The high-flying Connecticut Sun on Friday registered a 78-73 win against Minnesota, taking their record to 16-4. With special performances from Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner, and Dijonai Carrington, they have maintained a spot around the top of the standings. However, out of their 4 losses this season so far, the Atlanta Dream are responsible for one back on June 28. Interestingly, that is the Dream’s only win in their last 7 games.

With Alyssa Thomas leading the W in assists and ranking 5th in rebounds, will the Sun pull this one over Atlanta? Or will Atlanta spring another surprise? Let’s find out with the following updates.

Injury updates and starting 5 for Connecticut and Atlanta

Connecticut is short one player as Moriah Jefferson recently underwent arthroscopic surgery after she sustained an ankle injury. She will be re-evaluated in the coming weeks before returning to the court. Meanwhile, Tyasha Harris’ status is questionable for today’s game, hence, it will be a Game Time Decision.

On the other hand, Atlanta’s Aerial Powers is not traveling with the Dream who will be finishing their three-game road trip against the Sun and the Sky before they play at home against the Las Vegas Aces. Powers has already missed 3 games with this one adding to the fourth in a row.

Rhyne Howard is out with a hit on her ankle, hence she has been declared out indefinitely. Jordin Canada has been ruled out until the Olympic break after she suffered a broken finger against the New York Liberty late last month.

Talking about the starting five, Connecticut is expected to continue with Dijonai Carrington, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, and Veronica Burton.

Despite the injuries, Atlanta looks ready to take on the Sun with Tina Charles, Allisha Gray, Nia Coffey, Maya Caldwell, and Haley Jones as the expected Dream starters. But still, the question lingers on.

Can DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas take over Atlanta?

As for Atlanta, with the absence of Jordin Canada’s scoring and playmaking ability, there awaits a huge challenge on the offensive end, including better shot selection while maintaining the momentum and making plays to get the ball to Charles and Parker-Tyus on offense. Before her injury, Rhyne Howard was contributing 15.4 points, 4,5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.

Meanwhile, in their recent win over the Lynx, Connecticut aced the game with the combination of DeWanna Bonner and Alyssa Thomas, whose on-court energy was unstoppable. Bonner led in scoring with 24 points while Thomas recorded a triple-double with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists.

The two teams have already faced each other twice this season. The Sun came out victorious 69-50 in their first matchup while Atlanta stunned Connecticut 78-74 just over a week ago. On paper, it looks like a straightforward matchup with Atlanta struggling and the Sun continuing their stunning start to the season. However, it is rarely that simple.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video: