clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Preview: Dream can clinch playoff berth with win tonight over the Aces

In the other 7 p.m. ET game, the Storm have a chance to gain a firmer grasp on the top spot in the standings (if not thwarted by a pride-filled Fever team).

By Tamryn Spruill

If you buy something from an SB Nation link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.

All together now: “We crush dreams!”
Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images

The 2018 WNBA season gives new meaning to the phrase “every game counts.” A pair of 7 p.m. ET games fits that bill, with playoff implications on the line for three of the teams involved.

Las Vegas Aces (12-15) at Atlanta Dream (18-10)

When: Tuesday, August 7 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: McCamish Pavilion, Atlanta | TICKETS

How to watch: NBA TV (nationally) | Fox Sports South (Atlanta)

Injury report: For the Dream, Damiris Dantas (right ankle) is questionable. Everyone is good to go for the Aces.

Keys to the clash

  • Atlanta has been on a tear, with several players dominating, but especially Tiffany Hayes — three-time and reigning Player of the Week for the 2018 season. Atlanta is coming off of a dream-destroying 20-point victory over the the reigning champion Lynx on Sunday. A win tonight means a clinched playoff berth for the Dream, so Hayes & Co. will do whatever it takes to make that happen.
  • The path for Las Vegas lately has been much rockier due to severe travel woes that forced a game cancellation on Saturday followed by a loss their next time out. The Aces are ninth in the standings behind the eighth-ranked Dallas Wings, and just 1.5 games out of playoff contention. This team will be looking to regain rhythm against Atlanta.

Seattle Storm (22-7) at Indiana Fever (5-23)

When: Tuesday, August 7 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis | TICKETS

How to watch: WNBA League Pass (worldwide)

Injury report: For the Storm, Alysha Clark (left hamstring strain) is doubtful. For the Fever, Shenise Johnson (ACL rehab) remains out.

Keys to the clash

  • The Storm have won eight of their last 10 games and are on a four-game winning streak. A full 3.5 games ahead of second-seeded Atlanta, Seattle could take a night off against the last-ranked Fever. But don’t count on it. Their sights are set on on dominance: championship trophy, MVP for Breanna Stewart and the start of a new reign of dynastic terror on the league.
  • The way this 12th-ranked Fever team is playing, any opponent should expect an upset any night of the week. Seattle may be playing for championship bling, but Indiana is playing for pride and investment in a contending future. The Fever have demonstrated every game this season a desire to give themselves a chance to win in any matchup and develop their young players for winning tomorrows. So, if ever there was a team to force an upset it would be the nothing-to-lose, everything-to-gain Fever.

Enjoy the games!

More From Swish Appeal