The Dream enter D.C. Wednesday night with a commanding 1-0 lead over the Mystics, with a chance to advance to the semifinals of the 2026 WNBA playoffs with a win.
After covering as 6.5-point favorites in Game 1, Atlanta can close out this best-of-three first-round series and extend its elusive winning streak to seven games.
The Mystics had their chances in the series opener, even leading by five points at halftime, but costly turnovers caused by the Dream’s stifling defense, along with being outscored 29-12 in the third quarter, closed the door.
In this pivotal clash, Angel Reese and the Dream are favored by 4.5 points on the road, as the Mystics have entered win-or-go-home territory.
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This matchup resembles a classic No. 4 vs. No. 5 seed, as both teams share similar strengths, with the Dream having far more experience.
Atlanta also boasts the WNBA’s toughest defense, and it was on full display in their 92-77 Game 1 victory.
The Dream forced the Mystics into 23 turnovers, recording 16 steals and scoring 27 points off those miscues.
Rhyne Howard’s fingerprints were all over the box score and the basketball as the veteran scored a game-high 26 points and five steals.
While Atlanta captured the series opener in convincing fashion, the Dream have struggled in the nation’s capital this season, dropping both regular-season road meetings in D.C.
The Mystics’ frontcourt presence also created major matchup problems for Atlanta, with Shakira Austin and Kiki Iriafen dominating inside and pulling down 30 of the squad’s 50 total boards.
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Both Austin and Iriafen finished with double-doubles, and their tenacity in the paint put Reese and Allisha Gray in foul trouble. Reese still finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds, with Gray adding 22 of her own.
However, the Mystics led by as many as eleven points in Game 1 before a dismal third quarter shifted the momentum.
Washington is posting an impressive 9-2 record against the spread as home underdogs this season.
I expect Austin and the Mystics to come out with more urgency in front of their home crowd to keep their season alive and force a deciding Game 3.
The Plays: Mystics moneyline (+155, bet365) | Shakira Austin to record a double-double Yes (-167, DraftKings)
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Mike Turay is a sports journalist and editor who closely follows the NBA, NFL, college sports and UFC. He has demonstrated expertise in both NBA and NFL player prop bets for nearly three years. Mike is also highly knowledgeable about the sportsbook offer landscape, frequently trying and reviewing the latest apps and sites.
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