Wings vs Mystics Prediction & Picks (8/20): Will the Sykes Show Continue?

After struggling for wins for over a month and a half, the Washington Mystics have finally put together consecutive wins for the first time since June. But to keep the good vibes going, the Mystics have to navigate a tough challenge today from the visiting Dallas Wings (3:00 pm ET, NBA TV).

The Mystics (15-16, 10-5 home) started 8-4, then lost 12 of their next 17 games to drop three games under .500. But thanks to wins over the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, Washington can move back to .500 with a win today.

A win would also tighten up the race for the fourth spot in the WNBA standings, which is currently occupied by the Wings (17-14, 7-8 away), who are looking for their third straight win after two impressive wins over the Connecticut Sun.

Dallas Wings vs Washington Mystics Odds

Odds are via Bovada.

Spread

• Dallas Wings -5.5 (-110)
• Washington Mystics +5.5 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 166 (-110)
• Under 166 (-110)

Moneyline

• Dallas Wings -240
• Washington Mystics +210

Can Sykes Serve Up Another 30-Piece to Deny the Wings?

The Wings are third in the WNBA in scoring (86.6 PPG) behind the Las Vegas Aces (93.1 PPG) and New York Liberty (88.0 PPG), the two best teams in the league.

Their offensive prowess was on display in their two wins over the Sun. In a 91-81 win at home eight days ago, Connecticut had no answer for Satou Sabally, who tied a career high with 28 points. Then, in Friday’s 95-75 road win, the Sun couldn’t cool off Arike Ogunbowale, who made 7 of 9 from three and scored a game-high 30 points.

While Dallas has now scored 85 or more points 18 times this season, Washington has scored 85 or more points only nine times.

So, the Mystics might have to do a little more scoring than they are accustomed to in order to prevent the Wings from claiming their third win out of the four regular season matchups between the two teams.

That’s where Brittney Sykes comes in. Sykes is the league’s leader in steals per game (2.2), but she has stolen the show with her scoring in Washington’s last two wins.

Against Chicago in an 83-76 win last Sunday, Sykes poured in a season-high 30 points on 11 of 18 shooting. Then in Friday’s 83-79 win at Indiana, Sykes repeated the feat with another 30-piece on 11 of 19 shooting.

The Mystics are 5-3 when Sykes has scored 20+ points this season, including a 4-1 mark at home. The lone loss came on July 22, when 29 points and 10 rebounds from Sykes weren’t enough in a 96-87 loss to the New York Liberty.

Another big game today might not be enough either. The Wings have a losing record on the road, but they are now 5-1 in their last six road games. In their last eight road games, their only two losses are to the Las Vegas Aces, who were 16-0 at home until being stunned by the Los Angeles Sparks yesterday.

Dallas Wings vs Washington Mystics Prediction and Picks

Wings vs Mystics Picks: Mystics +5.5 (-110 at Bovada) & Brittney Sykes to score 20+ points (+175 at Bovada)

Both Dallas and Washington have won three or more games in a row only once this season, so this is a big opportunity on both sides.

The Wings are the better team and are coming off of two great wins, but their struggles with putting together extended runs of success will bite them against the Mystics, who have been one of the league’s best teams at defending their home court this season.

Where to Bet on the WNBA

The Wings vs Mystics betting odds mentioned in this article came from Bovada, but they aren’t the only sports betting site out there offering WNBA odds.

• BetOnline
• BetUS
• Bookmaker
• MyBookie
• Sportsbetting.ag

There are a number of online sportsbooks that are good for betting on the WNBA, but the above books are some that we highly recommend.

While you’re here, check out our WNBA betting guide, which is handy for both new and experienced bettors.