:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60894303/Skylar_Diggins_Smith.0.jpeg)
Playoff-bound Lynx, Sun, Sparks, and Mystics all face up in a preview of what’s to come in WNBA postseason play! But the day’s most important matchup will see the Las Vegas Aces take on the Dallas Wings in a fight for the last spot in the playoffs. The Wings are in with a win, while the Aces need a bit more help to punch their postseason ticket.
Minnesota Lynx (17-15) vs. Connecticut Sun (19-13)
When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
How to watch: NBCCB, WNBA League Pass| TICKETS
Scouting Report:
The Lynx are looking for a road win against the Connecticut Sun on Friday night. The Lynx last outing was a 91-88 loss to the Chicago Sky on Tuesday night where Courtney Vandersloot of the Sky broke the WNBA’s single-season assists record. Maya Moore had 21 points for the Lynx and fouled out of the game late in the fourth quarter. Sylvia Fowles added 19 points and 13 rebounds for the Lynx.
The Connecticut Sun took down the Wings on Tuesday night 96-76. Jonquel Jones had 27 points and 10 rebounds in the win and Chiney Ogwumike added 13 points. The Sun will be looking to keep up the wining momentum with just two games left in the regular season. The Lynx and the Sun are both locked in for the playoffs.
Los Angeles Sparks (19-13) vs. Washington Mystics (21-11)
When: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Capitol One Arena – Washington D.C.
How to watch: NBA TV, WNBA League Pass, Monumental, SPECSN| TICKETS
Scouting Report:
The Sparks face the Mystics on the road on Friday night. The Sparks are coming off a 74-66 win against the New York Liberty on Tuesday night. Chelsea Gray led all scorers with 26 and Nneka Ogwumike chipped in 20 points and eight rebounds for the Sparks. Candace Parker tallied 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Mystics are also coming off a victory against the Indiana Fever 76-62 on Wednesday night. The Mystics maintained balanced scoring after a 31-point first quarter and the Fever only scored two points in the 4th quarter in the loss. Elena Delle Donne led the Mystics with 25 points and seven rebounds, and Kristi Toliver had 19 points and seven rebounds. Monique Currie was the only other double-digit scorer for the Mystics in the win with 14 points and five boards. The Mystics and the Sparks have both already punched their tickets for postseason play in the 2018 WNBA playoffs.
Las Vegas Aces (14-18) vs. Dallas Wings (14-18)
When: 8 pm et
Where: College Park Center – Arlington, TX
How to watch: FSSW+, WNBA League Pass| TICKETS
Scouting Report:
The stakes are high as the Dallas Wings and Las Vegas Aces matchup on Friday night. If the Wings win, they’re in (thanks in large part to the forfeit the Aces took earlier this year). The Aces have to win this game and hope the Wings lose to Seattle on Sunday. The Wings hold the tiebreaker between the two teams, having won both previous matchups this season.
The Wings’ last game was a 96-76 loss at the end of their three-game road trip against the Connecticut Sun. In the loss, Allisha Gray led the Wings with 18 points and 5 rebounds, Skylar Diggins-Smith added 17 points and 8 assists. Liz Cambage tallied her 14th double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
The Aces are riding high after two wins to even up their record with the Wings. In the Aces’ last contest, they beat the playoff eliminated New York Liberty 85-72 on Wednesday Night. In the game, rookie A’ja Wilson paced the Aces with 19 points and 3 rebounds, Kayla McBride had 15 points and Kelsey Plum, and Tamera Young both added 11 points in the win. Minimizing turnovers and focusing on defensive stops instead of trading baskets will give either team the advantage in this showdown.