Venue: Entertainment & Sports Arena, Washington, D.C.
Scheduled Tip‑Off: 7:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+, WNBA League Pass
CURRENT ROSTERS
Atlanta Dream
Guards: Rhyne Howard, Haley Jones, Aari McDonald Wings/Forwards: Allisha Gray, Nia Coffey, Laeticia Amihere Posts: Cheyenne Parker, Tina Charles, Lorela Cubaj Depth: Taylor Soule, Destiny Harden
Washington Mystics
Guards: Ariel Atkins, Brittney Sykes, Julie Vanloo Wings/Forwards: Elena Delle Donne, Shakira Austin, Myisha Hines‑Allen Posts: Stefanie Dolson, Queen Egbo Depth: Karlie Samuelson, Abby Meyers
(Rosters reflect 2026 active players and standard rotations.)
INJURY REPORT
Atlanta Dream
Cheyenne Parker – Probable (ankle soreness)
Aari McDonald – Questionable (hip tightness)
Laeticia Amihere – Out (knee sprain)
Washington Mystics
Elena Delle Donne – Probable (back management)
Shakira Austin – Questionable (shoulder)
Karlie Samuelson – Out (foot)
RECENT TEAM FORM
Atlanta Dream – Last 5 Games
W 91–84 vs Chicago
L 77–89 at New York
W 85–78 vs Indiana
W 92–87 at Dallas
L 81–94 vs Las Vegas Trend: High‑powered offense; defensive volatility. Howard and Gray producing elite scoring stretches.
Washington Mystics – Last 5 Games
W 79–72 vs Phoenix
W 88–83 at Seattle
L 69–82 vs Minnesota
W 84–77 vs Chicago
L 74–86 at Connecticut Trend: Strong home form; defensive efficiency improving when Austin is active.
SERIES HISTORY
All‑time: Mystics lead 28–26
At ESA: Mystics lead 10–4
Last meeting (2026): Dream 93, Mystics 85
Key trend: Atlanta has won 4 of the last 5 matchups, largely due to superior perimeter scoring and pace.
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Rhyne Howard (ATL) vs Ariel Atkins (WAS)
Howard’s scoring versatility (23.1 PPG over last five) vs Atkins’ elite perimeter defense. If Atkins forces Howard into contested mid‑range looks, Washington can slow Atlanta’s pace.
2. Allisha Gray (ATL) vs Brittney Sykes (WAS)
Gray’s strength and three‑level scoring vs Sykes’ athleticism and disruptive defense. Gray’s ability to attack downhill is a major swing factor.
3. Cheyenne Parker (ATL) vs Shakira Austin (WAS)
If Austin plays, her rim protection and rebounding stabilize Washington’s interior. Parker’s face‑up game and mid‑post scoring challenge Austin’s mobility.
4. Elena Delle Donne (WAS) vs Nia Coffey (ATL)
Delle Donne’s shot creation and spacing vs Coffey’s defensive versatility. If Delle Donne is fully active, she forces Atlanta into difficult help‑side rotations.
TACTICAL OUTLOOK
Atlanta Dream
Offensive Identity: High pace, heavy pick‑and‑roll usage, Howard/Gray isolation sets
Defensive Approach: Switch‑heavy scheme; rely on length to disrupt passing lanes
Key Advantage: Superior perimeter scoring depth
Concern: Defensive rebounding, especially if Parker is limited
Washington Mystics
Offensive Identity: Delle Donne spacing, Austin interior touches, Sykes transition creation
Defensive Approach: Strong perimeter containment; Austin anchors rim protection
Key Advantage: Half‑court defensive discipline
Concern: Scoring droughts when Delle Donne is limited or off the floor
BETTING TRENDS
Atlanta is 5–2 ATS in its last seven.
Washington is 4–1 ATS at home in its last five.
Overs have hit in 6 of Atlanta’s last 7 games.
Mystics unders have hit in 4 of their last 6.
Atlanta has covered in 4 of the last 5 head‑to‑head matchups.
GAME ODDS
Atlanta Dream – 3.5
Washington Mystics 170.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, August 6, 2026
