Preview: Dream and Fever pair up in battle at the bottom

With WNBA seeding and the final playoff spot still up in the air, so much is still left to be decided in the final week of the season. One game that leaves little to be decided is Tuesday’s lone match featuring the Indiana Fever vs. the Atlanta Dream. They are the only two teams in the league eliminated from playoff contention.

Despite the abysmal record from both teams, there is still a lot to play for and there are still a lot of intriguing things to watch. The Fever need to assess the talent they have and give some other players longer looks. Victoria Vivians has taken advantage of her opportunities and has been a shining star in this dark season.

The Dream have had sensational play from Courtney Williams all season long and being able to watch her a few more times this year is a joy. She’s had an All-Star season, averaging 16 points per game and leading the team in minutes played with 34. Also, Aari McDonald’s minutes have gone way up and it’s good to see her get more reps at the WNBA level.

The road to victory for both teams has been a difficult one. They are a combined 13-45 on the season. So, who is going to step up and win? The Fever will need Vivians to have a standout game if they want to win. Bench production has been inconsistent as well so a good performance from Jantel Lavender could be the difference between victory or a fifth loss in a row.

The Dream will need a few things to go right if they want to win. Courtney Williams will have to continue her All-Star season and give a stellar performance. Aari McDonald will have to make use of her ramp-up in minutes. And the Dream will have to win the rebounding battle. If all of these things break right, the Dream should be in a position to win late in the fourth.

Game information

Atlanta Dream (7-22) vs. Indiana Fever (6-23)

When: Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Gateway Center Arena in College Park, GA

How to watch: NBA TV

Key to the matchup: Whoever wins the rebounding battle will likely win the game. The Dream will need stellar perfomances from Courtney WIlliams and Aari McDonald, while the Fever will be relying on Victoria Vivians and some bench production.

Fever injury report: Jessica Breland (out for season; left thumb), Kysre Gondrezick (out; personal leave), Bernadett Határ (out; right ankle), Chelsey Perry (out; right knee), Danielle Robinson (out; right ankle), Tiffany Mitchell (questionable; left knee)

Dream injury report: Tianna Hawkins (doubtful; right foot), Crystal Bradford (out for season; left foot), Chennedy Carter (out indefinitely; suspension), Cheyenne Parker (out for season; personal), Candice Dupree (probable; back)