Washington Mystics vs Phoenix Mercury Prediction, Picks, Odds, News, Injury Report 7/16/24

The struggling Washington Mystics host the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday afternoon. Bookies are favouring the Mercury by 4.5 points, which gives bettors plenty to think about when making a Mystics vs Mercury prediction for this early tip-off in the nation’s capital.

Karlie Samuelson, Brittney Sykes, and Shakira Austin remained sidelined for the Mystics. Washington owns the second-worst record in the Association going into this game and faces a Phoenix team desperate to get on track after consecutive losses.

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.

Mystics vs Mercury Prediction and Picks: Backing Phoenix To Cover

• Selection: Phoenix Mercury -4.5
• Best Odds: 1.91
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stakes: 5/10

 Odds updated on July 16th 2024. 

They might only be seventh in net rating while overachieving their expected record, but the Phoenix Mercury still deserve to be favored in this matchup. Washington is without three important players, and we don’t think the hosts can contain a Mercury offense which ranks third over the last 12 games.

When Phoenix wins, it tends to be comfortable. Their last nine wins have covered this spread, including some emphatic triumphs over the Dallas Wings and Los Angeles Sparks. Washington has failed to cover this spread in their last four losses, while Phoenix boasts a 14-10 against-the-spread record.

Game Info

• Stadium: Entertainment & Sports Arena
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• Start time: 16:30 UK time

Washington Mystics News, Injury Report, Schedule: Atkins Starring In Larger Role

A surprise win over the Indiana Fever was followed by an inevitable loss to the Las Vegas Aces. The Dallas Wings are the only team with a worse record than the Washington Mystics, who are without Karlie Samuelson, Brittney Sykes, and Shakira Austin for the visit of the Phoenix Mercury.

Since starting 0-12, the Mystics are middling in net rating. They have been okay on offense and defense. Ariel Atkins has been enjoying a boost in her usage rate, having dropped 26 points on the Fever and 36 on the Aces. We would definitely back her for over 16.5 points here at 2.00.

Phoenix Mercury News, Injury Report, Schedule: Dropped to .500

Blown out by the Connecticut Sun and beaten by the Indiana Fever, the Phoenix Mercury have slipped to .500. Diana Taurasi was out for the loss to the Fever and held to just six points by the Sun. Phoenix is 13.4 points per 100 possessions better with their veteran guard on the floor – she will be a major boost for them against a subpar Mystics team here.

The loss to the Sun can be put down as a day to forget. Phoenix turned the ball over eight more times than their opponents. They also shot just 28% from three with Sophie Cunningham struggling off the bench. A repeat of that performance is very unlikely.

Mystics vs Mercury H2H: Mercury Dominate Mystics

The Phoenix Mercury have dominated the Washington Mystics with a 38-20 all-time record in this matchup. Phoenix won the lone playoff contest between the franchises back in 2020, too.

Washington won 3-1 in the 2023 season series, which was the first time they had taken a season series from Phoenix since 2018. Before that, you have to go back to 2010 for the last time the Mystics got the better of the Mercury over a campaign. Between 2019 and 2022, the Mercury won six straight against the Mystics.

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