Atlanta Dream
By Dave Sellers
It has not been sweet dreams in the ATL to start the year. Read a recap of the Dream’s first 24 games.
After a 4-2 start to their WNBA season, the Dream’s season has turned into a nightmare. Atlanta has only managed three wins since their fourth win of the year on May 31st.
They enter the break on an eight-game losing streak and have lost 11 out of 12. There are multiple reasons for the Dream’s under-achieving season so far but mainly it has been health.
Injuries
Rhyne Howard has missed ten games this season. The injury of the 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year coincides with Atlanta’s losing streak. When she went down they were 6-7. The good news is she played in the last game before the Olympic break and is currently playing for the Women’s Olympic 3x3 team. The Dream will need her 15.4 points per game if they hope to make the playoffs for the second straight year.
Jordan Canada was slated to be the starting point guard for Tanisha Wright’s squad but she has only managed to play four games this year. Canada did not start her season until game 15 for the Dream then was sidelined with a hand injury four games later. The two-time WNBA champion should be back for the final 16 games.
Aerial Powers signed with the Dream after three seasons with the Lynx Powers is a hard-nosed defender who can also score off the bench. She has been forced to sit out seven games this season. Powers is essential to Atlanta’s roster depth.
Key Stats
7-17 straight-up
11-12-1 ATS
11-13 over
75.2 points per game
41.1% field goal percentage
30.3% field goal percentage
5.3 three-pointers made per game
77.1% free-throw percentage
8.4 offensive rebounds per game
14.8 turnovers per game
81.2 points per game allowed
42.5% opponent’s field goal percentage
34.9% opponent’s three-point percentage
8.4 three-pointers allowed per game
79.5% opponent’s free-throw percentage
7.7 offensive rebounds allowed per game
13 turnovers forced per game
The Dream is struggling offensively this year. They averaged 82.5 points per game compared to 75.2 this year. Their opponents also kill them from behind the arc, making three more three balls a game than Atlanta.
Key Players
Tina Charles
Charles is one of the greatest to have ever played in the WNBA. The 35-year-old was named to the WNBA’s top 25 in the history of the league back in 2021. The former MVP averages 13.6 points a game while leading the Dream in rebounds (8.2) and steals (1) per game. Charles is still looking for her first championship and it happening this year is not looking good.
Allisha Gray
Gray has been carrying the load with all the injuries. The WNBA All-Star and winner of the three-point contest and skill challenge is averaging 15.5 points a game. Gray, the 2017 WNBA Rookie of the Year, was traded to the Dream back in 2023 for two first round draft picks. It has been a great trade for both sides with the Wings drafting Maddy Siegrist, and Gray has been a consistent veteran presence for Atlanta.
Gray is Atlanta’s most consistent three-point shooter, averaging 36% from behind the arc.
Rest of the Season
The good news for Atlanta they sit only three games out of the eighth seed. Bad news they have the fifth hardest schedule remaining in the W.
The Dream has a chance to make up ground in the playoff race right out of the gates after the Olympic break. Atlanta has five straight home games but does host some solid teams. They host Seattle, Connecticut, Phoenix (Twice in three days), and the Fever.
The Fever game will be moved to State Farm Arena, it will be appointment TV.
The playoffs don’t look likely for the Dream this year but I would not be shocked if they squeak into the eighth seed.
Fanduel currently has the Dream season wins at 13.5 juiced to the under at -132. For those that want to back the Dream, the over is at +104. I’m leaning towards making the wager on the over, as long as Howard comes out of the Olympics injury-free.
I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read my work. I will be releasing season recaps throughout the Olympic break.
I’m currently looking for sports writing jobs, if you want to reach me, you can do it through this site or my X @Davesdailypicks.
