Mystics vs Dream Odds: Delle Donne Historically Dominant Against Atlanta

Two days after overwhelming the Atlanta Dream 109-86 in D.C., the Washington Mystics will look to make it two-for-two against the Dream. The Dream have managed to stick around the WNBA playoff race, though they’re surprisingly just 1-5 at home.

Washington opened as a 1.5-point favorite (-115) (UPDATE: WA -2.5 -110) and -145 on the moneyline, with Atlanta priced at +125. The projected total is 164.

Let’s a closer look at the Mystics vs Dream odds as we break down Friday’s game.

Dream Sticking Around

Let’s jump right to it. Atlanta doesn’t have the makings of a true contender. Few would argue with that assertion. Despite the emergence of 2022 No. 1 pick Rhyne Howard, the roster is still relatively young, a year or two away from truly being able to hang with some of the better teams in the WNBA.

That said, despite an underwhelming 5-8 record, Atlanta finds itself in the postseason mix. The Dream entered Thursday in sole possession of the eighth and final playoff spot in the WNBA standings, a half-game ahead of both Minnesota and Indiana.

Atlanta may be just good enough to stay there, too. Howard has been solid, averaging 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists. Those statistics are nearly identical to last season, when she ran away with the Rookie of the Year Award. With contributions from veterans Allisha Gray and Cheyenne Parker, Atlanta’s been able to form its own “Big Three.” The trio has accounted for almost 60% of the team’s scoring.

Parker scored 23 points in Wednesday’s loss, while Howard matched her season-low with eight points. Keep that in mind as you assess the Mystics vs Dream odds.

More of the Same for Mystics?

Washington made it look easy at times in Wednesday’s victory, outscoring the Dream 35-13 in the second quarter to open a commanding 28-point halftime lead. Forward Elena Delle Donne poured in 25 points on 10-of-17 shooting, and five others joined her in double figures. The 109 points were a season-high for the Mystics, 30.4 above their average. It’s worth noting Atlanta ranks last in the WNBA in scoring defense.

The Mystics are currently 9-5, fourth in the WNBA standings. They remain arguably the biggest threat to Las Vegas and New York, the league’s newly crowned “Super Teams.” Oddsmakers seem to agree, as Washington owns the third-best title odds at +1400. Las Vegas and New York have distanced themselves from that pack in that regard, priced at -135 and +190, respectively.

Delle Donne appears healthy again, which is important. The six-time All-Star, who’s been plagued by back issues, is averaging 18.6 points and 6.4 rebounds. Most importantly, she’s playing 30.8 minutes a night, the most since 2018. Delle Donne is currently priced at +1400 to win her third MVP, the fourth-best odds on the board behind Breanna Stewart (-125), A’ja Wilson (+350) and Alyssa Thomas (+600).

Notably, Washington will be without center Shakira Austin, who is expected to miss at least the next three weeks with a hip injury. Austin had to be carried off the court in Sunday’s overtime loss to New York. She was averaging 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds and was shooting 50.8%. Her absence could affect the Mystics vs Dream odds.

Handicapping The Game

Washington exposed Atlanta’s deficiencies on defense in their last matchup, shooting 53.4% and knocking down 11 3-pointers. The Dream haven’t proven they can fix that issue, and there’s no reason to think it’ll change anytime soon. Atlanta is allowing 89.9 points per game, 2.4 more than anybody else in the WNBA. It’s a big reason why they’ve been unable to build much momentum despite the offensive capabilities of Howard, Gray and Parker.

Over her standout career, Delle Donne had scored at least 25 points against Atlanta 12 times. She very well could approach that total again Friday. Washington is shaping up to be a slight road favorite.

For WNBA lines, betting news, analysis and more, visit pointspreads.com

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