The Washington Mystics head to Barclays Center on Thursday afternoon to face the New York Liberty in a 4:00 PM EDT Eastern Conference showdown, airing on Prime Video, WWOR-My9, and Monumental Sports Network. Tickets start as low as $39, giving Brooklyn fans a chance to catch this pivotal clash. The Liberty, with a 23-15 record, are 13-point home favorites with an over/under of 163 points, coming off a 79-81 loss to Minnesota. The Mystics, at 16-22, are fighting for a playoff spot but just dropped an 84-82 heartbreaker to Seattle. With New York leading the season series 4-1, this game is a must-win for Washington.
Position-by-Position Breakdown
Point Guard – Veronica Burton runs the Mystics’ offense with 5.4 assists and 7.6 points, a defensive sparkplug who needs to stay sharp against New York’s pressure. Sabrina Ionescu leads the Liberty with 19.9 points and 5.7 assists, a triple-double threat coming off a 21-point game.
Shooting Guard – Sonia Citron provides Washington with 14.7 points, a rookie star who’s been consistent but faces a tough matchup. Courtney Vandersloot brings veteran savvy for New York, averaging 5.3 assists and clutch scoring.
Small Forward – Alysha Clark gives the Mystics defensive grit, averaging 4.5 points, but she’ll need to contain New York’s wings. Breanna Stewart, the Liberty’s MVP, dominates with 19.5 points and 8.8 rebounds, though she’s questionable with a leg injury.
Power Forward – Shakira Austin, questionable with a hip injury, anchors Washington with 8.2 rebounds and 1.3 steals, a two-way force when healthy. Jonquel Jones powers the Liberty with 8.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks, a paint presence who dropped 17 points in their last meeting.
Center – Kiki Iriafen holds down the paint for the Mystics with 8.7 rebounds, stepping up in Austin’s absence. Kayla Thornton rounds out New York’s lineup with 1.4 steals, a defensive anchor tasked with slowing Washington’s bigs.
Game Outlook
The Liberty are a powerhouse, ranking second in offensive rating (85.6) and points scored (86.4 PPG), with a 14-5 home record. They’ve dominated the Mystics this season, winning four of five, including an 86-78 victory on June 5 and an 85-63 rout on May 30, led by Ionescu’s 24 points. Washington, with a 16-22 record, ranks 10th in offense (78.7 PPG) but sixth in defense (80.9 PPG allowed), leaning on their 8.5 steals per game to disrupt opponents. Both teams play at a moderate pace, but New York’s depth and home dominance give them the edge, especially if Stewart plays. The Mystics’ playoff hopes hinge on Austin’s status and their ability to slow New York’s stars.
Best Bets
- New York Liberty -13 – The Liberty’s 4-1 series lead and home dominance make them a strong pick to cover against a struggling Mystics squad.
- Under 163 Total Points – Washington’s offensive struggles and New York’s elite defense suggest a game that could stay under, as seen in their 148-point May meeting.
- Sabrina Ionescu Over 19.5 Points – Ionescu’s averaging 19.9 points and cleared this mark in three of the five games against Washington this season.
Final Score Prediction
New York Liberty 89 – Washington Mystics 74
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