On Saturday, August 30, the Phoenix Mercury (25-14) will host the Indiana Fever (21-19) in a WNBA regular-season match-up.
The Mercury comes into this game after an impressive 80-63 win over the New York Liberty. Kahleah Copper hit five triples en route to a 22-point performance. The Mercury is now fourth in the standings.
On the other hand, the Fever had a disappointing 63-75 loss against the Golden State Valkyries. Aerial Powers led with 17, but the team shot an abysmal 33.3% from the field.
The Fever slipped to the 8th position but has a decent hold over the playoff spot.
Can the Mercury give a big jolt to the Fever here? Go through the predictions related to player props, total, and spread here.
Indiana Fever
The Fever has suffered adversity throughout the season. As if losing Caitlin Clark wasn’t enough, the team has been without other key players who are out for the season.
The fact that they are still in the playoff race speaks volumes about their fighting spirit. Here are some facts about them:
Fever Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Odyssey Sims | SG: Kelsey Mitchell | SG/SF: Lexie Hull | PF: Natasha Howard | C: Aliyah Boston
Key bench players: PF: Brianna Turner, SG/SF: Aerial Powers, PG: Shey Peddy
Injuries/Updates: Caitlin Clark is LIKELY to be OUT. Chloe Bibby’s status is UNCLEAR. Sophie Cunningham, Sydney Colson, and Aari McDonald are OUT for the season.
Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury has found their way after a relatively lean period. They are on a four-game winning streak and have won six out of their last seven games.
The Alyssa Thomas-led squad can be a serious challenger in the postseason. Here are some stats about them:
Mercury Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Monique Akoa Makani | SG: Kahleah Copper | SF/PF: Alyssa Thomas | PF: Natasha Mack | PF/C: Satou Sabally
Key bench players: SF: Kathryn Westbeld, SF: DeWanna Bonner, SF: Sami Whitcomb
Injuries/Updates: All fit and fine thus far.
The Mercury usually scored in the early 80s and has the defense to contain teams under 80, too. Lately, they have engaged in more high scorers than before.
On the other hand, the Fever are up and down. They have restricted teams to 75 or fewer in three straight games, including the high-scoring Sparks.
Before that, they had given up 90+ in three straight games. Their scoring has been inconsistent, too, but they mostly get past the 80 mark, especially when Kelsey Mitchell is cooking.
At any rate, I see a high-scoring battle here.
Total: Over 162.5 at BetMGM
Here is an overview of my selections
| Picks | BetMGM Odds |
| Total O 162.5 | TBD |
| Spread- Mercury -5.5 (Projected) | TBD |
| Alyssa Thomas O 9.5 Rebounds | TBD |
| Money Line- Mercury | TBD |
Alyssa Thomas O 9.5 Rebounds: AT is one of the best rebounders in W’s history. She is averaging 8.9 RPG and has grabbed 10 rebounds in four of the last seven games. I see her hitting the mark again.
Aliyah Boston O 14.5 Points: Boston is enjoying a fantastic season, tallying 15.4 PPG. She has scored at least 15 in three of the last five games. I see her breaching that mark again.
Kahleah Copper O 16.5 Points: The Mercury guard has been a tremendous scorer, averaging 16.3 PPG. She has scored 18 or more in three straight games. I see her continuing the trend.
Main pick: Alyssa Thomas O 9.5 Rebounds at BetMGM
The Mercury are peaking at the right time with the playoffs around the corner. They are amazing at home and have multiple players who can take over the offense. Their defense is stellar, too.
Meanwhile, the Fever can’t catch a break with injuries, and the fatigue is showing. However, they are a resilient group who know how to defy odds.
But I don’t think they will be able to flip the script here. I see Mercury covering the spread here.
Spread/Money Line Pick: Spread: Mercury -5.5 (Projected) at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Patrick Breen-Imagn Images
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