The Washington Mystics are headed to Mohegan Sun Arena to face the Connecticut Sun on Thursday night in a pivotal Eastern Conference clash. Tip-off is set for 7:00 PM EDT, with the Mystics listed as 2.5-point road favorites and the over/under at 158.5 points. Washington, sitting at 16-19, is fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive, just 1.5 games back of the No. 8 seed. The Sun, with a league-worst 7-27 record, are coming off a surprising 80-69 upset over the Mystics on Tuesday. With tickets starting as low as $7, this game at Mohegan Sun Arena is a steal for fans looking to catch some WNBA action live. You can tune in on NBCS-BOS or MNMT to watch the showdown.
Position-by-Position Breakdown
Point Guard – Veronica Burton runs the show for Washington, bringing defensive grit and steady playmaking, though she’ll need to avoid turnovers against Connecticut’s pressure. Saniya Rivers leads the Sun with her quickness and ability to push the pace, fresh off a 17-point performance in their last meeting.
Shooting Guard – Sonia Citron has been a revelation for the Mystics, dropping 19 points in their last game and hitting threes at a high clip. Marina Mabrey counters for Connecticut, a scoring threat who poured in 27 points against Indiana recently and can take over games.
Small Forward – Alysha Clark gives Washington veteran savvy and defensive versatility, locking down wings with ease. Bria Hartley brings energy for the Sun but will need to step up offensively to match Clark’s two-way play.
Power Forward – Shakira Austin is a force in the paint for the Mystics, averaging 12.5 points and 6.7 rebounds, though her ejection in the last game raises questions about her discipline. Olivia Nelson-Ododa holds it down for Connecticut, chipping in 8.7 points and 5.4 rebounds but facing a tough matchup.
Center – Kiki Iriafen anchors Washington’s frontcourt, coming off a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double against the Sun. Tina Charles, a veteran star for Connecticut, remains their top scorer at 16.1 points per game and will look to exploit mismatches inside.
Game Outlook
Washington’s got a chip on their shoulder after Tuesday’s 80-69 loss to the Sun, where they shot a decent 43.5% but got outrebounded 38-33. The Mystics lead the season series 2-1, including a 104-67 blowout in June, and their defense (sixth in the WNBA, allowing 81.0 PPG) should keep Connecticut’s league-worst offense (75.3 PPG) in check. The Sun, however, showed fight in their last win, with Rivers and Charles stepping up big. Both teams play at a moderate pace, ranking eighth and ninth in the league, so the game could hinge on Washington’s ability to limit second-chance points and capitalize on their rebounding edge (33.7 RPG). If Citron and Austin bring their A-game, the Mystics should bounce back, but Connecticut’s home crowd could keep it close.
Best Bets
Washington Mystics -2.5 – Despite Tuesday’s slip-up, Washington’s superior defense and rebounding make them a solid pick to cover on the road.
Under 158.5 Total Points – Both teams struggle offensively (Washington 10th, Connecticut 12th in points per game), and their defensive rankings suggest a lower-scoring game.
Sonia Citron Over 16.5 Points – Citron’s been a consistent scoring threat, hitting double digits in her last 10 games, and should exploit Connecticut’s 11th-ranked defense.
Final Score Prediction
Washington Mystics 82 – Connecticut Sun 77
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