. Chicago on the other hand, comes in to Thursday’s contest third in the WNBA in total rebounds, grabbing 36.9 rebounds per game and FIRST in offensive rebounds at 12.8 per game. Washington has been out-rebounded in seven of their nine games this season. That will need to change in a major way against the Sky if they want to have any hope of getting their first win of the season.
Impactful Rookies:
Will headline this game for a number of reasons. Mystics rookie forward-center has made an immediate impact this season, averaging 7.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, which includes a 14 points and 9 rebounds outing in Washington’s loss to the WNBA leading Connecticut Sun. Mystics point guard Julie Vanloo while although a veteran professionally, is a rookie in the WNBA currently. She’s opened eyes with her playmaking and flair for the game.
Chicago on the other hand brings a pair of highly touted rookies in their own right in Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. For Reese, it’s a homecoming of sorts, as it will be her first professional game in DC, which is 45 minutes south of her native Baltimore. The much hyped Reese (10.9 ppg, 9 rpg, 1.1 spg) has already proven to be a formidable rebounder and on ball defender. Cardoso, who has just been put in the rotation after missing Chicago’s first six games, is making her presence felt, averaging 6 points and 5.5 rebounds in 15 minutes per game.
All four rookies are counted on to perform and whichever group shines the best Thursday night, will give their respective team the edge in a must needed win.
Battle of Top Benches:
Is also something to keep an eye on that will have a significant impact on ultimately leaves the court on top. The Mystics reserves, in spite of their countless injuries, lead the WNBA in scoring, averaging 23.2 points per game. Rookie forward Aaliyah Edwards and reserve forward Myisha Hines-Allen leads Washington reserves in scoring with 7.3 and 6 points per game respectively.
Right behind Washington, in second place as far as top scoring benches, are the Chicago Sky. The Sky come in to Thursday’s battle with Washington averaging 22 points per game and is led by the top scoring reserve in the WNBA, Chennedy Carter, who is averaging 12.5 points on 51 percent shooting from the field.
Clearly there is no let down when either team goes to their bench throughout the game. Again, the team that ultimately wins this game, their bench will play a significant role in making that happen.
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