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The Fever play its first game of a three-game road trip against the Atlanta Dream, who has lost five straight following an opening night victory. The Fever is coming off of a loss to the Sky in which the team scored 64 points, its lowest point total all year.
The Dream — a team that we figured was going to struggle offensively — has also struggled to keep games close. Since its four-point victory over Dallas, Atlanta has lost five consecutive games by an average of 13.2 points. The Dream’s closest loss during that stretch came at the hands of Connecticut, 65-59.
The Liberty returns home following an impressive win in Staples Center over the Sparks, 98-92. Amanda Zahui B. scored a career-high 37 points and was 7-of-8 from beyond the arc. Kia Nurse added 26 points in the win. After an 0-4 start, the Liberty has won three of its last four. Consistency on the defensive end will be key for New York going forward.
The Sky has won its last three games and is looking for its first four-game win streak since 2016. Chicago’s biggest improvement early in the season has been on the defensive end. Chicago finished last in Defensive Rating in 2018 at 109.8 and second-to-last in Net Rating at -9.2. Although the sample is just six games, the Sky has moved to 98.2 in Defensive Rating and closed their Net Rating margin to -2.6.
Game information
Atlanta Dream (1-5) vs. Indiana Fever (4-4)
When: Wednesday, June 19, at 11 a.m. ET
Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA
How to watch: Twitter, Bounce TV
Keys to the matchup: The Dream is last in points per game, shooting percentage, and three-point shooting percentage. Luckily for Atlanta, Indiana is third-worst in Defensive Rating at 101.1. Atlanta will be without Alex Bentley due to EuroBasket play, which a tough blow as she is its main scorer off the bench. The Dream will have to keep Indiana below 70 points if it wants to have a shot in this one.
New York Liberty (3-5) vs. Chicago Sky (4-2)
When: Wednesday, June 19, at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Westchester County Center, White Plains, NY
How to watch: League Pass, YES, The U Too
Keys to the matchup: Both teams are in the top five in Offensive Pace, which means this should be fun to watch. The Sky will need to control the defensive glass, as the Liberty is among the best at scoring second-chance points. Chicago has averaged eight made threes during its win streak and face a Liberty team that gives up 35 percent from that area, fourth worst in the league.