Alexander Shun

Web Editorial Associate | Twitter

Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx | 10:30am

Where to Watch: No TV

Where to Listen: No Radio

 The Lynx open preseason play against the Mystics at the Verizon Center on Wednesday morning.

The game will be played in the morning because Washington was prepared to have the Wizards and the Capitals playing playoff basketball and hockey, respectively, in the Verizon Center at night.

After having two practices a day almost every day last week, the Lynx will finally get the chance to test their skills against real competition.

Lynx rookies Reshanda Gray and Shae Kelley will look to impress as they get their first official WNBA playing time.

The Mystics will look to continue their undefeated preseason after they routed the Atlanta Dream 79-55 last Saturday night.

LAST MEETING

The two teams last faced each other on June 20, 2014 in Minnesota. The Lynx, led by forward Maya Moore, defeated the Mystics 75-65. Moore notched a double-double scoring 20 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while also dishing out seven assists. Lynx guard Seimone Augustus added 19 points despite battling left knee bursitis.

Center Kia Vaughn shone for the Mystics scoring 10 points and grabbing a then-career-high 13 rebounds. Coming off the bench, guard Kara Lawson also added 14 points and three assists in the loss.

KEY MATCHUP: MAYA MOORE VS. WASHINGTON’S DEFENSE

Lynx forward and 2014 WNBA MVP Maya Moore is quickly becoming the most complete player in the league and the face of the WNBA. Last year, Moore led the league in scoring at 23.9 points per game and ranked in the top-10 in the league in rebounds, field-goal percentage, three-point percentage, free-throw percentage and steals. Moore also finished in the top 15 in the league in rebounds and blocks. Moore has proven herself to be unstoppable which doesn’t bode well for the Mystics.

Last season, the Mystics finished first in the league in points allowed per-game, allowing 73.8 points per game to opponents. Despite it being only a preseason game, the Mystics will look to maintain their stellar defense and stop Moore. Washington is hopeful that young players like center Stefanie Dolson, guard Bria Hartley, and first-round pick Ally Malott can develop quickly and continue the high level of defense that was shown last season. Guard Ivory Latta will most-likely be the one tasked with stopping Moore, so her performance will be essential to the Mystics’ success on Wednesday morning.

 PROJECTED STARTERS

 Mystics: PG – Hartley, SG – Latta, SF – Greene, PF – Meesseman, C – Vaughn

 Lynx: PG – Whalen, SG – Augustus, SF – Moore, PF – Brunson, C – Jones