The Phoenix Mercury take on the Dallas Wings on Monday night at Footprint Center in Phoenix. This is a quick rematch from July 3, when the Wings beat the Mercury 98-89 in Dallas. It was the second meeting this season, with both teams winning once so far.
Phoenix is 12-6 overall and sitting second in the Western Conference. Dallas is 6-13 but has now won five of its last seven games. Monday’s matchup is the third of four games between these teams this season, and both sides have something to prove.
Mercury Preview – Needing a Defensive Reset
The Mercury are coming off back-to-back losses, including Thursday’s defeat in Dallas. Kahleah Copper had her best game of the season, scoring 33 points. Former Dallas player Satou Sabally added 20 points and four rebounds in her return to Texas.
Phoenix is 7-3 at home and has covered the spread in 10 of 18 games. They average 82.4 points per game and give up 80.3, ranking fourth in scoring defense. Their opponents shoot 43.1% from the field and 32.3% from three, both top-10 marks.
The Mercury allow too many offensive rebounds, which hurt them in the last meeting. They were outplayed in transition and gave up a 32-point first quarter. Head coach Nate Tibbetts said they need to make Dallas uncomfortable and be tougher on defense from the start.
Wings Preview – Rookies Lead the Charge
The Wings started four rookies in the last game and still controlled the game wire to wire. Aziaha James scored a career-high 28 points and hit five threes. Paige Bueckers added 23 points and five assists while JJ Quinerly had 17 points and seven assists.
Dallas jumped out early with a 32-point first quarter and shot 61% in the first half. They moved the ball well and got out in transition often. Head coach Chris Koclanes said the team has been focusing on playing full 40-minute games, and this one came close to that goal.
The Wings are 2-7 on the road but have momentum after recent wins. They average 82.4 points per game and rank first in field goal attempts and offensive rebounds. Arike Ogunbowale and DiJonai Carrington were out last game but are day-to-day. Even without them, the Wings have found a rhythm with strong rookie play and team energy.
Betting Prediction
Phoenix is a -6.5 favorite with a total of 165.5. The Mercury are 10-8 against the spread and 7-3 at home. Dallas is 9-10 ATS but has covered in several recent games and just beat Phoenix by nine as an underdog.
If the Wings get a similar pace and shooting performance, they can hang around again. Phoenix will likely play tighter defense after the way the last meeting went. Still, Dallas’ energy and rebounding give them a chance to cover again. Expect Phoenix to win at home, but it may be close.
Pick: Dallas +6.5
