Published Jul 12, 2:06am ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jul 12, 2:06am ET
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Updated Jul 12, 2:06am ET
One of Monday's WNBA matchups features the Atlanta Dream taking on the Los Angeles Sparks. Which team has the edge in our Dream vs Sparks pick?
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| Atlanta Dream | -7.5 (-110) |
| Los Angeles Sparks | +7.5 (-110) |
Atlanta finds itself in the midst of a tailspin, having dropped six of its last seven games. The team's recent misstep was a 102-92 loss to the Portland Fire on Saturday.
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The Dream overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to take a 70-67 lead at the 4:00 mark in the third quarter. Unfortunately, Portland responded with a 16-5 burst, taking an 83-75 lead into the fourth en route to a 10-point win.
Atlanta got solid play from multiple contributors. Allisha Gray led the way with 20 points, Madina Okot added 19 points and eight rebounds, and Naz Hillmon chipped in 15 points and eight boards, giving the Dream a balanced scoring trio.
Even so, the defense was MIA as the Fire shot 60 percent from the field and knocked down 14-of-29 from three, essentially negating Atlanta’s offensive production.
The Sparks have won two straight following a three-game skid. Their last outing was a 102-87 victory over the Chicago Sky on Friday.
This one was close through three quarters, with the Sparks leading 73-70. But a 29-17 burst in the final frame carried the home team to a double-digit win.
All five starters reached double figures. Nneka Ogwumike delivered a solid 25-point performance, adding 12 rebounds and five assists. Dearica Hamby, Ariel Atkins, and Rae Burrell each contributed 17 points, giving L.A. balanced scoring across the board. The Sparks also converted 51 percent of their overall attempts and went 14‑for‑31 from deep, a shooting display that defined the matchup.
Despite its recent struggles, Atlanta is listed as a 7.5-point favorite. Here's what you need to know for both teams ahead of this Monday evening tilt.
The Dream have been reliable at home, winning three of its last five at Gateway Center Arena. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 2-3 across its previous five away games. These trends, paired with Atlanta winning each of the last five meetings in this series, give the home team the edge in this East vs West matchup.
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Pick
Atlanta Dream (-7.5)
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