Mystics vs Storm Game 2 Picks and Predictions: Washington Ties Up Series at One Game Apiece

In what was projected to be one of the best first-round series in the WNBA playoffs, the opener on Thursday didn't let down as the Seattle Storm narrowly defeated the Washington Mystics 86-83 at Climate Pledge Arena.

Game 1 was a tight contest, and Game 2 game will likely be very similar. Elena Delle Donne is still amongst the very elite in the league, and the Mystics will have to ride her experience and talent to secure the victory, which we break down in our Storm vs. Mystics WNBA betting picks and predictions.

Mystics vs Storm Game 2 odds

This odds widget represents the best odds available for each betting market from regulated sportsbooks.

Lines opened on Friday, hovering between -3.5 and -4.5 in favor of the Storm and remained the same. The total opened between 161.5 and has decreased to 160.5. 

Use the live odds widget above to track any future line movements right up until tip-off and be sure to check out the full WNBA odds before placing your bets.

Mystics vs Storm Game 2 predictions

• Prediction: Mystics +3.5 (-110)
• Prediction: Under 160.5 (-110)
• Best bet: Mystics +3.5 (-110)

Predictions made on 8/20/2022 at 2:00 a.m. ET.
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.

Mystics vs Storm info

• Location: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
• Date: Sunday, August 21, 2022
• Tip-off: 4:00 p.m. ET
• TV: ESPN

Mystics vs Storm series odds

Mystics: +300
Storm : -400

Mystics vs Storm betting preview

Key injuries

Mystics: Tianna Hawkins F (Questionable).
Storm: Mercedes Russell C (Out).
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.

Betting trend to know

The Under is 5-0 in the Mystics' last five games following a loss. Find more WNBA betting trends for Mystics vs. Storm.

Mystics vs Storm Game 2 picks and predictions

Our side and total predictions are based upon our analysis of the line and total in this game. Our best bet is our favorite pick across all markets.

Spread analysis

Close games are what postseason basketball is all about. It's not about blowout victories and easily determined outcomes. With Seattle and Washington, we are getting two evenly matched teams battling against one another for a chance to advance to the semifinal round. Seattle edged out a close one on Thursday, but the Mystics have an excellent opportunity to tie this series up.

For one, Seattle has absolutely no answers for Delle Donne. She remains one of the best players in the WNBA, which was apparent even in Game 1. As fans witnessed, the 32-year-old poured in 26 points on 11-for-17 shooting, five assists, three rebounds, a steal, and a block in 32 minutes. She did all this while the Storm threw a series of different defenders, traps, and schemes.

None of it mattered.

The Storm shouldn't feel ashamed as they face the first woman ever to shoot more than 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line in a single season (2019). She nearly accomplished that feat again in 2022.

Delle Donne's performance in Game 2 is likely to be similar, with room to have an even bigger night. She went 0-for-4 behind the arc in Game 1, and if a few of those attempts hit tomorrow, Washington will likely cover the spread.

Washington has one of the best against the spread records (21-15) in the WNBA, primarily due to its top-ranked defense — holding opponents to a league-low 75.9 points per game. We will see a laser-focused Mystics defense containing Seattle's fifth-ranked offense.

Prediction: Mystics +3.5 (-110 at BetMGM)

Over/Under analysis

As mentioned briefly, the Mystics play natural, sound, and tough defense. In fact, since June 25, Washington has only surrendered 86 or more points twice. Seattle hit that mark in the series opener, but it doesn't seem likely its fifth-best offense will get the better of the top-ranked defense in back-to-back games.

In 36 games this season, 23 of those games have resulted in the Under for the Mystics. Defense is their hallmark, and it was evident in stretches Thursday as they forced the Storm into an alarming 13 turnovers.

Another player that could be a key X factor is Seattle's, Jewell Lloyd. Washington was focused on slowing her down and exceeded for most of the night until she came alive in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 points in the second half and her first field goal late in the game. The question is, can Washington keep her contained for the entire game and not lag off late? I'm banking on the Mystics' defense to give their most spirited defense effort.

They've scored Under the 160.5 Over/Under number set for tomorrow in three of the four matchups this year. Take the Under!

Prediction: Under 160.5 (-110 at BetMGM)

Best bet

It's easy to lay out the obvious reasons for someone to like the Mystics' chances in this one. They've proven they can hang with Seattle and have to feel great confidence in their ability to win with Delle Donne in the fold. She averages 18.4 points per game in the playoffs — ranking ninth all-time. She will have a significant impact in this potential elimination game.

Seattle's rebounding and its impact on its wins and losses is not discussed enough. During the regular season, the Storm were 10-3 when they out-rebounded opponents and 11-11 when they had fewer boards. That is a significant swing and something to monitor.

On the season, Washington is the superior rebounding team, grabbing over a rebound per game more than the Storm. Seattle did narrowly win the rebounding battle on Thursday and predictably won the game largely due to Breanna Stewart's game-high 12 boards. This was the first time the Storm out-rebounded Washington this season, and I doubt that happens two nights in a row, as they aren't known to crash the boards as effectively as the Mystics.

Washington knows it must win to avoid elimination, and I believe it will crash the boards, play stellar defense — which it has done all year — and ride its future Hall of Famer, Delle Donne.

Pick: Mystics +3.5 (-110 at BetMGM)

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