With the start of the 2018 WNBA season just about three months away, it is time to take a look at some of the Mystics’ premier home matchups. Washington starts the year playing three of its first four games at home, giving fans an early look at what should be one of the league’s most exciting teams to watch.
Take a look below for previews of the Mystics’ five most intriguing home games:
Sun., May 20 vs. Indiana Fever – 1 p.m.
The Mystics tip off the 2018 season hosting in-conference rival Indiana in a Sunday afternoon matchup on May 20 at Capital One Arena. Washington swept last year’s season series, 4-0, including two wins at home and three wins by 14+ points. In four games against Indiana last season, Mystics center Krystal Thomas averaged 14.3 points per game – including a season-high 20 on August 12 – and 11.5 rebounds per game. The Fever added depth to their frontcourt this offseason, acquiring center Kayla Alexander in a trade with the Las Vegas Aces on February 1.
Tue., May 22 vs. Las Vegas Aces – 7 p.m.
Relocated and rebranded, the Las Vegas Aces make their inaugural trip to the East Coast within the season’s first week. Mystics fans get an early look at the league’s newest franchise on Tue., May 22 at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena when Washington hosts the first of the team’s three 2018 matchups. Washington was 2-1 against the Aces, formerly the San Antonio Stars, last season. In the two wins, Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne averaged 26.5 points per game on 18-29 (.620) from the field.
Sun., May 27 vs. Minnesota Lynx – 3 p.m.
In a rematch of last season’s WNBA Semifinals, the Mystics welcome the defending-champion Lynx to Capital One Arena on Sun., May 27 at 3 p.m. for the teams’ first showdown of the season. Mystics guard Tayler Hill scored 20+ points in each of her two appearances against the Lynx. Reigning WNBA MVP Sylvia Fowles enters her 11th season in the league and is coming off one of the best statistical seasons of her career. Fowles averaged 18.9 points per game, 10.4 rebounds per game and 1.9 blocks per game in 2017. Washington and Minnesota square off three times in 2018, including the Mystics’ final game of the regular season on Sun., August 19 at Minnesota.
Thu., July 5 vs. New York Liberty – 7 p.m.
The Mystics’ final regular season home matchup with 2017’s Eastern Conference leaders, the New York Liberty, is set for Thu., July 5 at 7 p.m. at Capital One Arena. Washington was 1-2 in last season’s regular season series with the Liberty, but Mystics guard Kristi Toliver’s historic performance in the second round of the WNBA Playoffs ended the Liberty’s season in Madison Square Garden. Toliver connected on a WNBA-record nine 3-pointers and tallied a franchise and career high for points scored in a playoff game with 32. The Liberty are led by ninth-year center Tina Charles, who was the only player in the league to finish in the top four of both points (19.7) and rebounds (9.4) per game in 2017. Washington and New York close out their three-game regular season series on Sat., July 21 in New York.
Fri., August 17 vs. Los Angeles – 7 p.m.
Washington closes out its 2018 home schedule against the WNBA’s 2017 runners-up, the Los Angeles Sparks, on Fri., August 17 at Capital One Arena at 7 p.m. The Mystics dropped all three of last season’s matchups with L.A. despite a pair of standout, 20-point performances from Delle Donne (May 19, 2017 and July 2, 2017) and a season-high 16 points from rookie guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (August 16, 2017). Toliver spent seven of her nine WNBA seasons playing for the Sparks, a span that included an All-Star invite, All-WNBA selection and WNBA championship. This will be the last of Washington’s three games against Los Angeles in 2018. The Mystics host the Sparks on Fri., June 15 at 7 p.m. and play in L.A. on Sat., July 7 and 4 p.m.