The Dream play their first game of the season in State Farm Arena tonight.
The Atlanta Dream will face the Indiana Fever for the second time this season tonight. In their last meeting, the Fever emerged victorious in a closely contested game, edging out the Dream, 91-84. Aliyah Boston led the charge for the Fever with a dominant performance, recording 27 points and 13 rebounds.
Meanwhile, Rhyne Howard’s valiant 26-point effort for the Dream was not enough to secure a win. The Dream will be without Howard, as she went down with a left lower leg injury against the Minnesota Lynx in the last game.
The game will be played at State Farm Arena as the Dream expect a sellout to watch rookie Caitlin Clark.
Tina Charles, the former MVP and perennial All-Star, remains a key player for the Dream offense. Her ability to score from anywhere on the court and her defensive prowess make her a player to watch. Charles is averaging 12.6 points and 9.1 rebounds per game on the season. Charles needs one offensive rebound to become the third all-time leader in WNBA history.
Atlanta must improve their defensive efforts, particularly in guarding the paint against Boston and NaLyssa Smith. Smith is averaging 11.2 points and 6.9 rebounds per game on the season. Atlanta must also control the boards, as it will be essential to limit the Fever’s second-chance opportunities.
It will be critical for the Dream to capitalize on their perimeter shooting to stretch the Fever defense and open up driving lanes. Allisha Gray will have to have a good game, as though she is averaging 15.2 points per game on the season, she was 1-for-16 in her last game.
Indiana must use their guard play to take advantage of their quickness and get their shooters involve like Clark and Kelsey Mitchell. Mitchell scored 24 points in the last matchup against the Dream. The Fever must also push the tempo and score easy baskets in transition to put pressure on Atlanta’s defense.
It should be a good one as tip-off is at 7:30 PM EDT as the game should be played in front of yet another sellout crowd.