Dream vs Mystics Betting Odds: Washington Favored To Clinch Playoffs

Mystics Given 5.5-Point Spread in Clinching Game

The Washington Mystics, 5.5-point favorites here, should punch their ticket to the WNBA playoffs by taking care of the banged-up Atlanta Dream. Rhyne Howard, their star player, got hurt in the previous game. While she could still play, the already-clinched Dream may not push it as they prep for the postseason. Thus, Washington could just own the Dream vs Mystics betting odds as it has typically done.

Fighting For That Dream, Atlanta

The Atlanta Dream just clinched a playoff spot. But it also came with some bad WNBA news. Rhyne Howard hurt her ankle and had to leave the game against Seattle. Losing Howard will hurt Atlanta’s offense, as she leads the team with 17.3 points. Fortunately, the Dream had Monique Billings step up.

The 6’4” forward is the only WNBA player left in Atlanta since they last made the playoffs in 2018. In the most crucial game of their season, Billings posted 15 points and 14 rebounds.

“Basketball is a sport we play, but there’s so much more to life,” said Billings, a rookie the last time Atlanta played in the playoffs. “Everything I’ve gone through the last few years is just life experiences. I just want to continue to grow as a person and as a player.”

Cheyenne Parker also had a big game, scoring 17 points on 7-of-14 shooting. The two led Atlanta over Seattle while Howard and Allisha Gray, their leading scorers, struggled. 

It was a much-needed win for the Dream at home. But on the road, they will need to play much better. Atlanta is 7-12 as a visitor and has lost five straight on the moneyline and the point spread. The Dream are 5-10 against the spread (ATS) in their last 15 games. 

The team has struggled to score consistently, hence why their offensive rating of 97.9 is the second-worst during this span. And as a consequence, 10 of its last 14 games have gone under the total. The Dream vs Mystics betting odds have a total of 162.5 points, mainly because Washington has been on a roll.

Mystics Become Mystical With Elena Delle Donne

The Mystics are a team to watch out for if and when they make the playoffs. This squad is a different beast when Elena Delle Donne plays. Even at 34 and hampered by injuries, the two-time MVP significantly improves Washington’s offense.

With Delle Donne on the floor, Washington’s offensive rating is 106.9 versus 99.1 when she’s off. Overall, the team is a whopping +18.4 in net rating and is 12-9 when she plays.

It’s a big reason why Washington is 4-1 ATS in its last five games. And playing at home against a team it usually beats, Washington has a promising chance of maintaining some momentum. Guard Ariel Atkins could also return from her nose injury.

Given the circumstances, 4.5 points on the Dream vs Mystics betting odds may not be that much. Washington has won and covered in five straight home games against Atlanta. The team is also 10-4-1 ATS in its last 15 home games. 

Washington’s defense also remains stalwart. It’s what kept it afloat in Delle Donne’s absence. And it’s also why five of their last six games have gone under the total despite improvement in their scoring. 

A win from Washington will also alter the WNBA standings and playoff matchups. This is a further incentive for both these teams, as the winner of this game will move up to the sixth seed and face Connecticut. While the loser may face either Las Vegas or New York. Not ideal, to say the least.

For WNBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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