This Thursday is going to be action packed with 4 matches. Let’s dive into the details of Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks.
Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks: Preview
The Mercury have had a rather disappointing season this time. The team just does not feel like the one which made it to the Finals last year.
Going on a 12-16 record this time, Mercury have a lot to answer for. The team consists of elite players like Tina Charles and Brittney Griner, yet they’re unable to make a comeback.
Coming off a huge win over Storm by a margin of 94-78, the team might have just gained the momentum they needed though.
Their opponents, the Los Angeles Sparks have been mediocre this season, but their performance is getting better still. They last played the Aces and lost by a score of 84-66.
Even though the team played well, they definitely need to push harder if they are to make it to the playoffs this season.
Phoenix Mercury will host the Sparks at their home ground on Wednesday.
Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks: Odds
| Platform | Mercury | Sparks | Predicted Winner |
| FiveThirtyEight | 68% | 32% | Mercury |
Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks: Recent Form
Mercury had a disappointing start to the season but recently, they seem to have regained their momentum. They have won 6 out of their last 10 matches, 3 of the victories being in the last 5 matches.
Tina Charles and Brittney Griner have displayed a marvellous performances, and often seem to inspire their teammates. Momentum seems to be on their side as their chances of making it to the playoffs seem to increase as well.
Winning just 2 out of tier 5 last matches, one could say that the Sparks are having trouble keeping up with the ever-so-dynamic WNBA. Desynchronized gameplay, lethargic movements and a tiny lack of concentration, everything haunts the team as of now.
They are third in the Western Conference right now, with a record of 12-15 this season.
Consider reading: Atlanta Dream vs Minnesota Lynx Predictions, Head to Head, Betting Odds, Best Picks, Predicted Line-ups, Match Preview: WNBA
Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks: Head to head
Phoenix Mercury and Los Angeles Sparks have played each other for a total of 31 matches, out of which the Mercury have won 12 times. There have been 6 draws and the Sparks have won 13 times.
This matchup is very intense, as both teams are more or less identical in their prime. But will that be the case this time?
Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks: Best Picks
Liz Cambage
Liz has been the WNBA Peak Performer of 2018. Appearing in the All-Star team for four times, she is pretty talented with the ball in her hands. She excels at mid-range shooting, possesses deep hooks and can shoot from anywhere as long as it is inside the arc. Interior defense is her forte as well.
This season, she is averaging 13 points per game with 6.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists. She has a certain flair which makes her seem more comfortable on the court than she probably is in her living room.
Also read: Celtics negotiate offer with Nets involving Kevin Durant and Jaylen Brown: Reports
Tina Charles
The 2012 WNBA MVP has been incredible this season. With her 3-pt prowess and superior rebounding skills, she is the best offensive and defensive package in a player. This center has a tendency to draw fouls AND score and shoot 3s as if they are nothing.
Charles averages 15.4 points, 7.3 rebounds with a 3-pt field goal percentage of 36.4%.
Brittney Griner
Former WNBA Champion and two-time WNBA Scoring champion is one of the best players in the Mercury roster. She’s an excellent defender and boasts of a splendid 3-pt range.
Her defensive skills speak a lot for her play style. Griner is an amazing blocker, and her strength basically serves as an example for all her teammates to follow-up on.
This season, she is averaging a whopping 17.7 points, 2.8 blocks, 7.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists this game.
Truly an artist who masters her craft.
Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks: Possible Lineup
Mercury: Guard– Skylar Diggins-Smith | Center – Tina Charles | Power Forward– Brianna Turner | Shooting Guard – Diana Taurasi | Small Forward – Diamond DeShields
Los Angeles Mercury: Power Forward – Chiney Ogwumike, Shooting Guard – Brittney Sykes, Point Guard – Kristi Toliver, Small Forward – Nneka Ogwumike, Center – Liz Cambage.
Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks: Winner
The Dallas Wings are a league favorite team. Their fans love them for their vast spectrum of diversity in the terms of skills, performance and technique. They are almost always the underdog, and never fail to give their fans a show.
They face a tough challenge this Thursday.
Though the Mystics have shown formidable form this season, they must be reminded that a single player isn’t capable of carrying the team to victories. Basketball is a team sport, and having Elena Delle Donne deep in the wetworks every game is not going to be the best play.
All in all, both teams are identical. We might see Mystics coming out on top, though.
