What To Watch For: July 8-10

James Jackson

With a 10-game WNBA League Pass slate awaiting hoop fans, let’s examine the five things to watch for this weekend:

Tina Charles – The 2012 MVP continues making everything look easy. In New York’s 78-74 win over Seattle Wednesday, Charles posted 18 points, ending her nine-game streak with at least 20 points, but she rounded out the box score with six boards and four steals.

Standing atop the Eastern Conference, the Liberty will continue following Charles’ lead, with 2015 MVP Elena Delle Donne hosting Friday’s matchup, and San Antonio visiting the Big Apple for a Sunday Showdown.

Sparks in Action Sunday – Through 18 games the Sparks boast 17 victories, and have won six-straight heading into the weekend. The Sparks are top-three in points and assists while allowing the WNBA’s second-fewest assists, balancing their attack with the league’s best scoring defense (73.3 points allowed) by 4.5 points.

Hosting the Mystics Sunday, L.A. seeks their league-best 11th home win. No other team has more than seven home victories this season.

Chicago Sky Continue Playoff Push – After a slow start to their campaign, Chicago (7-10) is thinking postseason. They’re eighth in playoff seeding, with plenty of season remaining to clinch a berth.

The Sky face East-leading New York tonight, with defending-champion Minnesota hosting tomorrow. 2015 MVP Elena Delle Donne has risen to second in scoring, carrying Chicago’s offense with 38 points against the Lynx mere days ago. Close losses have been the theme behind Chicago’s season, but to make the postseason, closing out contests against superior teams will right their ship.

Maya Moore’s Scoring Surge – Moore is averaging 36.5 points in her past two games, adding 7.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals in the process. Minnesota is 2-4 since starting 13-0, but 15-4 is hardly cause for concern.

The Lynx boast elite ranks in defensive scoring (second), assists allowed (first), turnovers forced (15.7), and rebounds allowed (first). Moore’s scoring will only cause opponents more fits. Next up? Connecticut, allowing the third-most points in WNBA.

Dream Righting Ship – At 9-9, Atlanta stands behind only 13-6 New York in the Eastern Conference. After losing five-straight, the Dream bounced back with a victory over the Seattle Storm. They take on the Wings tonight, hoping to climb over .500 for the first time this season.

Atlanta will need Angel McCoughtry at her best vs. Dallas. Coming off three days rest, McCoughtry’s fresh legs could further lift Atlanta out East.