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Mystics vs Liberty Preview: Washington aims to continue their win streak hosting New York

This first meeting will most likely go in Washington’s favor...

This is the first meeting of the season for the Mystics and the Liberty with their second duel not far behind next week. We have the Mystics who stand at 9-5 on a three-game winning streak, whereas the struggling Liberty are 4-9 on a three-game losing streak. This could be a smooth sailing win for the Mystics with momentum and home court advantage on their side. Liberty and Mystics last met in the 2017 WNBA playoffs, when the sixth-seeded Mystics upset the third-seeded Liberty in the second round.

Game Info

When: Thursday June 28 at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.

How to watch: NBA TV | NBC Sports Washington | MSG Network

Injuries

Mystics: None

Liberty: None

Pregame Notes

Two former Mystics: A coach and a player

Some familiar Mystics will be sighted on Thursday night. The first is Bria Hartley, who played three seasons with the Washington Mystics under Head Coach Mike Thibault. In 2014, Hartley was drafted by the Seattle Storm and then traded to Washington where majority of her career was to date. Currently, Hartley is averaging 8.5 points per game and along with four assists per game. Easily a target to eye in the Liberty starting lineup.

Next is the future Hall of Famer and coach of New York Katie Smith, who played only the 2010 season as a Mystic averaging 9.5 points per game. She is also a two-time WNBA champion. Smith was named associate head coach of the New York Liberty for the 2016 season and then promoted to head coach in October 2017.

Elena Delle Donne and Tina Charles

Both players lead their respective teams in points per game: Delle Donne with 19.7 and Charles with 19.4. They’re very competitive both dominating in their positions. The key is who will come out on top from start to finish. Delle Donne has the bigger upside with a winning team behind her and guards who can find her and dish out the pass. It’s been a struggle for the Liberty, but despite it all Charles has made attempts to keep the team afloat.