The Atlanta Dream will attempt to get back on track and strengthen their playoff position on Sunday afternoon when they host the Indiana Fever in College Park, Ga.
The Dream (14-13) return home after losing road games to the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury last week.
They are in fifth place in the WNBA standings, one game behind the Dallas Wings (15-12) from securing the opportunity to host a first-round playoff series.
Atlanta has 13 games remaining in the regular season.
Indiana (7-20) has lost 13 of its last 15 games, including an 88-72 loss against the visiting Connecticut Sun on Friday
The Fever defeated the Mercury at home Tuesday, two days before Phoenix breezed to a 91-71 win over Atlanta.
Indiana’s loss to Connecticut on Thursday prolonged the dubious streak of not winning consecutive games since defeating the Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky on June 13 and 15, respectively.
Defensive breakdowns have cost the Fever, who were outscored 40-20 in the paint by the Sun.
“We let people turn the corner (and) get downhill on us,” Indiana coach Christie Sides said. “Have to keep them in front. They’re finishing at the rim, or they’re getting fouled. Just have to do a better job of our individual scheme defense and then also having more pride in your individual defense.”
Indiana is also coming off a 7-for-23 shooting performance from 3-point range against Connecticut.
Kelsey Mitchell, who has taken almost 100 more 3-point attempts than the next closest teammate, tried only six from that range against the Sun. She made two and finished with 13 points.
She is 60 of 167 from 3-point range. The next Indiana player with the most attempts is Erica Wheeler (21 of 69).
Cheyenne Parker led Atlanta in its recent road trip, scoring 19 points against Las Vegas and 20 versus Phoenix.
“(Parker is) focusing on being dominant and taking advantage of the opportunities that she’s given,” Atlanta coach Tanisha Wright said. “I think what we have seen from CP the last couple games is who she was before the All-Star break. That’s the expectation I’m sure for herself but definitely from us.”
–Field Level Media
