Sparks are expected to convert into fireworks as the two top-ranked teams in the Eastern Conference Division lock horns at the Barclays Center in a few hours from now. The New York Liberty’s successful run was halted by the Indiana Fever on June 14, 2025, as they suffered their first 102–88 loss of the season. But has this loss been a big blow to the roster?
Unfortunately, the Liberty is facing a crucial do-or-die situation, and Breanna Stewart & Co. need to clinch another win if they want to remain one step ahead of the Dream. In case they fail to do so, the Atlanta Dream has the ability to not just snatch a victory, but also become the top contenders in the Commissioner’s Cup.
Needless to say, it will be a gruelling encounter between the two. But before we jump into the match predictions, let us take a look at the injury report and starting-five predictions ahead of the tipoff.
Injury Report: NY Liberty vs Atlanta Dream
“JJ is going to be back tomorrow, and we’ll go from there.” Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello confirmed Jonquel Jones’ presence ahead of the tipoff. “She did live play, so we just took her out near the end [of practice]. Once we got over an hour, that was enough. She got enough of what we needed, and we will get her ready for tomorrow.” Brandello further said that the player is not bound by a minutes restriction.
Jones succumbed to a sprain in her right ankle during the game against the Washington Mystics on June 05, 2025. She scored 3 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist within six minutes before rolling her ankle. However, the official ESPN website has listed the center athlete’s playing status as questionable ahead of the tipoff.
Another Liberty athlete, Leonie Fiebich, will remain absent as she is currently associated with the German basketball team in the EuroBasket League. “Fiebich will join the German national team for EuroBasket, and as a result, has had her contract with the Liberty suspended, Jackie Powell of TheNextHoops.com reports,” the ESPN website stated.
Jones averaged 13.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game this season before being sidelined. Meanwhile, she has also been shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from beyond the arc so far. Moreover, her return to Liberty can reinvigorate the roster and propel them back towards a victory run as they prepare to welcome the healthy Atlanta Dream roster to Brooklyn.
Predicted Starters: NY Liberty vs Atlanta Dream
The Starting-5 lineup predictions for both teams are as follows:
NY Liberty
Natasha Cloud
Sabrina Ionescu
Breanna Stewart
Kennedy Burke
Jonquel Jones
Atlanta Dream
Allisha Gary
Jordin Canada
Brionna Jones
Brittney Griner
Rhyne Howard
Match Prediction: NY Liberty vs Atlanta Dream
The topmost-ranked team in the Eastern Conference Standings, New York Liberty, tasted its first loss of the season against the Indiana Fever. The roster has been averaging 90.2 points per game, with Breanna Stewart as the highest scorer at 19.5 points, as Jonquel Jones has contributed an average of 10.3 points to the team’s average of 35.5 rebounds.
Despite prominent veterans in the Liberty’s roster, the second-highest standing team in the Eastern Division rankings has an upper hand. With an 8-3 standing so far, the Dream has 84.6 points, 38.6 rebounds, and 20.8 assists so far. They boast of players like Brittney Griner, Rhyne Howard, and Nyara Sabally.
Griner can propel the team’s defense with the highest number of blocks so far, as Howard is the top scorer for the Dream, known for hitting 3.3 threes from the deep this season. Having said that, Allisha Gray is the leading scorer with 21 points so far. Coupled with Howard, the two can create strong offences against the veterans as Briona Jones and Brittney Griner take on the defence. It will be exciting to watch as the Atlanta Dream sets foot in the Barclays Centre against the equally matched team in Liberty.
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