The Washington Mystics and Phoenix Mercury meet Thursday in WNBA action at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Here’s a Mercury vs Mystics Prediction. This article will include a Mercury vs Mystics Pick.
Washington Mystics Betting Preview
The Washington Mystics look for a win after winning 19 of their last 28 games. The Mystics have split their last 6 road games.
The Washington Mystics are averaging 82.9 points on 44.7 percent shooting and allowing 83.2 points on 43 percent shooting. Shakira Austin is averaging 16.9 points and 9.5 rebounds, while Sonia Citron is averaging 16.9 points and 4.3 assists. Kiki Iriafen is the third double-digit scorer, and Michaela Onyenwere is grabbing 2.9 rebounds. The Washington Mystics are shooting 30.8 percent from beyond the arc and 73.1 percent from the free-throw line. The Washington Mystics are allowing 33.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 37.8 rebounds per game.
Phoenix Mercury Betting Preview
The Phoenix Mercury look for a win after losing 7 of their last 9 games. The Mercury have lost 28 of their last 41 regular-season games.
The Phoenix Mercury are averaging 84 points on 44.4 percent shooting and allowing 87.9 points on 46.5 percent shooting. Kahleah Copper is averaging 20.9 points and 3.6 rebounds, while Kelsey Plum is averaging 15.8 points and 2.8 assists. Alyssa Thomas is the third double-digit scorer, and Jovana Nogic is grabbing 1.1 rebounds. The Phoenix Mercury are shooting 32.3 percent from beyond the arc and 78.5 percent from the free-throw line. The Phoenix Mercury are allowing 36 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 31.5 rebounds per game.
Why the Phoenix Mercury will win
- The Mystics have lost four of their last five Thursday games as road favorites.
- The home team has won 10 of the Mystics’ last 13 games.
- The Mystics have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five games as favorites following a road win.
Why the Washington Mystics will win
- The favorites have won each of the Mystics’ last eight games.
- The Mercury have lost each of their last eight games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Mercury have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games as home underdogs against Eastern Conference opponents.
- The Mystics have covered the spread in each of their last five games as favorites against the Mercury.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Mystics’ last eight Thursday night games have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of the Mercury’s last eight night games at Mortgage Matchup Center following a home loss have gone OVER the total points line.
Phoenix Mercury Player Facts
- Kahleah Copper has made 3+ free throws in 10 consecutive appearances – longest active streak of any player in the league.
- Natasha Mack has recorded 4+ steals + blocks in each of her last one game – equal-longest active streak of any player in the league.
Washington Mystics Player Facts
- Michaela Onyenwere ranks 5th amongst qualified players for 3P% (41.3%) this season.
- Sonia Citron ranks 8th amongst qualified players for FT% (88.0%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Phoenix Mercury rank 14th for field goals made per game this season (29.0).
- Five different Phoenix Mercury players have scored 25+ points in a game this season – equal-most in the league.
- The Washington Mystics rank T14th for opponent steals per game this season (8.8).
- The Washington Mystics rank 14th for opponent turnovers per game this season (12.7).
Mercury vs Mystics Injury Report
The Mystics don’t have any players listed on their injury report.
Marta Suarez is out for the Mercury due to a concussion. Kelsey Plum is questionable with a leg injury.
Mercury vs Mystics Prediction
These teams just played each other on Tuesday, and the Mystics won by 10 points, easily covering the surprisingly small number. While a second meeting in a short span can lead to a more competitive game, there’s nothing that makes me want to back the Mercury.
As I mentioned in the previous write-up, the Mercury have given up on the season. Not only has the defense been subpar and the offense turns the ball over, but letting Bonner walk and seeing Plum in and out of the lineup, Phoenix is counting the days until the offseason. The Mystics are rolling and need to keep winning to improve that playoff seeding. Stiffer line than before, but it’s still the Mystics for me.