The Atlanta Dream and Dallas Wings lock horns in Tuesday’s blockbuster matchup as Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese go head-to-head again. The Dream tipped off their season with a 91-90 win over the Minnesota Lynx, despite trailing by 19 at one stage. Atlanta rallied in the second half behind Alisha Gray’s 24-point game and Angel Reese’s double-double.
Reese also marked her Dream debut with a game-winning block. Atlanta didn’t have an ideal offensive game, but it made up for it by being aggressive and getting to the free-throw line. The Dream had 30 attempts from the charity stripe. They also won the rebounding battle 46-25, which was key to their comeback.
Meanwhile, the Wings are coming off a 107-104 win over Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever. The offense looked unstoppable, led by Paige Bueckers, who scored 20 points and tallied four assists on 8 of 10 shots and Arike Ogunbowale, who had a team-high 22 points and five assists on 8 of 15 shots. Odyssey Sims also had a 20-point night while shooting an efficient 8 of 11.
The Wings almost blew the game in the clutch, but held on to their lead. They will need to be more controlling towards the end against a gritty team like the Dream, who can turn games around with their defense alone.
Atlanta Dream vs. Dallas Wings Projected Starting Lineups
Dream
The Dream will likely retain its opening-game starting lineup. Alisha Gray, Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard led a three-guard lineup, while Angel Reese and Naz Hillmon played in the frontcourt.
G – Alisha Gray, G – Jordin Canada, G – Rhyne Howard, F – Angel Reese, F – Naz Hillmon
| Guards | Forwards | Centers |
| Allisha Gray | Naz Hillmon | Madina Okot |
| Jordin Canada | Angel Reese | |
| Rhyne Howard | Sika Kone | |
| Te-Hina Paopao | ||
| Aaliyah Nye | ||
| Indya Nivar | ||
| Isobel Borlase |
Wings
The Wings will retain the lineup that started against the Fever. Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale and Odyssey Sims formed a three-guard backcourt, while Alanna Smith and Jessica Sheppard were the two forwards.
| Guards | Forwards | Centers |
| Paige Bueckers | Alanna Smith | Li Yueru |
| Azzi Fudd | Maddy Siegrist | |
| Arike Ogunbowale | Jessica Shepard | |
| Odyssey Sims | Awak Kuier | |
| Aziaha James | Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu | |
| JJ Quinerly | ||
| Costanza Verona |
Atlanta Dream vs. Dallas Wings Injury Reports
Dream
The Dream have ruled out Brionna Jones due to a right knee injury.
Wings
Azzi Fudd is probable due to a right knee injury.
