WNBA: Wings at Mystics WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Dallas Wings, owners of the second-best record in the WNBA, visit the Washington Mystics on Friday at CareFirst Arena in a pivotal late-season clash for playoff positioning. Dallas (18-9) enters the 7 p.m. EDT tipoff having won seven of its last eight games. The Wings boast the league’s most productive frontcourt player in forward Jessica Shepard. Over her last eight games, Shepard has recorded seven double-doubles and two triple-doubles. In a 101-97 win over Portland on July 22, she posted 18 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists. She followed that with a 13-point, 16-rebound, six-assist effort in a one-point overtime loss to New York. Shepard is averaging 18.8 points and 15.0 rebounds over her past four contests. Washington (15-12) has won three of its last four, most recently a 92-84 victory over Connecticut on July 28. Guard Sonia Citron has been the Mystics’ offensive catalyst. In that win, Citron scored 22 points with four assists and two blocks. She has averaged 19.7 points over her last three games, all Washington victories. The Mystics are looking to build momentum after a 69-92 loss at Dallas on May 18 in the teams’ only previous meeting this season. The Wings are led by a potent backcourt. Arike Ogunbowale scored 24 points in the win over Portland, and Paige Bueckers added 21 points and five assists. Dallas has won five straight road games. The Mystics counter with forward Kiki Iriafen, who posted 20 points and 10 rebounds against Connecticut, and center Shakira Austin, who had 17 points and six rebounds in that game. Interstat’s game simulator projects a 93-90 Washington victory, but the Wings have been the WNBA’s hottest team. Dallas looks to extend its hold on a top-two seed, while Washington aims to climb in a crowded middle of the standings. The game tips off at 7 p.m.