Seattle Storm vs Phoenix Mercury, WNBA 2026, Today Match Prediction

Teams Preview

Seattle Storm Preview

The Seattle Storm are coming off a victory against the Atlanta Dream, where they won by 15 points(105-90).Johnson scored 24 points and 11 rebounds in the Atlanta win, with Awa Fam adding 21 and Natisha Hiedeman contributing 20 points and six assists. 

That collective output showed exactly what this young Storm roster looks like when every player produces simultaneously.This dominant performance has generated significant momentum as the team finds its rhythm at a crucial point in the season. 

The palpable team chemistry was evident in their fluid ball movement and defensive communication throughout the game. If the Storm can maintain this cohesive energy, they will be a formidable opponent for any team in the league.

Coming into Phoenix for the third meeting between these teams this season, Seattle's offensive strategy is about attacking the paint before Mercury's help defence can set. Johnson at 24-28 points with the same physical rim-attacking that defined her two career-high performances is the expectation she has been shooting 75% from the field in her last two games and shows no signs of slowing down. 

Malonga at 16-20 points with another double-digit rebound effort is what her form suggests is possible she is the youngest player to 500 career points for a reason and her interior presence directly counters Phoenix's frontcourt size. 

Defensively, Seattle's main challenge is slowing Alyssa Thomas's playmaking; her 8.4 assists per game means every defensive breakdown becomes a wide-open shot for someone else on the Mercury. Keeping Hiedeman and Johnson active on the ball will be key to disrupting Thomas's passing angles before they develop.

The Seattle Storm on average score 81.8 points per game they score 42.8% from the field and are ranked 14th in the league, and 35% from the arc and are ranked 6th in the league. The Seattle Storm grab 32.1 rebounds per game and Ranked 11th in season.

Phoenix Mercury Preview

The Phoenix Mercury are coming off a victory of 9 points (89-80) in their last game against Toronto Tempo.Kahleah Copper scored 27 points and Valeriane Ayayi scored 20 points coming from the bench. 

Valeriane Ayayi's bench production was critical in stabilizing the lead during pivotal moments of the game. Kahleah Copper's high scoring output, combined with this secondary support, provides a potential blueprint for overcoming the team's offensive stagnation in future matchups. 

This well-rounded effort showcased essential roster depth when the starters faced pressure. Such a balanced performance is vital for maintaining consistency throughout the season.

The Mercury's offensive strategy must run through Alyssa Thomas. She is posting the most prolific scoring numbers of her career at 16.9 points per game on 53.4% shooting while also leading the team with 8.4 assists per game — her physicality, her passing, and her ability to draw fouls at 7.3 attempts per game are the three things that give Phoenix a floor against any opponent regardless of Copper's shooting. 

Copper at 14-16 points is the secondary offensive requirement; she has been shooting just 34.3% from the field this season but her 63.3% efficiency on shots within three feet of the basket means her ability to get to the rim remains elite. The Mercury need Copper attacking Hiedeman off the dribble rather than settling for the pull-up threes that have been going cold all season. 

Defensively, Phoenix must contain Johnson; her two consecutive 20-plus outings have been built on attacking the rim and drawing fouls, and Natasha Mack's 1.3 blocks per game gives Mercury the rim protection to make those drives more costly.

The Phoenix Mercury on average score 84 points per game, they score 43.6% from the field and are ranked 11th in the league, and 32.4% from the arc and are ranked 11th in the league. The Phoenix Mercury grab 31.9 rebounds per game and ranked 13th in season.

Seattle Storm vs Phoenix Mercury Starting Lineups