In the WNBA regular season, the Connecticut Sun will compete against the Atlanta Dream. The game is set for Thursday, September 11, with the tip-off at 01:00 Central European Time. Here is an overview of the matchup.
Match Preview
Recently, the Connecticut Sun have been recognized as a strong and reliable team in the league, playing a physical and high-energy game on both offense and defense.
The Sun excel on the boards, limiting their opponents’ second-chance points and effectively controlling the paint. This has been a key strategy against faster teams.
This season has not met expectations for Connecticut, as they have already lost their chance at the playoffs and are finishing the regular season with little at stake.
Being in 11th place out of 13 teams is far from what the team and management anticipated. Significant changes are expected as this season’s performance is viewed as disappointing.
Meanwhile, Atlanta has made the playoffs for the third consecutive year, this time appearing more confident than in previous seasons. The team’s improvement is encouraging, but the critical matches are still ahead.
The Dream’s strategy is based on speed and aggressive offense, with a focus on fast breaks and perimeter shooting. This approach keeps the game fast-paced and allows for high scoring, but it can make them weak defensively.
Despite a struggle under the basket, solid teamwork has helped mitigate this weakness. Their second-place standing reflects a successful season, raising expectations for a strong playoff performance.
This game is important for Atlanta, as winning could prevent a quarterfinal matchup against last year’s rival, the New York Liberty, adding to their motivation.
Match Facts
- Connecticut has won only one of its last five games.
- Atlanta is currently on a five-game winning streak.
- The Dream have lost just once in their last nine away games.
- Connecticut averages 76 points per game, while Atlanta scores 84.
Players to Watch
Rhyne Howard is having a fantastic season and is a key player for Atlanta. She recently scored an impressive 37 points in a game against the Los Angeles Sparks.
Head-to-Head
This season, Atlanta has won two out of three matchups against Connecticut, while the Sun secured one victory.
Prediction
The teams have contrasting styles: Connecticut focuses on physicality and control in the paint, while Atlanta prioritizes speed and outside shooting. This matchup is intriguing, and the outcome will depend on which team can dictate the pace. While the game has little significance for the hosts, it’s crucial for the visitors. I predict a close contest, but I favor the hosts with a +18 points handicap.
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