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Atlanta (12-9) at Chicago (7-14)
- When: Jul 16 2025, 12:00 PM
- Where: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL, USA
- TV: Peachtree TV
WNBA Preview and Prediction: Atlanta Dream vs. Chicago Sky
Spread: Atlanta -8.5 | Total: 158.0
Atlanta Dream Breakdown
The Atlanta Dream are navigating a tough stretch without their All-Star Rhyne Howard, who’s out for the rest of the month due to a knee injury. Howard’s 16.5 points per game aren’t easily replaced, and it showed in back-to-back losses to Indiana and New York.
On Sunday, Atlanta jumped out to a promising 11-point halftime lead against the Liberty but fell apart after the break. They managed just 11 points in the third quarter and shot a brutal 30% in the second half overall. Coach Karl Smesko acknowledged the collapse bluntly, saying his squad simply couldn’t keep pace once New York found its rhythm.
Allisha Gray remains the go-to scorer, but she struggled in the Liberty loss, scoring 16 points on just 3-of-13 shooting. While Atlanta still has solid depth, missing their leading scorer leaves them vulnerable on the road.
Still, they’ve handled business against Chicago this season, winning both prior meetings convincingly by 18 and 13 points. If the Dream can tighten up offensively and keep the Sky from gaining momentum early, they’re in position to cover the number even without Howard.
Chicago Sky Breakdown
Chicago may be 7-14, but they’re showing flashes of life. The Sky have won two of their last three games, and even in Monday’s 91-78 loss to the Lynx, All-Star forward Angel Reese was electric, dropping 22 points with 10 boards. She continues to be the heartbeat of this team.
But not all news is good in the Windy City. Guards Michaela Onyenwere and Ariel Atkins both exited the Minnesota game with injuries and are questionable for this one. Combine that uncertainty with the Sky’s league-worst 15.7 turnovers per game, 19 in their last outing, and it’s clear why the books have them as significant underdogs.
Coach Tyler Marsh continues to stress ball control and discipline, but with roster instability and a matchup against a team that’s already beaten them twice this season, Chicago has an uphill climb.
Still, they’ll be back at home and looking for revenge. Expect them to keep things competitive early, especially if Reese gets help from the supporting cast, but sustaining a full 40-minute fight may be a big ask with the injury bug biting.
WNBA Game Prediction:
Atlanta may be banged up, but they’re still the better-structured team. Chicago has been careless with possessions, and if the Dream can even be average offensively, that may be enough. This feels like a gritty, low-scoring affair with a late Dream surge.
Score Prediction: Atlanta 82, Chicago 72
Best Bet: Atlanta -8.5
Total: Under 158.0
- WNBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
