The Phoenix Mercury and Los Angeles Sparks meet Friday in WNBA action at the crypto.com Arena. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Phoenix Mercury Betting Preview
The Phoenix Mercury haven’t missed the playoffs since 2012 and there’s reason for optimism. Brittney Griner is back after spending time in a Russian prison, and that’s a big deal. While it may take time for Griner to get back in form, she’s only 32 years old and is an 8-time all star for a reason. Pairing Griner with Skylar Diggins-Smith (still on maternity leave) and Diana Taurasi, and that trio can make some noise in the West. Depth could be an issue for the Mercury, especially with Diamond DeShields in Dallas, but that potential trio can go toe to toe with any in the league when they’re right. Don’t count the Mercury out just yet.
Los Angeles Sparks Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Sparks had a weird season last year and haven’t made the playoffs in back to back years. The Sparks lost key contributors from last season as well. With that said, Nneka Ogwumike is still one of the best players in the league and gives the Sparks a fighting chance every night. The addition of Azura Stevens is a nice one, and a bounce back season from Chiney Ogwumike would go a long way. Katie Lou Samuelson is coming off her best season yet, and it will be interesting to see if she can build on it. The Sparks have potential, and Liz Cambage isn’t around to cause problems. The playoff drought should end, but only time will tell.
Trends
The Mercury are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 Friday games and 1-7 ATS in their last 8 road games. The Sparks are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games and 4-11 ATS in their last 15 games overall. The under is 4-1 in Mercury last 5 road games. The over is 4-1 in Sparks last 5 overall. The Mercury are 2-10 ATS in the last 12 meetings in Los Angeles.
Randy’s Pick
I expect a bounce back season from the Los Angeles Sparks, and they're usually a tough out at home. However, the Phoenix Mercury are a team I've had a soft spot for these last several years, and it remains with Griner, Taurasi and others back in the mix. I enjoy watching the Mercury when they're whole, and I believe they have possibly one last run left in them. Give me the Mercury in this season opener.
