The 2025 WNBA season tips off with a compelling Eastern Conference showdown as the Atlanta Dream travel to Washington, D.C., to face the Mystics on Friday, May 16, at CareFirst Arena. Both teams are eager to set a positive tone for the new campaign after challenging 2024 seasons. With roster changes, injury concerns, and new coaching dynamics, this Dream vs Mystics opener promises to offer early insights into each team’s trajectory.
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Dream vs Mystics Game Preview
Atlanta concluded the 2024 season with a 15-25 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. The Dream’s offense averaged 77.0 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the league. Defensively, they allowed 79.8 points per game. Key contributors included Rhyne Howard, who led the team with 17.3 points per game, and Tina Charles, who averaged 9.6 rebounds per game.
In the offseason, the Dream faced roster adjustments. Notably, Charles is gone after departing for the Connecticut Sun in the offseason. Meanwhile, Brittney Griner has joined the Dream after spending the entirety of her career with the Phoenix Mercury before this move. Griner will be of vital importance on both ends of the floor for a Dream roster looking to take steps forward this year.
Washington ended the 2024 season with a 14-26 record. The Mystics averaged 79.3 points per game while conceding 82.3 points. Ariel Atkins was a standout performer, contributing 14.9 points per game. Stefanie Dolson provided a significant presence in the paint, averaging 9.5 points per game with a notable 46.5% shooting from beyond the arc. Atkins is gone after departing for the Chicago Sky, which will make Brittney Sykes the focal point of the team’s offense.
The Mystics enter the new season under the guidance of head coach Sydney Johnson. However, they face early challenges with injuries to key players. Rookie Georgia Amoore suffered an ACL injury during training camp, while forward Aaliyah Edwards is working her way back from a back contusion. These setbacks may affect the team’s depth and performance in the early stages of the season.
Betting Insights
As of the latest reports, the betting lines for this matchup at Sportzino are as follows:
- Spread: Atlanta Dream -3.5
- Total Points: Over/Under 153.5
With this being the first game for both of these new-look rosters, bettors may want to tread lightly early in the season. But the expectations for these teams are very different going into this season, with Atlanta expected to improve thanks to their offseason moves and the Mystics expected to be in a rough spot once again in 2025.
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Dream vs Mystics Prediction
Considering the current team compositions and recent performance trends, the Atlanta Dream appear to have a slight advantage in this opening matchup. Atlanta’s core, led by Rhyne Howard and Brittney Griner, provides a stable foundation. Howard’s scoring ability and Griner’s rebounding prowess are likely to be pivotal against the Washington frontcourt.
While Washington has the home-court advantage, their recent struggles at home and the integration of a new coaching system may pose challenges in the season opener. Brittney Sykes will need to shoulder a significant offensive load, and the team will have to adapt quickly to overcome the early-season adversity.
- Pick: Atlanta Dream -1.5
- Total Points: Over 153
Expect a competitive game with Atlanta leveraging their experience and cohesion to secure a narrow victory, covering the spread and contributing to a total score that exceeds the projected over/under.
