Phoenix Mercury vs Washington Mystics, WNBA 2026, Today Match Prediction
Phoenix Mercury
Washington Mystics
Can Washington Mystics outclass Phoenix Mercury?
- The Phoenix Mercury are on a 3 game losing streak.
- The Washington Mystics are on a 2 game winning streak.
- The Mystics had a 3–2 edge in the last five meetings.
Washington Mystics to Win and cover the spread (-2.5).
| Tournament: | WNBA 2026 |
| Live Streaming: | NBA League Pass |
| Venue: | Mortgage Matchup Center Phoenix, AZ |
| Tip Off: | 07:30:00 |
Phoenix Mercury vs Washington Mystics Basteball Odds
| Bookmaker | Team A | Team B |
|---|---|---|
| 1xBet | 2.17 | 1.67 |
Phoenix Mercury vs Washington Mystics Match Prediction & Analysis
The Phoenix Mercury host the Washington Mystics at Mortgage Matchup Center in the second meeting between these teams in August. Washington enter with a 23–15 record and a playoff position, while Phoenix are 13–25 and already out of postseason contention.
The Mystics have been one of the league's better rebounding teams, while Phoenix have relied heavily on the scoring of Kahleah Copper and the all-around playmaking of Alyssa Thomas.
Washington's combination of size, ball movement and perimeter shooting gives them the edge on paper, while Phoenix's best route is to make the game fast and rely on Copper's shot creation.
The Phoenix Mercury are 13-25 this season. They are 6th in the Western Conference. They have been eliminated from playoff contention.
The Washington Mystics are 23-15 this season. They are 4th in the Eastern Conference. They have clinched a playoff berth.
Washington had a 3–2 edge in the last five meetings. The Mystics averaged 87.6 points per game while conceding 83, and Phoenix averaged 83 points while giving up 87.6 to Washington. The average total per game sits at approximately 171.
Phoenix Mercury vs Washington Mystics Player Stats
| Player Name | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals/Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahleah Copper | 20.9 | 3.6 | 1.9 | 0.7/0.1 |
| Sonia Citron | 16.9 | 3.9 | 4.3 | 1.1/0.6 |
Teams Preview
Phoenix Mercury Preview
Phoenix's latest game was a 94–84 loss to the Washington Mystics on August 25. Natasha Mack and Kahleah Copper each scored 19 points, while Alyssa Thomas finished with 16 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds. Kelsey Plum returned from her absence and scored 10 points in 17 minutes. Phoenix shot 47.1% from the field but only 3-of-17 (17.6%) from three, while Washington shot 51.5% and won the rebounding battle 45–32.
Phoenix should look to put Copper and Thomas at the center of the offense, using Thomas' passing from the frontcourt to create driving lanes and open perimeter opportunities while Copper attacks Washington's defense off the dribble.
The Mercury need to improve their three-point efficiency after making only three threes in the previous meeting and should use more inside-out actions to generate cleaner perimeter looks.
Defensively, Phoenix need to limit Washington's offensive rebounding and prevent Sonia Citron from getting comfortable from outside, while making Kiki Iriafen and Shakira Austin work for their interior touches. If the Mercury can force Washington into a lower-possession game and reduce second-chance points, they can make this much more competitive.
The Phoenix Mercury on average score 84.0 points per game, they score 44.4% from the field and are ranked 10th in the league, and 32.3% from the arc and are ranked 11th in the league. The Phoenix Mercury grab 31.5 rebounds per game and ranked 12th in season.
Washington Mystics Preview
Washington's latest game was a 94–84 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. Sonia Citron led Washington with 19 points and 9 assists, while Kiki Iriafen recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds for her 17th double-double of the season.
Shakira Austin added 16 points, and Washington shot an excellent 51.5% from the field and 42.9% from three. The Mystics also dominated the glass 45–32 and built a lead as large as 20 points.
Washington should continue using their balanced inside-out offense, with Iriafen and Austin attacking the paint while Citron operates as the primary perimeter creator and playmaker. Their ability to move the ball and generate open threes was a major reason for their previous win, so they should continue stretching Phoenix's defense rather than relying on isolation possessions.
Defensively, Washington should pressure Copper on the perimeter and force Phoenix to create offense through other players, while using their size to limit Thomas' passing angles and control the offensive glass. If Washington can reproduce their 45–32 rebounding advantage, they should have enough extra possessions to control the game again.
The Washington Mystics on average, score 82.9 points per game, they score 44.7% from the field and are ranked 8th in the league, and 30.8% from the arc and are ranked 14th in the league. The Mystics grab 37.8 rebounds per game and ranked 1st in the season.
Phoenix Mercury vs Washington Mystics Starting Lineups
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| PG | DeWanna Bonner |
| SG | Alyssa Thomas |
| SF | Noemie Brochant |
| PF | Kahleah Copper |
| C | Monique Akoa Makani |
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| PG | Michaela Onyenwere |
| SG | Kiki Iriafen |
| SF | Shakira Austin |
| PF | Sonia Citron |
| C | Georgia Amoore |
PHOENIX MERCURY vs WASHINGTON MYSTICS
Winning PredictionWashington have the stronger 23–15 record, better recent form, superior rebounding and greater offensive balance. Phoenix have enough individual scoring to make this competitive, particularly at home, but Washington's depth and defensive discipline give them the clear edge.
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