WNBA: Dream will test contender credentials against Lynx

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Now that the second half of the 2025 WNBA season is well underway, it’s time to begin establishing the hierarchy of teams. Who the contenders? Who are the pretenders?

With five games on deck this Sunday, here is a rundown on the most intriguing matchups:

Are the Dream for real?

Allisha Gray and the Dream lost in overtime to Napheesa Collier on the Lynx on June 27.

Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images

The Atlanta Dream consistently outperformed expectations during the first half of the season, but how have they looked post-All-Star?

So far, they’ve split their games, losing to the Las Vegas Aces but beating the Phoenix Mercury. Now they’ll take on the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in a game that will undoubtedly be a big test for the Dream.

To beat the Lynx, the Dream will need Jordin Canada to be the best she can be. Canada has been having a great season, averaging 10.7 points and 5.4 assists per game. After scoring 14 points in the team’s win against Phoenix, Canada crossed the 2,000-point milestone.

Canada’s backcourt partner, Allisha Gray, will also be key in this game. She’s leading the team in scoring, averaging 19 points per game. With Rhyne Howard still out with an injury, they’ll need all those points and more if they want to pull off the upset and beat the Lynx.

Defensively, everything for Atlanta will be about trying to slow down Napheesa Collier. She’s leading Minnesota in minutes, points, rebounds and blocks. This matchup will be the last one on Sunday, airing at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV.

Can Mystics stay on track?

Washington Mystics v Phoenix Mercury — Sonia Citron and the Mystics lost to the Mercury on May 25.

The Washington Mystics have experienced a rough patch lately, losing back-to-back games against Los Angeles Sparks. They bounced back by beating the Seattle Storm on Saturday, but they won’t be able to celebrate since they have a quick turnaround against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday.

The Mystics are a young team led by rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, so there’s valid concern that they could run out of gas during this second half and drop out of the playoffs. Luckily, Washington still has some experienced vets. Their All-Star guard, Brittney Sykes, is leading the defensive charge and will be ready to help the Mystics fight to remain in the win column.

The Mercury would also like to get back in the win column. They’ve lost their last three games. We’ll see if Alyssa Thomas can dominate the Mystics’ frontcourt to get Phoenix back on track. This game tips at 6 p.m. ET on WNBA League Pass.

A look at the rest of Sunday’s slate

Connecticut Sun v Golden State Valkyries — Saniya Rivers and the Sun lost to Veronica Burton and the Valkyries on June 22.

There are three other games scheduled to take place on Sunday. The action begins with the Golden State Valkyries playing the Connecticut Sun at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBSSN, followed by the Chicago Sky playing the Indiana Fever at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN+. The other matchup happening this weekend is the Las Vegas Aces taking on the Dallas Wings at 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPN 3.

The Valkyries should easily take care of the Sun. Connecticut has struggled this season, having only won three games.

Sky-Fever is usually a main event, but with Caitlin Clark still out, this contest doesn’t have the same pop it once did. Also, the Sky are 7-17 on the season and don’t look like a team that can consistently beat above .500 opponents, especially if Angel Reese, who is questionable to play, is not in the lineup.

Injuries also have put a damper on Aces-Wings, with Paige Bueckers listed as out for rest. Still, this could be a fun one, with plenty of star talent worth watching. A’ja Wilson will lead Las Vegas as usual, while Dallas will have Arike Ogunbowale at the helm.