Best WNBA Playoffs Picks: Dream vs. Mystics (Wednesday)
The Atlanta Dream look to build on their 1-0 series lead when they visit the Washington Mystics for Game 2 of their first-round WNBA playoff matchup on Wednesday, September 30. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, with Washington looking to even the series in front of its home crowd. For bettors researching the best WNBA picks for Dream vs. Mystics, the matchup offers a close spread and several ways to approach the game.
Atlanta enters as a 2.5-point road favorite, while the listed game total sits at 166.5 points. That narrow spread puts the spotlight on late-game execution: a few empty possessions, a key offensive rebound or free throws in the closing seconds could determine both the winner and the cover. Washington's response after dropping the opener will be central to the Game 2 outlook.
Evaluating Atlanta vs. Washington picks starts with how each team can create quality shots and limit second-chance opportunities. Pace, turnovers and trips to the foul line also deserve attention when assessing the over/under. Below, we break down the Dream vs. Mystics betting matchup and highlight the best WNBA picks to consider before Wednesday's playoff action tips off.
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Wednesday’s Best WNBA Picks & Predictions: Dream vs. Mystics
We are treated to a two-game playoff slate in the WNBA today. It's the beginning of postseason basketball, and the stars will no doubt be giving their all in an attempt to advance their team into the next round or stave off elimination. Without any further delay, let's jump right into our favorite WNBA picks for Wednesday, September 30th’s game Dream vs. Mystics.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Atlanta Dream at Washington Mystics
Taking the points on the Mystics would have been way more comfortable had it not been for DeWanna Bonner catching fire in the second half in Game 1. Washington led by five points at the half and by as many as 11 points. At the end of the third quarter, the Mystics were down 12 points. That's the type of lead you can’t give away in the playoffs. Washington is a young team. Having said that, the experience is a swift reminder of how quickly your fortunes can change.
One minute the Mystics are going into the half up five points as underdogs on the road. Next, they are looking up at a double-digit deficit, resulting in a 15-point loss. Washington let this one get away, and we doubt they’ll do it a second time. The Mystics are 2-0 against the Dream when playing in Washington this season. Atlanta averaged 76.5 points in those two games.
Pick: Washington Mystics +3.5 (-110)
We were hoping to get a solid return on both teams to score over 76.5 points. The juice was simply too much for a single bet. That total is now up to 77.5 points, so we had to pivot completely. The under on the combined total points for this contest was the second bet that stood out amongst the rest.
The impression is that Washington seems to pick up scoring due to Atlanta's pace, and being at home should provide some added comfort for the players coming off the bench. Yet, that hasn't been the case this season when the two teams met in Washington. The Mystics and Dream have combined for an average of 155 points over two games in Washington. The Dream have failed to reach 80 points on the road against the Mystics.
It's imperative that Washington emphasizes defense tonight. They do not have Atlanta’s scoring prowess to win this game offensively. These stops will subsequently keep the total score down. Playoff basketball is a different brand of physicality, and the number of easy looks drops drastically. We expect this game to finish with around 155-160 combined points. Effectively staying under the 165.5 total.
Pick: Under 165.5 Points (-105)
The scoring production between Shakira Austin and Angel Reese left a lot to be desired when the Mystics and Dream matched up this season. The two incredibly talented forwards combined for 25 points in Game 1, and the regular season numbers weren’t much better.
Austin averaged 16 points over three regular-season games against the Dream. Reese averaged 15 points against the Mystics in the regular season. Reese struggled mightily from the field against Washington. The Dream forward shot 30.6% from the field on an average of 12 attempts per game.
Reese and Austin are locked in a heated rivalry, with each favoring the other in a big game. While that directly opens the door for Kiki Iriafen to score at will, we feel the safer option is to take the under on Austin and Reese on this combo prop.
Pick: Shakira Austin & Angel Reese Under 31.5 Combined Points (-116)