Mystics vs. Wings preview: Washington hosts Dallas on Wednesday night

Two of the youngest teams in the WNBA square off in D.C.

By L.W. May 18, 2016, 8:00am EDT

The Mystics look to bounce back from their loss to the New York Liberty against the Dallas Wings (formerly the Tulsa Shock), who are also looking to bounce back from a loss to the Liberty.

The Wings are 1-1 this season, with a win over the Indiana Fever on opening day. Two-time All-Star Skylar Diggins is questionable after missing the Wings first two games.

Game Info

When: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 7 pm EST
Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC.
TV: Monumental Sports Network and WNBA League Pass.

Injury Report

The Mystics will be missing Ivory Latta, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, Ally Mallot and LaToya Sanders. For the Wings, Glory Johnson is out and Skylar Diggins is questionable.

How good are the Wings?

Honestly, we don't really know yet. The Wings are a young, talented team that has been "on the verge" for what feels like ages. But former Baylor star Odyssey Sims should never be underestimated. The Mystics will need to do the best they can to bait her into taking jumpers, rather than wrecking havoc in the paint and dishing to shooters on the perimeter.

Interesting tie between Washington and Dallas

Former Wizards/Mystics VP Greg Bibb is the General Manager for the Wings.

Keys to the Game

1. Get Emma Meesseman involved early and often. With Glory Johnson missing the beginning of the season due to a suspension, Theresa Plaisance and Plenette Pierson will likely take turns guarding Meesseman. Plaisance lacks both the speed and strength to stick with Meesseman so expect the Mystics to have an edge on the post. Pierson is a 13-year veteran and a physical defender, but Meesseman has both the height advantage and the skills to score on her.

2. Pass the ball with purpose. Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the Mystics' opening night game was their tendency to play hot potato with the ball and pass badly. Not only were they over-passing, those passes were often off-target, leading to turnovers and awkward catches. Their instinct to share the ball is a good one, but they need to do a better job executing those passes and realizing when good shots are available to them.

Who wins?

If the Mystics can keep their act together when it comes to taking care of the ball, they should be able to pull through with the win. The Wings are on a three-game road trip, so they may be just happy to head home.