Indiana Fever vs Phoenix Mercury Prediction, Picks, Odds, News, Injury Report 7/12/24

The Indiana Fever host the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night. There is a lot to weigh up as we make our Fever vs Mercury prediction here, with Indiana struggling through the first few months of the campaign.

Behind the elite play of Kahleah Cooper, the Phoenix Mercury are sitting above .500. They lost to Indiana at the end of last month, however, and have just four wins against teams with a winning record.

The WNBA campaign is into its stride, and our Expert Insights are stacked with basketball betting tips. Expert Sam Cox will have his best bets throughout the regular season.

Indiana Fever vs Phoenix Mercury Prediction: Take The Over on Total Points

• Selection: Over 173.5 total points
• Best Odds: 1.91
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stakes: 2/10

Odds updated on July 12th, 2024. 

This is a very high total for a WNBA game. There is a method to the madness, though, with these teams both ranking in the top five in pace over the last 10 games. They are two of the league’s four worst defenses over that span and two of the four best offenses. This should be an entertaining shootout.

Diana Taurasi’s absence lowers Phoenix’s ceiling, but they can still generate good looks against a porous Fever defense even without their ultra-experienced guard.

These teams managed to put up 170 combined points when they met at the end of last month, and that was with both teams going eight-for-28 from beyond the arc. Slightly better shooting from downtown and we easily cash the over here.

Indiana Fever vs Phoenix Game Info

• Stadium: Gainbridge Fieldhouse
• Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
• Start time: 00:30 UK time

Indiana Fever News, Injury Report, Schedule: Leaning On Offence

A loss to the struggling Washington Mystics last time out was a real disappointment for the Fever. Looking to surge after a poor start to the season, Indiana now faces a 12-10 Phoenix team. Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell have been a formidable offensive duo this season, but Indiana is still ranked 11th in defensive rating.

We are wary of how this Fever team can get stops against a Mercury offense which ranks fourth in points per 100 possessions so far this season. Their best chance of winning this game is if it descends into a track meet.

Phoenix Mercury News, Injury Report, Schedule: Cautious Amid Taurasi Injury

The Mercury beat the Dallas Wings on Wednesday to make it three wins in a row. Their loss to the Fever in June is one of only two times they have lost to teams currently below .500 – this Phoenix team has made a habit of dispatching the opponents they are supposed to be better than.

Diana Taurasi being out for this game is a clear blow. Phoenix might have won against the Wings without Taurasi, but they are 12.3 points per 100 possessions better with the veteran guard on the court. They have a -9.3 net rating in minutes without Taurasi.

Indiana Fever vs Phoenix H2H: Mercury Hold Narrow All-Time Advantage

The Phoenix Mercury have a 29-25 all-time advantage over the Indiana Fever in the regular season. Phoenix has also won four of the six postseason matchups, although only one of those games was since 2009.

Indiana has won the last three regular-season contests between these teams, which ended a nine-game winning run for the Mercury in this matchup.

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