The 2024 WNBA season officially tips off tonight, and one of the marquee matchups features the Atlanta Dream taking on the Washington Mystics. Atlanta enters as 6.5-point favorites, and there’s plenty of reason to believe they’ll cover that spread comfortably in their season opener.
The game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at CareFirst Arena in Washington, D.C., with national television coverage provided by ION.
Key Offseason Additions Fuel Atlanta’s Hype
The Dream were one of the most aggressive teams during the offseason, significantly upgrading their roster and coaching staff. Headlining their acquisitions are All-Star center Brittney Griner and elite forward Brionna Jones. Both players bring defensive toughness and experience to a team that already boasted a strong foundation.
Griner and Jones combined for an impressive three blocks and two steals per game last season, while Griner averaged 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists per contest. That production immediately boosts a Dream squad that ranked at the bottom in offensive efficiency in 2023.
Additionally, Atlanta secured longtime Florida Gulf Coast head coach Karl Smesko, whose reputation for defensive intensity and three-point-centric offense should dramatically reshape the team’s identity. Smesko’s system is tailor-made for the Dream’s top scorers, Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray — both of whom are expected to increase their perimeter shooting this season.
Mismatch in Talent and Depth
While Atlanta has reloaded for a playoff push, the Mystics are in the early stages of a rebuild. They traded away top scorer Ariel Atkins and solid contributor Karli Samuelson in exchange for draft capital, which they used to acquire rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen.
Though promising, first-year players historically struggle in their WNBA debuts, and the Mystics’ roster lacks proven talent. Making matters worse, projected starting point guard Georgia Amoore suffered a significant injury during practice and may miss the entire season, leaving the team depleted at a key position.
Washington is also viewed as a long shot in the WNBA title race, holding the third-longest championship odds heading into the season.
Dream vs Mystics Odds
Currently, FanDuel lists Atlanta as a 6.5-point favorite and -290 on the moneyline. Washington is a +225 underdog, with the game total sitting at 156.5 points.
Best Bet: Atlanta Dream -6.5 (-110 at FanDuel)
With Atlanta’s defensive upgrades, Smesko’s coaching debut, and a deeper, more experienced roster, the Dream are positioned to dominate the opener. Washington is undermanned and in transition, making this matchup a clear opportunity for Atlanta to set the tone early in the season.
Player Prop to Watch: Rhyne Howard Over 3.5 Made Threes (+128 at DraftKings)
Atlanta’s new offense under Smesko appears centered around the three-point shot — the team launched 72 attempts from beyond the arc in two preseason games. Rhyne Howard embraced this change, attempting 20 threes across those outings and converting six.
In the second game alone, she went 4-for-9 from deep, signaling her green light and offensive upside. With volume on her side against a weakened Mystics defense, Howard hitting four or more threes at +128 odds is a valuable prop play.
Final Prediction
Expect the Dream to come out firing on both ends of the court. Their revamped lineup and emphasis on spacing and defense should be too much for a depleted and inexperienced Mystics team. Atlanta covers the spread, with Howard putting on a show from long range.
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