Prediction: Dallas Wings VS Washington Mystics 2025-06-22
Dallas Wings vs. Washington Mystics: A Tale of Two Teams (and a Few Injuries)
June 22, 2025 | Care First Arena | 7:00 PM ET
The Setup:
The Dallas Wings, 3-11 and currently riding a two-game winning streak, are set to face the 5-8 Washington Mystics in a clash of WNBA mediocrity. Dallas is the underdog (+4.5) despite boasting the 6th-ranked offense in the league, while Washington’s 8th-ranked defense is about as welcoming as a soggy pretzel. The key? Paige Bueckers, who’s back from concussion protocol and averaging 18.0 PPG (46.9% FG) since her return. Meanwhile, the Mystics are missing rookie Georgia Amoore for the season and are hoping their home court can conjure some magic.
Injury Report:
- Dallas: Maddy Siegrist (out), Tyasha Harris (out).
- Washington: Georgia Amoore (out for season).
Key Matchups:
- Paige Bueckers vs. Washington’s Defense: Bueckers’ 5.8 APG and aggressive playmaking could exploit the Mystics’ porous perimeter defense.
- Kiki Iriafen vs. Arike Ogunbowale: Iriafen (13.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG) vs. Ogunbowale (20.5 PPG) is a battle of rookie vs. veteran, but Bueckers’ recent form gives Dallas an edge.
- Shaira Austin vs. Dallas’ Frontcourt: The Mystics’ center could struggle against Dallas’ depth, especially with Siegrist and Harris sidelined.
Odds Breakdown:
- Moneyline: Dallas +2.5 (implied 28.6% win chance), Washington -1.56 (implied 61.7%).
- Spread: Dallas +4.5 (-110), Washington -4.5 (-110).
- Total: 165.5 (O/U -110).
Expected Value (EV) Calculations:
1. Moneyline (Dallas +2.5):
- Historical underdog win rate for WNBA: 32%.
- Implied probability: 28.6%.
- Adjusted EV: (32% win chance * $2.50 payout) - (68% loss * $1 stake) = +6.0% EV.
- Spread (Dallas +4.5):
- Dallas’ offense (6th in league) vs. Washington’s defense (8th).
- Historical underdog cover rate: ~45% (WNBA averages 32% for underdogs, but spread lines often favor favorites by ~5-7 points).
- Implied probability: 50% (even odds).
- Adjusted EV: (45% cover chance * $1.91 payout) - (55% loss * $1 stake) = +7.6% EV.
The Verdict:
While Dallas’ moneyline bet has a modest edge, the spread (+4.5) offers the best EV. The Wings’ recent form (2-0 ATS in their last 3 games) and Bueckers’ return make them a solid play to cover. Washington’s lack of depth (Amoore out) and defensive struggles (8th in rating) suggest they’ll struggle to maintain a double-digit lead.
Final Prediction:
- Best Bet: Dallas Wings +4.5 (-110)
- Why? The EV favors the spread, and Dallas’ offense (6th in league) should keep them within striking distance. Even if Washington wins, Dallas’ +4.5 line gives them a fighting chance to cover.
Witty Wrap-Up:
The Mystics are like a broken umbrella in a hurricane—everyone knows it’s not working, but they’re still hoping it’ll hold up. Meanwhile, the Wings are flying under the radar but have the firepower (Bueckers, Ogunbowale) to shock the home crowd. Bet on Dallas to flap their way to a cover, or at least a close game that’ll make the Mystics’ fans reach for their antacids.
Projected Score: Dallas 79, Washington 76.
MVP: Paige Bueckers (22 points, 7 assists).
Created: June 22, 2025, 11:19 a.m. GMT