WNBA Game Preview: Seattle Storm (7-30) vs. Dallas Wings (21-16)

0
3
Dallas Wings logo

Venue: College Park Center, Arlington, Texas (Dallas Wings’ home arena).

Tip-off: 4:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. CT / 1:00 p.m. PT,

Broadcast on NBA TV (also available via League Pass/Fubo in some markets).

Current Records and Recent Form

Dallas Wings sit fourth in the Western Conference (or fighting for a playoff seed around 8th in some standings views) with a 21-16 record and a strong 11-6 home mark. They enter on a win after a 91-85 victory over the Indiana Fever on August 20, powered by Arike Ogunbowale’s 32 points. Recent form has been mixed (3-7 in their last 10), but the home win provides momentum as they push for postseason positioning.

Seattle Storm are last in the West (or near the bottom) at 7-30, with a poor 2-17 road record. They have dropped 12 of their last 13 and are already eliminated from playoff contention. Recent results include close losses (82-80 to Chicago on August 16 and 84-82 to Portland on August 14), showing competitiveness but an inability to close games. They are 1-9 in their last 10.

Series History

Dallas has swept the season series so far, winning both prior meetings: 79-56 at home on June 1 and a dramatic 112-110 overtime victory in Seattle on June 22/23 (Paige Bueckers scored 27 for Dallas; Dominique Malonga dropped 37 for Seattle). The teams meet once more on September 23 in Seattle. Dallas holds a clear edge this season.

Current Player Rosters (Key/Active Emphasis)

Dallas Wings: Key contributors include Paige Bueckers (averaging ~20.3 PPG, 5.8 APG), Arike Ogunbowale (recent scoring outburst, ~15+ PPG range), Jessica Shepard (double-double threat with rebounds/assists), Alanna Smith, Awak Kuier, Odyssey Sims, Maddy Siegrist, Sug Sutton, and Alysha Clark. The backcourt of Bueckers and Ogunbowale drives the offense, with Shepard providing interior presence.

Seattle Storm: Standouts include Dominique Malonga (~17+ PPG, 9+ RPG, strong recent form including a 37-point outing earlier vs. Dallas), Natisha Hiedeman (when available, ~15.4 PPG, 4.8 APG), Ezi Magbegor, Jordan Horston, Jade Melbourne, Flau’jae Johnson, Katie Lou Samuelson, Stefanie Dolson, and others in the rotation. Malonga has been a bright spot in a difficult season.

Injury Reports

Dallas Wings: Azzi Fudd (knee – out for season, undergoing arthroscopic procedure); Aziaha James (leg – out); Costanza Verona (personal – out). Jessica Shepard has been available recently after earlier ankle issues.

Seattle Storm: Natisha Hiedeman (shoulder – out for this game, expected return around August 26). Other occasional notes have included various day-to-day issues, but the core group outside Hiedeman is expected to be available.

Key Player Matchups

Paige Bueckers / Arike Ogunbowale (Dallas backcourt) vs. Seattle perimeter defense (Jade Melbourne, Flau’jae Johnson, etc.): Bueckers’ scoring and playmaking (and Ogunbowale’s scoring punch) against Seattle’s ability to contain ball-handlers and limit transition.

Dominique Malonga / Ezi Magbegor (Seattle frontcourt) vs. Jessica Shepard / Alanna Smith / Awak Kuier (Dallas frontcourt): Malonga’s interior scoring and rebounding will be key for Seattle’s offense; Dallas must control the paint and glass.

Overall team pace and assists: Dallas averages higher points (88.5 PPG) and assists (21.7); Seattle allows 88.3 PPG. Ball movement and defensive intensity in the half-court will decide efficiency.

Supporting casts: Odyssey Sims and bench scoring for Dallas vs. Seattle’s secondary options stepping up without Hiedeman.

GAME ODDS

Seattle Storm                    173

Dallas Wings                      – 8.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, August 22, 2026

Previous articleNWSL Match Preview: NJ/NY Gotham FC (13-3-4) vs. Angel City FC (7-7-4)
Next articleWNBA Game Preview: Indiana Fever (24-14) vs. Chicago Sky (15-22)
WNBA Editor
Profile: A dedicated WNBA analyst with a deep understanding of the league’s tactical evolution, player‑development pathways, and expanding cultural impact. This columnist provides comprehensive coverage that blends advanced metrics, film study, and league‑wide context to highlight the storylines shaping modern professional women’s basketball. Background: With extensive experience covering the WNBA and women’s basketball at multiple levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets and digital platforms, offering perspective on coaching trends, roster construction, and organizational strategy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking team progression throughout the season. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Film‑based breakdowns of offensive and defensive systems Player evaluation, draft analysis, and free‑agency movement Team‑building strategy, salary‑cap dynamics, and front‑office trends Historical context, league milestones, and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex schemes and statistical models into insights that resonate with both long‑time WNBA fans and new followers of the league. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the WNBA’s growth, competitiveness, and influence on the broader basketball landscape.