“I’m glad we were able to get another great competitive game,” said Seattle forward, Nneka Ogwumike, after settling the score with a victory vs the Sun. “We needed this type of game. We needed to be able to grind things out, and we needed to be able to keep getting stops even if the shots aren’t going in.” Tonight, for the first time this season, they will face the Mystics’ All-Star rookie duo (Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen) in Seattle’s home ground.

The question is, will the veteran-driven squad be able to replicate that type of game? Let us break it down for you…

Where to Watch Washington Mystics vs Seattle Storm

• When: Sunday, July 13 at 6 p.m. ET
• Where: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
• How to Watch: For the folks wishing to watch it on cable services, you can choose ION, MNMT, or NBA TV, with Pat Boylan (play-by-play) and Debbie Antonelli (analysis). For viewers who are willing to opt for streaming services, this game can be watched using the WNBA League Pass, Amazon Prime US, Fubo, SlingTV, and YouTube TV.

The Injury Report

Washington Mystics

Georgia Amoore: Out (right ACL)

Amoore is out indefinitely from the Mystics’ roster after suffering an ACL injury during team practice, without an official timeline, as she will “examine treatment and rehabilitation options.” Georgia Amoore was in her rookie season after being drafted No. 6 overall by Washington.

Seattle Storm

Katie Lou Samuelson: Out (right ACL)

This was also an expected omission, as the Storm had already announced in May that Samuelson is set to miss the whole season after tearing the ACL in her right knee during practice. Samuelson is the 2019 No. 4 overall draft pick from the University of Connecticut. She has also played for Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Indiana.

Predicted Starting Lineup

Washington Mystics

• Shakira Austin (#0): MIN 27, REB 8, AST 2, STL 1, BLK 1
• Kiki Iriafen (#44): MIN 24, REB 8, AST 2, STL 0, BLK 0
• Brittney Sykes (#20): MIN 35, REB 2, AST 4, STL 0, BLK 0
• Sug Sutton (#1): MIN 25, REB 1, AST 1, STL 0, BLK 0
• Sonia Citron (#22): MIN 38, REB 5, AST 0, STL 0, BLK 0

Seattle Storm

• Nneka Ogwumike (#3): MIN 34, REB 4, AST 5, STL 1, BLK 2
• Gabby Williams (#5): MIN 38, REB 2, AST 5, STL 3, BLK 0
• Ezi Magbegor (#13): MIN 30, REB 4, AST 1, STL 2, BLK 2
• Skylar Diggins (#4): MIN 26, REB 5, AST 5, STL 0, BLK 0
• Erica Wheeler (#17): MIN 31, REB 1, AST 5, STL 4, BLK 0

How Things Might Go Down: Washington Mystics vs Seattle Storm

This Mystics-Storm game will pit Washington’s current hot streak against Seattle’s steady performance all year. The Storm are clear favorites statistically. Even ESPN Analytics gives them a 76.7% win probability. They currently hold a solid 13-8 record (3rd in West). But don’t count out the Mystics yet because they’ve been heating up lately.

The Mystics have battled to 10-10 (.500) with 2 straight wins and 5 victories in their last 7 games. This includes clutch wins over elite teams like Las Vegas (by 2) and Minnesota. Rookies Iriafen and Citron are dominating the court like it’s their grandmother’s backyard. (both already All-Stars). While Austin remains steady and Sykes just put up 18 points, this team is better than what their underdog status implies.

But Seattle is no pushover either. Their veteran core (Ogwumike, Diggins-Smith, Williams) provides experience and lockdown defense. The stats favor them as well. They have better scoring (82.1 ppg vs. 78.6), shooting (45.6% vs. 43%), and blocks (5.4 vs. 2.8). Plus, never count out the home court advantage.

However, Seattle has lost 3 of 5 recently, even falling at home to a weak Liberty team. If the Mystics dominate rebounds and limit mistakes, they could pull off the upset. Our final take? Seattle is the smarter pick, but Washington is primed for an upset. This should be tight, and if their young stars deliver another big performance, the Mystics might just steal it.