Game Info
Where: CareFirst Arena, Washington, D.C.
TV/Streaming: Monumental Sports Network (Mystics local), WNBA League Pass
Recent Form & Stakes
Seattle has won three of five, most recently thumping the Dallas Wings 95–60 on Friday. That dominant defensive showing underlines why the Storm – currently fourth in the Western Conference – are heavy favorites. Washington has lost three straight, falling to the Las Vegas Aces 91–81 on Saturday and to Connecticut twice earlier this week. The Mystics need a spark at home if they’re to stave off slipping further in the Eastern race.
Key Matchups
Breanna Stewart vs. Shakira Austin: Stewart’s 22-point explosion off the bench in Dallas highlights her two-way impact; Austin’s rim protection and pick-and-pop shooting will be vital in deterring Seattle’s driving lanes.
Jewell Loyd vs. Ariel Atkins: Loyd’s slashing attack and catch-and-shoot prowess will test Atkins’ perimeter defense on the wing.
Ezi Magbegor vs. Natasha Cloud: Big-woman battles in the paint; Magbegor’s offensive rebounding against Cloud’s ability to push the break and create half-court mismatch opportunities.
Injury Report
Mystics Out:
Jacy Sheldon (left ankle sprain)
Georgia Amoore (knee inflammation)
Storm Out:
Katie Lou Samuelson (hamstring)
Possible Return:
Washington welcomes back Brittney Sykes, who was traded away midseason and could inject scoring punch.
Strategy Breakdown
The Storm thrive in transition, forcing turnovers and converting them into easy buckets. Their length and veteran savvy allow Seattle to lockdown passing lanes and crash the offensive glass.
Washington must slow the game pace—push through Ariel Atkins attacking in isolation, clog passing lanes to limit Stewart’s catch-and-shoot rhythm, and win the rebounding battle to cut off Seattle’s secondary break points.
Statistical Comparison
| Category | Seattle Storm | Washington Mystics |
| Points per Game | 85.3 (8th in WNBA) | 79.1 (12th in WNBA) |
| Opponent PPG | 82.7 (3rd) | 83.4 (5th) |
| Rebounds per Game | 36.2 (10th) | 38.7 (5th) |
| Assists per Game | 19.4 (6th) | 17.1 (11th) |
| Turnovers per Game | 13.8 (4th fewest) | 15.2 (7th fewest) |
| Three-Point % | 36.1% (3rd) | 33.8% (8th) |
Players to Watch
Breanna Stewart (SEA): Veteran MVP candidate averaging 21.5 PPG and locking down the paint.
Jewell Loyd (SEA): Sharpshooter who can explode for 25+ points on any given night.
Shakira Austin (WAS): Defensive anchor and stretch-five, shooting 35% from deep.
Ariel Atkins (WAS): Floor general who can torch defenses off the bounce.
Key Angles:
Storm’s defense held Dallas to 60; look for similar disruption against a Mystics squad that averages 79 PPG.
Washington’s rebounding edge (38.7 RPG) could keep them within single digits if they crash the boards early.
Seattle’s depth and transition prowess give them the edge. Expect Stewart and Loyd to combine for 40+ points, while Washington hangs around early through Austin’s interior buckets and Atkins’ craftiness.
GAME ODDS
Seattle Storm – 8.5
Washington Mystics 158.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, August 23, 2025
