Ten WNBA teams will play on Sunday, starting with the Washington Mystics hosting the Minnesota Lynx at 3 p.m. ET on ESPN3.
At 4 p.m. ET, two games begin: The Indiana Fever will be at home against the Atlanta Dream on ESPN3, and the New York Liberty will be taking on the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces on ESPN. The slate will continue with a 6 p.m. ET matchup between the Chicago Sky and the Dallas Wings, followed by some West Coast action with the Los Angeles Sparks playing against the Connecticut Sun at 9 p.m. ET. The day’s latter two matchups will be available on League Pass.
Are the Liberty ready to be the top dog?
Yes, it’s just a regular season matchup, but this game between the Liberty and Aces is a huge test for New York. They are the top seed, but the Aces still hold the crown.
Las Vegas is in top form with four-straight wins, including a quality victory against the Sun. If A’ja Wilson and company can add a victory against the Liberty to this winning streak, suddenly it won’t be the Aces worried about their run ending, but the league wondering who can beat them when it matters most.
The Liberty have taken care of the Aces this season, winning the last two matchups. Winning this one would secure the season sweep and potentially put the Liberty at ease about whether they can hang with the Aces.
Regardless of the result, expect these two titans to put on a show. The Aces have MVP front-runner Wilson, the Point Gawd Chelsea Gray and All-Stars Kelsy Plum and Jackie Young. The Liberty have sharpshooter Sabrina Ionescu and superstars Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. So, get the popcorn ready for this Sunday matinee.
The rest of Sunday’s games
No other game on Sunday has the intrigue of Liberty vs. Aces, but each has an interesting storyline.
The Lynx will be heavily favored against the Mystics. But with Washington still having a shot at the final playoff spot, expect them to give a valiant effort before Napheesa Collier and Minnesota’s brilliance overwhelms them.
The Fever have been on a roll, but the Dream are still fighting for the final spot, just like the Mystics. Indiana is too young to ever be fully confident in a victory, and Caitlin Clark is coming off a tough game, where even she acknowledged her emotions got the best of her. Beating Atlanta would be a good way to get back on track.
With Angel Reese ruled out for the rest of the year for Chicago, the Sky are now in a tough spot. Barely hanging on to the eighth spot, it’s possible they are now looking at the lottery, not the playoffs. It might be time to pack the season up if they lose to the Wings. The Sun have no reason to lose to the Sparks. The Sun are a title contender and the Sparks are only playing because they have to. Anything besides a blowout win for Connecticut would be an embarrassment.
Game information
Washington Mystics (11-23) vs. Minnesota Lynx (25-9)
When: Sunday, September 8 at 3 p.m. ET
Where: Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, DC
How to watch: ESPN3/League Pass
Mystics injury report: Shakira Austin (questionable; left ankle)
Lynx injury report: none
Indiana Fever (18-17) vs. Atlanta Dream (12-22)
When: Sunday, September 8 at 4 p.m. ET
Where: Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN
How to watch: ESPN3/League Pass
Fever injury report: none
Dream injury report: Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (out; ankle), Ariel Powers (out; calf)
New York Liberty (28-6) vs. Las Vegas Aces (22-12)
When: Sunday, September 8 at 4 p.m. ET
Where: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
How to watch: ESPN
Liberty injury report: none
Aces injury report: none
Chicago Sky (12-22) vs. Dallas Wings (9-25)
When: Sunday, September 8 at 6 p.m. ET
Where: Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL
How to watch: League Pass
Sky injury report: Elizabeth Williams (out; knee), Angel Reese (out; wrist)
Wings injury report: Stephanie Soares (day-to-day; knee)
Los Angeles Sparks (28-6) vs. Connecticut Sun (24-10)
When: Sunday, September 8 at 9 p.m. ET
Where: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA
How to watch: League Pass
Sparks injury report: Cameron Brink (out; left knee), Lexie Brown (out; Crohn’s), Layshia Clarendon (out; mental health reasons), Aari McDonald (questionable; right ankle)
Sun injury report: Tiffany Mitchell (out; illness)
