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#3 Washington Mystics at #2 Atlanta Dream in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, 8:00 PM ET
You can watch this on NBA TV. The winner of this game will get to host the #4 seed and Defending Champion Indiana Fever in the Eastern Conference Finals. But by no means should the Dream or the Mystics start licking their chops and think about the next round. Indy can beat anyone in the East right now, and we still have this game.
Based on seeing how the Mystics lost the way they did at home after a Game 1 blowout win, many people probably don't know how they can come back and win this series. But I find it hard for Mike Thibault to see this team squander two straight chances to close the Dream out given the mentality the Mystics have had despite their faults. If there's one thing the 2013 Washington Mystics know how to do very well, it's competing hard virtually every night (last Saturday appeared to be an exception) and serving us crow.
Still, even though I do want to see the Mystics win this game and the series, the Dream is the favorite. Angel McCoughtry has been a factor for this team all series long despite shooting inefficiently, and I don't see it stopping right now.
#3 Phoenix Mercury at #2 Los Angeles Sparks in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals, 10:00 PM ET
This is on ESPN 2 because Brittney Griner and Candace Parker are playing. Big Three pick vs. the MVP. That makes a good story line.
Like the DC/ATL series, the road team has won each game so far. The tough part is seeing that one major superstar, whether it's Candace Parker of the Sparks or Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury will be packing her bags when this game's over.
Enjoy the games!