The WNBA’s first Sunday in June brings a compelling Western Conference showdown at Crypto.com Arena as the retooled Phoenix Mercury visit the Los Angeles Sparks. Phoenix enters off a 74-71 setback at Minnesota on Friday, surrendering a game-winning three in the closing seconds. Los Angeles also tasted defeat that night, falling 96-81 in Las Vegas after the Aces ripped off a decisive 17-2 burst early. Both clubs now look to rebound in a Mercury vs Sparks game carrying major intrigue.
Mercury vs Sparks Preview
Phoenix spent the offseason reshaping its core following the retirements and relocations of long-time icons Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. The Mercury landed All-WNBA forwards Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas to flank electric scorer Kahleah Copper. While Copper has yet to see the floor due to a knee injury, Thomas and Sabally have been as advertised early in the year, averaging a combined 36 points per game to lead Phoenix to a 4-2 start.
Los Angeles is 2-5 on the season, one in which they are leaning heavily on the contributions of Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby. Plum provides instant offense, yet has struggled with efficiency, shooting below 40% in three of the Sparks’ last five games. The Sparks concede 84.1 points per outing and will have their hands full on defense against Phoenix. But the duo of Hamby and Azura Stevens might be built for the assignment of guarding Sabally and Thomas in what should be a fun frontcourt battle all day long.
- Key Mercury stat leaders: Sabally 20.8 PPG, Sabally 8.0 RPG, Thomas 8.0 APG.
- Key Sparks stat leaders: Plum 24.0 PPG, Stevens 9.6 RPG, Plum 5.1 APG.
Betting Insights
Books have made the Sparks a 1.5-point favorite going into what is expected to be a tight game in Los Angeles. The total has been set at 160.5 points, right around the combined scoring averages for both teams coming into this matchup. Early in the season, both of these teams are at or below the .500 mark against the spread, with Phoenix entering at 3-3 against the number and LA at 3-4. Four of the Mercury’s six games have stayed under the total, while LA games are 4-3 to the over so far.
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Mercury vs Sparks Prediction
Expect Phoenix’s frontcourt size and versatility to dictate the flow. Hamby will get her numbers, but she bears a heavy workload on both ends and could wear down in the closing minutes. Unless Plum shoots far better than she did on Friday night in Las Vegas, Los Angeles lacks the perimeter punch to keep pace.
The Mercury also own a rebounding edge on the defensive glass, a surprise for a group once maligned for their interior play. That improvement, paired with a deliberate half-court approach late in games, should give them the upper hand.
Final call: Phoenix 87, Los Angeles 79. Take Phoenix on the moneyline, while we expect the game to go slightly over the total.
