ATL @ WAS

The Read

Atlanta visits Washington in a defensive grind that will test both teams' ability to generate offense in a possession-starved environment. ATL brings a +5.4 net rating edge anchored by elite perimeter and forward defense (3rd in points allowed, 1st in rebounds forced), while WAS operates with a below-average pace (83.24) and an offensive rating of just 99.58. The matchup narrative centers on ATL's forwards attacking WAS's forward defense vulnerability (WAS allows 23.61 PPG to forwards, 1st-worst in league) versus WAS's guards trying to exploit spacing in a low-possession game. Both teams' absences create rotation uncertainty: WAS's Sonia Citron (OUT) and Georgia Amoore (Questionable) force lineup scrambling, while ATL's Brionna Jones (OUT) reduces interior depth. The pace will be glacially slow—98 projected possessions—favoring defensive execution and efficient shot selection over volume. ATL's +5.4 net rating and superior ball security (13.36% TO rate vs WAS's 17.4%) should allow them to control the tempo and build a lead by the third quarter, with WAS's guard defense weakness (43.33 PPG allowed to guards, 15th in league) creating consistent ATL penetration opportunities.

The Call

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Head to Head

WAS vs ATL · last 18 meetings · WAS leads

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