Atlanta Dream’s All-Star guard Rhyne Howard, sidelined for several games at the end of July and early August due to a knee injury, is now listed as probable to participate in Wednesday night’s clash against the Seattle Storm. Howard, whose status has been closely monitored, appears ready to contribute to the Dream’s efforts as they continue their playoff push in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA.

Impact of Howard’s Return on Atlanta’s Performance

Since Rhyne Howard rejoined the lineup this week in the game against the Phoenix Mercury, Atlanta’s season record stands at an impressive 20-11. The Dream have demonstrated resilience, managing solid results even while Howard was sidelined, thanks to the depth of their roster. They currently hold the No. 3 seed and are narrowly trailing the New York Liberty by half a game for the No. 2 spot in the standings.

In her first game back, Howard came off the bench and contributed four points, two assists, and one steal over approximately 16 minutes. Despite missing all seven of her shot attempts in that game, she showed signs of regaining form, although some rust was evident. The Atlanta coaching staff may continue to manage her playing time carefully in Wednesday’s game to prevent a setback in her recovery.

Statistical Overview of Howard’s Season and Team Outlook

This season, Howard has been averaging 15.9 points per game, alongside 4.8 rebounds and 4.4 assists, highlighting her role as a key contributor to Atlanta’s offense. However, her shooting percentages remain under pressure, with 34.0 percent from the field and 29.5 percent from three-point range. Despite these challenges, her presence on the court is vital as the Dream prepare for their road contest against the Storm, where recent odds favor Atlanta to continue their winning streak.

Outlook for the Dream as They Aim to Strengthen Playoff Position

With the regular season winding down, every game carries significant weight for Atlanta. Having Howard back in the lineup boosts their chances against playoff-contending teams like the Seattle Storm. Maintaining her health and gradually increasing her minutes will be key to the Dream’s aspirations. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how Howard’s recovery progresses and how it impacts the team’s effort to climb higher in the WNBA standings.