WNBA Los Angeles Sparks vs Washington Mystics Preview and Prediction

Date/Time: 08-23-2018 18:30 EDT

Spread: Washington Mystics TBA

Total: +TBA

In this opening second rounder of this season’s playoffs, last season’s finalists and 6^th Los Angeles Sparks, after eliminating the Lynx in a rematch of last year’s finals, are now visiting the second in the East and third in the whole league Washington Mystics, who have been red-hot having lost only once in their last eight games.

The Sparks had a 19-15 record (16-18 ATS) in the regular season and finished in the 6^th place of the league. In their latest matchup they ended a 2-game losing skid with a home victory in the first round of the playoffs against the Lynx, 75-68. The Mystics had a 21-12 record (18-14-1 ATS) in the regular season and finished in the second place of the East and third in the whole WNBA. In their latest matchup they saw a 7-game victory streak end with a road defeat by the Lynx, 83-88.

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Los Angeles are led in scoring by Candace Parker with 17.9 ppg. She also adds 4.7 assists and leading the team in rebounding with 8.2 per game, while Nneka Ogwumike follows with 15.5 ppg, adding 6.8 boards per game. Chelsea Gray adds 14.9 ppg and also leads the team in assists made with 5.1 per game. Washington are led in scoring by Elena Delle Donne with 20.7 ppg. She also leads the team in rebounding with 7.2 per game, while Kristi Toliver follows with 13.9 ppg and leading the team in assists made with 4.4 per game. Ariel Atkins adds 11.3 ppg.

This will be the 4^th meeting between those two teams so far this season, with the Mystics leading 2-1 wins and both teams being tied 1-1 in the two Washington games. Mystics have a 11-5 home record so far, while Sparks are 8-9 on the road. Washington have a better offense with 84.5 ppg to Los Angeles’ 78.9, while Los Angeles are better defensively, allowing a league-best of 77 ppg to Washington’s 81.4. Los Angeles have a better accuracy from the field (45.2% to 44.8%), while Washington have a better accuracy from behind the arc (35.8% to 34.7%). Washington grab more boards (32.6 to 31.3), while Los Angeles dish more dimes per game (18.3 to 17.8) and both teams are almost equal in turnovers committed (12.1 and 12.2). Los Angeles have been mediocre on the road and Mystics are too good to lost at home right now, so pick them for the home win today.  

Los Angeles Sparks vs Washington Mystics Prediction: Washington Mystics TBA (-TBA)