The Indiana Fever and Washington Mystics meet Wednesday in WNBA action at the Capital One Arena. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Indiana Fever Are In Terrible Form
The Indiana Fever have lost 8 straight games, not winning a contest since June 22. The Fever have failed to cover 4 of their last 6 games overall. The Fever have also allowed 90 or more points in 6 of their last 11 games, boosting their defensive numbers to 11th in points per game allowed, eighth in field goal percentage allowed and 10th in 3-point percentage allowed. Right when it looked like the Fever would be a team to keep an eye on this season as a potential sleeper, they’ve fallen off the map and out of the playoff conversation.
Washington Mystics Injuries
One of the main reasons for the Washington Mystics inconsistencies is their injury situation. Shakira Austin remains out due to a hip injury, Elena Delle Donne is out until August due to an ankle, Ariel Atkins is still out with an ankle injury as well and Kristi Toliver is nursing a foot issue. That’s a lot of talent out for the Mystics and 2 of their top-3 scorers. The hit or miss results aren’t helping the Mystics make a climb in the playoff race.
Trends
The Fever are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 3 or more days rest and 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 vs. Eastern Conference. The Mystics are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall. The over is 4-1 in Fever last 5 overall. The over is 6-1 in Mystics last 7 overall. The Fever are 1-5-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings in Washington. The under is 6-2 in the last 8 meetings.
Randy’s Pick
Even with the Mystics’ injury issues, it’s impossible to back the Fever with any confidence. The Fever have lost 6 straight games, aren’t covering numbers lately, and their defense is taking a step backwards. At home and even with banged up bodies, the Mystics should be able to grind out a victory and cover off the small chalk. Give me the Mystics.