WNBA Dallas Wings vs Phoenix Mercury Preview and Prediction

Date/Time: 08-21-2018 20:30 EDT

Spread: Phoenix Mercury -6.5

Total: +171.5

In this all-Western showdown in the first game of this season’s WNBA playoffs, the 8^th Dallas Wings, who have been terrible lately but managed to secure the last place of the playoffs, are visiting the 5^th Phoenix Mercury, who are looking to continue on the winning ways and advance to the next round with a home win tonight.

The Wings had a 15-19 record (16-17-1 ATS) in the regular season and finished in the eighth and final playoff place of the league table. They are 1-10 in their last 11 games and in their latest matchup they got defeated by the Storm on the road, 68-84. The Mercury had a 20-14 record (20-14 ATS) in the regular season and finished in the fifth place of the league. They have won their last four games and in their latest matchup they were victorious against the Liberty at home, 96-85.

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Dallas are led in scoring by Liz Cambage with 23 ppg. She also leads the team in rebounding with 9.7 per game, while Skylar Diggins-Smith follows with 17.9 ppg, adding 3.3 boards and a team-best 6.2 assists per game. Kayla Thornton adds 9.2 ppg and 4 rebounds per game. Phoenix are led in scoring by Diana Taurasi with 20.7 ppg. She also leads the team in assists made, with 5.3 per game, while Brittney Griner follows with 20.5 ppg, adding a team-best 7.7 rebounds per game. DeWanna Bonner adds 17.3 ppg, 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.

In their three meetings during the regular season the Mercury led the Wings 2-1 wins, winning the only game in Phoenix by 8 points. Mercury have a 9-8 home so far, while Wings are 5-12 on the road. The Wings have the third-best offense in the league with 86.7 ppg to Mercury’s 85.8, while Mercury have a better defense, allowing 83.2 ppg to Wings’ 85.3. Mercury have a better accuracy both from the field (45.7% to 44.1%) and from behind the arc (36% to 30.5%). They also commit fewer turnovers (13.6 to 14.2) and dish more dimes per game, with 20.6 to Dallas’ 18.1, while Wings only grab more boards per game, with 36.6 to Mercury’s 32.6. Wings have been struggling mightily to close the season and they don’t pose a threat to the Mercury especially in Phoenix, so expect the hosts to get away with an easy win by more than 7 points tonight.

Dallas Wings vs Phoenix Mercury Prediction: Phoenix Mercury -6.5 (-108)