The Washington Mystics, currently on a two-game winning streak and 5-5 over their last ten games, welcome the Minnesota Lynx to the nation’s capital on Sunday. Minnesota is also on a two-game streak and is 9-1 over their last ten games.
Washington is still statistically in the race for a playoff spot. They are playing at a much higher level than when the season began. Minnesota is currently in 2nd place, and unless the bottom falls out, it will likely end up in the top three. They sit 3 games behind league-leading New York, and as we’ve seen all season long, anything is possible.
At this writing, it is not yet known if Shakira Austin or Ariel Atkins will play for the Mystics. There are no injuries listed for Minnesota. Recent acquisition Sika Koné, formerly with Minnesota, has been playing some productive minutes for Washington. Of course, Brittney Sykes is the engine that drives this train, but looking down the roster, everyone on this team is pulling their weight.
The Lynx and Mystics Bring Talented Rosters
I am continually impressed with Jade Melbourne, Julie Vanloo, and Emily Engstler in particular. Veteran Stefanie Dolson is very much a threat and rookie Aaliyah Edwards seems to have found a real home in Washington. So too, I think, has Karlie Samuelson. After various contracts, Samuelson seems to fit the Mystics style snugly.
Minnesota continues to fine-tune its already impressive and powerful chemistry. We’ve not seen very much of either Diamond Miller or Alissa Pili, and I’m not going to read anything into that. With Napheesa Collier at the helm, this team is, at the moment, the hottest team in the league. But even with Collier as the standard bearer, this really is a team of players on equal footing with each other.
At this point in the season, it is safe to say that there will very likely not be any significant surprises unless it is an unforeseen injury or something of that nature. However, we’ve recently seen some surprising upsets, so you never know. The Lynx have been on the road for a while, so one wonders if the fatigue factor will play a part.
Minnesota and Washington’s Schedule Following Their Matchup
The Mystics hit the road for two games after playing the Lynx, and end their season with three games at home. Minnesota heads to Atlanta after Washington then returns home to play Chicago, back on the road to New York and Connecticut, with their final game at home versus the Sparks.
The task at hand for today’s game is, for Washington, to find a way to make the playoffs, and for the Lynx, to work to stay in the top three. I’m not counting out the Mystics. I don’t think anyone should. That eighth spot is within reach. Will they take a step closer against the Lynx? Tune in to find out.
And that, my friends, as they say, is that.’ — Martin Ruben.
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