Allison: If you think the Atlanta Dream’s season is already wrapped up because they’re sitting pretty at number one in the Eastern Conference Division, you haven’t been paying attention to the injury report.
Derek: That is exactly right. Four rotation players are out. We are talking about Brionna Jones, Dorka Juhasz, Elena Buenavida, and Antonia Delaere. All of them. Gone for tonight.
Allison: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network, the daily home for everything WNBA. I’m Allison, and this is your preview for the Atlanta Dream hosting the Connecticut Sun on September 17th, 2026.
Derek: And I’m Derek. It’s a weird time of year. The playoffs start on September 27th, so this game feels like it’s either meaningless or life-or-death depending on how you look at seeding. But with these injuries, it’s definitely a test of depth.
Allison: Here is what we are breaking down today. First, we look at the matchup angles between these two teams and why the Sun are dangerous despite their record. Second, we dive deep into that injury list and who actually has to step up for Atlanta. And third, we give you our keys to the game and a bold prediction to close us out.
Derek: Let’s get into it. This is the dream, literally. Let’s see if they can dream up a win without half their roster.
Allison: Okay, Derek, let’s start with the big picture. The Dream are 26-14. They are first in the Eastern Conference Division. The Sun are 10-30 overall, but they are 3-14 in the East. On paper, this looks like a blowout waiting to happen. Why shouldn't we just call it now?
Derek: Because basketball isn't played on paper, Allison. And because the Sun have something to play for. They are fighting for playoff positioning, even if it’s the eighth spot. You don’t take a loss lightly when you’re trying to sneak into the postseason.
Allison: Right, desperation makes good teams sloppy, but it also makes desperate teams dangerous. I remember last week we talked about the Lynx being the odds-on favorites for the title. A'ja Wilson is the MVP favorite. But here, it’s just Atlanta versus Connecticut.
Derek: Exactly. The Lynx are in a different tier. They just came off the FIBA World Cup break, where Team USA dominated and won gold against France. But those international breaks can be tricky for rest. The Dream, though, they’ve been grinding. They just beat the Lynx 89-81 on August 30th at home.
Allison: Yes! That was a huge win. Allisha Gray had 23 points and 11 rebounds. Jordin Canada dished out 10 assists. It showed that this team can compete with the best. But tonight, they host the Sun. The Sun recently had Edwards drop 26 points. That’s the kind of scoring threat that can keep this close.
Derek: Edwards is a problem. If she gets inside, she forces switches. And with Atlanta missing four players, their switching capabilities are severely compromised. You can’t switch effectively if you don’t have the bodies on the floor to cover multiple positions.
Allison: So the storyline here is really about spacing and defense. The Dream need to create enough separation to score, but they also need to stop the Sun from exploiting their thin bench. It’s a delicate balance. Derek, do you think the Dream can maintain their offensive efficiency without Brionna Jones in the paint?
Derek: That’s the million-dollar question. Jones provides post presence. Without her, the offense has to rely more on perimeter shooting and driving lanes. If the Sun collapse on Gray, she needs help. And that brings us to the other missing pieces.
Allison: We’ll get to that. But stick with us, because what happens next changes everything we know about the starting lineup.
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Derek: Thanks, listeners. Let’s dive into the injury report. We mentioned four players are out: Brionna Jones, Dorka Juhasz, Elena Buenavida, and Antonia Delaere. That is a significant hit to the rotation. Who steps up?
Allison: It all comes down to Allisha Gray again. She’s been dominant. In the last game against Minnesota, she led the team in both points and rebounds. She’s playing heavy minutes. Can she handle the load against the Sun?
Derek: She has to. Gray is the engine. But we also need Jordin Canada to run the point efficiently. She had 10 assists against the Lynx. Against the Sun, she needs to make sure the ball moves. If the Sun double-team Gray, Canada has to punish them with passes.
Allison: And what about the frontcourt? Without Jones and Juhasz, who is going to rebound? Napheesa Collier had 7 rebounds against the Dream last time. She’s a beast. If the Dream don’t box out, they’re going to get crushed on the glass.
Derek: That’s a real concern. Rebounding is non-negotiable in the playoffs. If you lose the boards, you lose possessions. And losing possessions gives the Sun easy transition opportunities. Elena Buenavida and Antonia Delaere are gone too. That’s two more bodies gone from the rotation. The bench depth is tested.
Allison: So, the coaching staff has to be very careful with minutes. They can’t burn out Gray and Canada. But they also can’t rest them, because this game matters for seeding. It’s a tightrope walk. Derek, do you trust the current bench to hold the lead?
Derek: I’m skeptical. The Sun have experience. They know how to grind out wins. If the Dream’s bench goes cold, the Sun will eat them alive. The Dream need their starters to finish strong. No slacking.
Allison: Agreed. It’s going to be a physical game. Lots of fouls, lots of stops. I expect the tempo to be slower than usual. Defense wins championships, right? Or at least, it wins games like this.
Derek: Defense wins games. Offense wins championships. But right now, for Atlanta, it’s about survival. They need to survive the injury crisis and secure the win.
Allison: Let’s move on. What are the keys to the game? How does Atlanta actually pull this off?
Derek: Key number one: Ball movement. With fewer players, the gaps open up. Canada needs to find the open shooter. Key number two: Rim protection. Even without Jones, someone needs to alter shots in the paint. The Sun will drive.
Allison: And key number three: Free throws. In a close game, free throws are gold. The Dream need to go to the line and convert. If they miss free throws, the Sun will capitalize. It’s simple math.
Derek: Absolutely. And my bold prediction? I think the Dream win, but it’s ugly. It’s not a blowout. It’s a gritty, defensive struggle. I’m predicting a narrow victory. Maybe by 4 points.
Allison: Four points? That’s risky. The Sun are dangerous. But I agree with the narrow margin. And I’m sticking with Allisha Gray to score thirty points. She’s been unstoppable lately. She needs this one.
Derek: Thirty points from Gray. That’s a high bar, but given the matchup and the need for her to carry the load, it’s possible. If she gets there, Atlanta takes this.
Allison: So, to recap: Dream vs. Sun. Big injury concerns. Narrow victory predicted. Gray drops 30. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments. Now, let’s wrap up.
Derek: Great stuff, Allison. Remember, the playoffs start soon. Every game counts. Make sure you’re tuned in for every tip-off.
Allison: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. It helps more fans find the show. Share it with a friend who loves the WNBA.
Derek: Go Dream. Go Sun. Enjoy the game.
Allison: This is Allison, signing off for Derek and the entire Beatline Podcast Network. Keep your eyes on the ball, and we’ll see you tomorrow.