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Two intriguing match-ups close out a packed Friday night of WNBA action. The Lynx are winners of five straight and host the Dream with playoff implications on the line. Aces vs Sparks has game-of-the=night potential and features the battle of A’ja Wilson and Candace Parker.
Atlanta Dream (7-7) vs Minnesota Lynx (8-6)
When: Friday, June 29 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Target Center
How to Watch: NBA TV
Storylines to follow
When it comes to the Lynx, they have been absolutely on fire and are reminding teams they are still the defending champs. They aren’t just beating teams, they’re dominating them. The deadly duo of Sylvia Fowles and Maya Moore have shaken off their slow start and propelled the Lynx right back into contention. To top it off, the Lynx will be looking to avenge a close 76-74 loss to the Dream in May.
For the Dream, they will be looking to find some consistency in a year where they’ve continuously hovered around 500. A win tonight could mean a lot going forward: a 2-0 record against the former champs could be the boost this team needs to start making a strong playoff push. Going on the road and beating the Lynx while they are in the midst of a five-game winning streak would certainly inject confidence in a team that seems stuck in the mud.
Los Angeles Sparks (11-4) vs Las Vegas Aces (5-11)
When: Friday June 29 10:30 p.m. ET
Were: Mandalay Bay Events Center
How to Watch: WNBA League Pass
Storylines to follow
The classic rookie vs. the vet, or the young hungry up-and-coming team facing the wily veterans. That is what Sparks vs. Aces looks to bring.
Candace Parker vs A’ja Wilson is almost a dream match-up and is a battle that is certain to be show stealer. The Sparks have made defense their identity, which should pose a challenge to the young Aces, who rely on points in the paint and getting to the free throw line.
The Sparks will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back so tired legs could play a big factor in determining the outcome. But the veteran Sparks will make it difficult for the Aces to find rhythm and won’t make things easy for Las Vegas. Vegas is going to have to execute and eliminate the sloppy turnovers that have plagued them in close games all season. Unfortunately for Vegas, the Sparks are the best defensive team in the WNBA. This match-up should be a fun challenge for both teams as they face off for the first time this season.