The 2025 WNBA season gets off to a flying start when the Atlanta Dream visit the Washington Mystics in an Eastern Conference showdown.
Atlanta beefed up its defense during the offseason, and my Dream vs. Mystics predictions expect Atlanta to win comfortably behind its defensive muscles.
Read on as I share my WNBA picks for Friday, May 16.
Dream vs Mystics predictions
My Dream vs Mystics best bet: Dream -5.5 (-110 at bet365)
The Atlanta Dream brings defensive physicality and a revamped offense when they open their season on the road against the Washington Mystics.
Dream offseason acquisitions Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones bring physicality to the paint. They join defensive stalwarts Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard to form one of the most physically imposing defenses in the WNBA.
Washington committed the most turnovers per game last season; Gray and Howard are elite, physical on-ball perimeter defenders who combined for three steals per game in 2024.
Injuries have thinned out the Mystics' frontcourt. Shakira Austin and Aaliyah Edwards are out, leaving Stefanie Dolson to deal with the brunt of the physical Dream frontcourt.
Atlanta is looking to score more. They did that by draining 32% of a well-above-average 75 preseason triple attempts. They’ll likely launch up to 40 triples against the middling 3-point Washington perimeter defense that won’t defend well enough to slow a 35+ attempt, long-range onslaught.
The Dream is too experienced on both ends of the court for the undermanned Mystics. I expect Atlanta to bring the physicality and push the pace enough for the Dream to turn the Mystics' home opener into a nightmare.
Dream vs Mystics same-game parlay (SGP)
Dream -5.5
Rhyne Howard Over 18.5 points
Allisha Gray Over 14.5 points
I like the Dream to win comfortably, and Howard and Gray should be at the forefront.
Howard is a versatile scorer from anywhere on the floor. She turns swipes into steals and averaged 17 points per game for Atlanta last season.
Despite career shooting lows, Gray is coming off her second-highest scoring average (15.6 ppg) in her eight seasons while leading the Dream in Offensive Net Rating.
Dream vs Mystics odds
Dream vs Mystics live odds
Dream vs Mystics opening odds
- Spread: Atlanta -3.5 (-110) | Washington +3.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Atlanta -185 | Washington +150
- Over/Under: Over 153.5 (-110) | Under 153.5 (-110)
Dream vs Mystics trend
Atlanta is 5-2-0 ATS in their last seven H2H meetings with Washington. Find more WNBA betting trends for Dream vs. Mystics.
How to watch Dream vs Mystics
| Location | CareFirst Arena, Washington, D.C. |
| Date | Friday, 5-16-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ION |
Dream vs Mystics latest injuries
Dream: Jordin Canada (out).
Mystics: Shakira Austin (out), Aaliyah Edwards (out).
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.
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