WNBA Washington Mystics vs Phoenix Mercury Preview and Prediction

Date/Time: 08-07-2018 22:00 EDT

Spread: Phoenix Mercury +1

Total: +168.5

In this high caliber duel between two squads sitting on the first three spots of their conference, the second-best in the East Washington Mystics, looking to extend their current small winning streak, are visiting the third-best in the West Phoenix Mercury, who have been on a free fall lately winning only once in their last six matches.

Mystics are 16-11 (14-12-1 ATS) so far in the league and are sitting in the 2^nd place of the Eastern Conference. They are 3-1 in their last 4 games and in their latest matchup they were victorious against the Wings on the road, 76-74. Mercury are 16-13 (17-12 ATS) so far in the league and are sitting in the 3^rd place of the Western Conference. They are 1-5 in their last 6 games and in their latest matchup they got defeated by the Aces on the road, 75-78.

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Washington are led in scoring by Elena Delle Donne with 20.2 ppg. She also leads the team in rebounding with 7.4 per game, while Kristi Toliver follows with 13.5 ppg, adding a team-best 4.6 assists per game. Ariel Atkins adds 11.1 ppg. Phoenix are led in scoring by Diana Taurasi with 20.6 ppg. She also leads the team in assists made with 4.8 per game, while Brittney Griner follows with 20.3 ppg, adding a team-best 7.1 rebounds per game. DeWanna Bonner adds 16.6 ppg, 6.7 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.

This will be the third meeting between those two teams so far this season, with each team having won on the road. Mercury with a 74-84 score and Mystics with 95-103. Mercury have a 5-7 home record so far, while Mystics are 8-6 on the road. Mercury have a better offense with 84.1 ppg to Mystics’ 80.9, while Mystics have a better defense, allowing 79 ppg to Mercury’s 82.6. Mercury have a better accuracy both from the field (44.9% to 44.1%) and from behind the arc (35.4% to 34.7%). Mystics commit fewer turnovers per game (12.4 to 13.8), while Mercury grab more boards (32 to 31.5) and dish more dimes per game (19.9 to 16.8). Mercury are struggling mightily lately so expect them much better Mystics to get away with the road victory one way or another today.

Washington Mystics vs Phoenix Mercury Prediction: Washington Mystics -1 (-108)