The big story in the lone Thursday WNBA matchup is about who won’t be playing. Storm center and former WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson hasn’t played the last two games and isn’t expected to play against Washington because of a stress fracture in her back.
Other Seattle players are stepping up in Jackson’s absence. The club has won six straight (5-0-1 against the spread) and is hot on the Mercury’s heels for top spot in the Western Conference.
“Our goal is still to win the conference,” Seattle coach Brian Agler said after his club’s most recent victory. “Even though we’re in (the playoffs), we’re still trying to fight for position out in the West. We still feel like we have a chance to get first place.”
The Mystics aren’t going to catch the Fever for the top seed in the East, but they could end up as high as second if they finish strong.
The chances of a late run may have disappeared after All-Star guard Alana Beard had to be helped off the floor in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against Minnesota.
“She’s playing through a lot of pain right now,” Mystics coach Julie Plank told the Washington Times. “I know she would give anything to be out there. The most important thing for our team is that they’re 100 percent.”
Plank sounded optimistic about her star’s availability for Thursday’s game, but if she does play it might be limited.
Lady Luck 9/3
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