Los Angeles Sparks - Washington Mystics predictions and free betting tips [22/05/2024]

In the second game of the regular season of the Women's National Basketball Association, the Los Angeles Sparks will host the Washington Mystics.

Los Angeles Sparks

In their first game of last season, the Los Angeles Sparks crushed the Phoenix Mercury (94:71). This was followed by two defeats from the Las Vegas Aces (85:94; 93:65). However, in the next five games, the team secured three wins and, at that moment, took fourth place in the Western Conference and sixth among all teams in the league. The California team failed to consolidate the early-season success, experiencing a total downfall in July with eight consecutive losses. Two victories over the Indiana Fever (79:78; 81:68) marginally improved the Sparks' standings, but the team subsequently lost twice to the New York Liberty. An August surge of six consecutive victories was not enough for the City of Angels team to reach the playoffs, and their season ended in the regular phase. This season, the Sparks began with two consecutive defeats to the Atlanta Dream (81:92) and the Las Vegas Aces (89:82). 

Washington Mystics

In their first game of last season, the Washington Mystics demolished the formidable New York Liberty (80:64). This was followed by two losses to the Connecticut Sun (80:74; 81:88). However, in the next ten games, the team secured seven victories, rising to third place in the Eastern Conference and fourth among all teams in the league. The end of July was not favourable for the capital club, losing five out of six matches. Towards the end of the regular season, the team managed to stay within the playoff zone, but in the first round, they lost both games to their today's opponents from the New York Liberty (90:75; 90:85). This season, the Mystics started with three consecutive losses. The team succumbed to the New York Liberty (80:85), the Connecticut Sun (84:77), and the Seattle Storm (75:84). 

Head-to-Head 

In the last head-to-head encounters last season, victories were secured by the Los Angeles Sparks (83:91; 72:64).

Match Prediction

The Los Angeles Sparks have been playing rather unreliably in defence at the start of this season, generally struggling in the early regular games. At the same time, the poor start of the Washington Mystics is even more surprising. A team that made it to the playoffs last year cannot afford to lose three games in a row at the season's beginning. I think in this game, it is worth trying to take the individual total over (ITO) 77.5 points for the visitors. Another option to consider is a positive handicap.