Mystics vs Sun: AI Predictions from Custom WNBA Models
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The Connecticut Sun (13-3) are gearing up to face the Washington Mystics (4-13) on Thursday evening in an Eastern Conference clash at the Entertainment & Sports Arena. The Sun are currently on a two-game losing streak, with their most recent defeat being a 72-61 loss on the road against the Seattle Storm on Sunday.
Conversely, the Mystics are on a two-game winning streak, having secured a 92-84 home victory against the Dallas Wings on Sunday. This matchup marks the third of four meetings between the two teams this season, with the Sun having won both of the previous encounters.
This plays a key role in my AI sports betting Sun vs Mystics AI prediction.
Preview of my Sun vs Mystics AI Prediction
The Connecticut Sun and Washington Mystics meet Thursday in WNBA action at the Entertainment & Sports Arena.
Connecticut Sun Preview
The Connecticut Sun were leading the WNBA's Eastern Conference for most of the season but have recently been surpassed by the New York Liberty. Both teams have three losses, but the Liberty have two more wins, placing them at the top. This positions Connecticut technically one game behind in the standings, with a 6.5-game lead over Atlanta in third place. In their last game, the Sun fell to Seattle despite a strong performance from Alyssa Thomas, who recorded 14 points and 14 rebounds.
Alyssa Thomas, a 6'2" forward, averages 12.4 points per game (PPG) and leads the team with 9.6 rebounds per game (RPG), 7.7 assists per game (APG), and 1.7 steals per game. The team's top scorer is DeWanna Bonner, a 6'4" forward, averaging 16.3 PPG and contributing 6.2 RPG. However, Bonner has been in a bit of a slump, failing to score 10 or more points in three of her last four games. Brionna Jones, a 6'3" forward, adds to the team's inside scoring with 13.7 PPG and 4.8 RPG. Tyasha Harris, a 5'10" guard, is the top outside shooter, making 1.6 threes per game and adding 10.9 PPG.
The Sun rank 9th in the WNBA in scoring with 79.3 PPG and are first defensively, allowing only 71.7 PPG. This also reflects their slower pace of play, utilizing their interior players for most of their scoring. The Sun are 11th in the league in threes made per game but rank 4th in overall field goal percentage.
These are some of the key players in my Sun vs Mystics AI prediction.
Washington Mystics Preview
The Washington Mystics have struggled early in the season and need to find a way to turn things around if they want to be competitive in the Eastern Conference. They are coming off a solid 92-84 home win against the Dallas Wings in their most recent game. However, their offense ranks 10th in the WNBA, averaging 78.4 points per game, and they are shooting 42.3% as a team.
Despite these struggles, they are shooting decently from three-point range (35.6%) and the free-throw line (78.6%). Guard Ariel Atkins has been a bright spot, averaging 14.8 points and 1.6 steals per game, suggesting the Mystics have the potential to improve.
Defensively, the Mystics have performed reasonably well, ranking seventh in the league by allowing 81.9 points per game. They have shown signs of improvement lately and will need to continue this trend to bolster their chances moving forward. This is big when it comes to my Lynx vs Mercury AI Prediction.
How I Use Rithmm Models for Mercury vs Lynx AI Prediction
Recent Performance:
- The Sun and Mystics have faced off multiple times this season. In their most recent game on May 23, 2023, the Sun won 88-81, with strong performances from Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner.
- The Sun also secured a decisive 76-59 victory against the Mystics on June 4, 2024.
Key Statistics:
- The Sun have been consistent performers, whereas the Mystics have had their ups and downs. Connecticut boasts a robust defense and a balanced offense, making them a formidable opponent.
- Washington, on the other hand, will need to capitalize on their home-court advantage and tighten their defense to counter the Sun's potent offense
Player Form:
- DeWanna Bonner is projected to lead the Sun with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists
- Alyssa Thomas has been a standout for the Sun, contributing significantly in both scoring and rebounds. For the Mystics, players like Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins need to step up to match the Sun’s intensity and performance.
- Ariel Atkins is expected to lead the Mystics with 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Betting Trends:
- The Sun are looking to bounce back after a road loss to the Seattle Storm in my Sun vs Storm AI prediction
- The Sun have been strong on the road, while the Mystics have shown resilience at home. However, with the Sun’s recent track record of wins against the Mystics, they come into this game with a psychological edge.
- The Mystics are on a two-game winning streak, coming off a home victory against the Dallas Wings.
My Mystics vs Sun AI Prediction
I believe the under will hit in tonight's WNBA game between the Washington Mystics and the Connecticut Sun for several reasons:
Defensive Strength:
- The Connecticut Sun are known for their strong defensive play, allowing only 71.7 points per game, the best in the league. This indicates a high likelihood of them limiting the Mystics' scoring opportunities.
- The Washington Mystics have also been solid defensively, allowing 81.9 points per game, ranking seventh in the league. Their defensive efforts have been improving recently, which should help keep the game's total points lower.
Offensive Struggles:
- The Mystics' offense ranks 10th in the league, averaging just 78.4 points per game. Despite a recent win against the Dallas Wings, their overall offensive efficiency has been lacking.
- The Sun's offense has been inconsistent, and their slower pace of play further contributes to fewer scoring opportunities. They rank 9th in the league in scoring with 79.3 points per game.
Historical Trends:
- In matchups between these two teams, recent trends have favored the under. The last few games have seen lower scoring totals, which aligns with both teams' defensive focus.
- The under has hit in the Sun’s last five games against Eastern Conference opponents, indicating a trend towards lower-scoring affairs in similar matchups.
Pace of Play:
- Both teams play at a slower pace, relying on their defensive prowess rather than pushing for high scores. The Sun, in particular, utilize their interior players effectively, which tends to slow the game down and reduce the number of possessions.
- Considering these factors, it is likely that tonight's game will be a lower-scoring affair, making the under a strong play.
If you’re looking for more AI Backed WNBA picks you can check them out here.
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