The Atlanta Dream tip off their first preseason game tomorrow, and while the results won’t count in the standings, this game will tell us a lot.
Training camp has been all about evaluation, development, and identity building. Now, we finally get to see how that translates into a real game setting.
Here are the biggest storylines to watch.
1. How Fluid Is the Offense?
All eyes will be on how the offense looks with what appears to be the projected starting lineup:
- Jordin Canada
- Allisha Gray
- Rhyne Howard
- Naz Hillmon
- Angel Reese
With Brionna Jones still working back from injury, this group could get the first look together.
The biggest question:
How smooth will it look offensively?
Head coach Karl Smesko emphasized defense early in camp, so it will be interesting to see how quickly the offense catches up.
There’s a lot of versatility in this group — but preseason will show how well they actually execute, space, and flow together.
2. How Good Is Isobel Borlase Really?
There’s been a lot of buzz around Isobel Borlase, the reigning Australian league MVP.
We’ve seen flashes in practice.
Now we get to see it live.
The biggest question isn’t talent — it’s translation.
- Can she adjust to the speed of the WNBA?
- Can her shot creation hold up?
- How quickly can she make decisions under pressure?
This will be one of the most important evaluations of the night.
3. Which Rookie Makes the Biggest Impact?
We already know the names:
- Madinah Okot
- Indya Nivar
Both have impressed in camp.
But preseason games answer a different question:
How much will they actually help this team this year?
Okot brings size and defense.
Nivar brings athleticism and playmaking.
Now it’s about:
- Game speed
- Decision-making
- Impact in real rotations
This is where roles start to become real.
4. Who Wins the Backup PG Battle?
This might be one of the most important position battles on the roster.
Behind Jordin Canada, the Dream have several options:
- Te-Hina Paopao – Natural shooter, more off-ball
- Isobel Borlase – Creator with size
- Indya Nivar – Athletic playmaker
The question is simple:
Who can run the offense?
This isn’t just about scoring — it’s about:
- Ball control
- Decision-making
- Setting up teammates
The Dream didn’t aggressively pursue a backup PG in free agency, which suggests they believe the answer is already on this roster.
Now we find out who it is.
5. The Developmental Spot Battle Is REAL
If there’s one battle to watch closely, it’s this one.
The Dream may have one of their deepest rosters in years, which means the fight for the final spots is intense — especially the two developmental positions.
Top candidates include:
- Laila Phelia – Athletic wing with shooting ability
- Bella Fontleroy – Long, versatile wing with upside
- Sacha Washington – Interior presence with size
And there’s another wrinkle:
International players who haven’t reported yet.
That adds even more uncertainty.
Preseason performance could be the difference between:
- Making the team
- Landing a developmental spot
- Or being cut
Final Thoughts
This preseason game is about more than just basketball.
It’s about:
- Fit
- Roles
- Rotation decisions
- Final roster battles
The Dream have built a roster full of versatility, athleticism, and upside.
Now it’s time to see how it all comes together.
And more importantly…
Who separates themselves when it matters most.
Because starting tomorrow — every possession counts. 🏀🔥
