Mystics’ Woes Grow as Surging Mercury Await
Mercury vs Mystics Predictions Favor Phoenix
The Phoenix Mercury will look to continue their winning ways when they host the 0-4 Washington Mystics on Thursday at Footprint Center. Phoenix is a 6.5-point favorite and -270 on the moneyline, with Washington +220 to win outright. Meanwhile, the projected total is 161.5.
What should bettors expect? Read on as we break down both teams, assess the odds, and give our Mercury vs Mystics predictions.
Mystics vs Mercury
Records: Washington Mystic (0-4), Phoenix Mercury (2-1)
Day/Time:Â
Location: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
Streaming: MSN, Prime Video
Mystics vs Mercury Betting Trends
The Washington Mystics are 2-1-1 against the spread after pushing as two-point underdogs in Tuesday’s 70-68 to the Sparks. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Mercury are 3-0 ATS and have gone over the total twice in three tries.
That’s important to remember when analyzing our Mercury vs Mystics predictions.
No Way to Replace EDD
It’s shaping up to be a long season for Washington. The Mystics are 0-4, one of two remaining winless teams alongside Indiana. And making matters worse, the Mystics don’t have much to look forward to.
There aren’t many building blocks on the Mystics’ roster except for rookie Aaliyah Edwards, the sixth overall pick out of UConn. The Mystics are stuck in limbo, uncertain of what the future holds for Elena Delle Donne (EDD). The two-time MVP and seven-time All-Star is taking an indefinite absence from basketball, prompting speculation about her future.
Delle Donne has appeared in only 51 games over the last three seasons because of recurring back issues. She also sat out the 2020 season in the Bradenton, Fla., bubble due to COVID-19 concerns. Delle Donne, who turned 34 in September, has possibly played her last game for Washington.
The Mystics don’t have a means to replace Delle Donne, at least in the short term. Ariel Atkins (14.0 PPG, 3.0 SPG), Karlie Samuelson (11.8 PPG), and Shakira Austin (11.7 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.7 RPG) have performed admirably, but the Mystics will likely need to turn to next year’s draft to improve their future.
As such, the Mystics are projected for a league-low 11.5 wins and share the longest championship odds with Los Angeles at +10000. Keep that in mind when assessing our Mercury vs Mystics predictions.
No Griner, No Problem
The Mercury scored a big upset on Tuesday, beating two-time defending champion Las Vegas 98-88 as a 13.5-point underdog. Kahleah Copper had 37 points, one game after scoring 38. Her layup with 42 seconds to play held off Las Vegas’ comeback attempt.
Phoenix remained without Brittney Griner, making its performance even more impressive. The nine-time All-Star has been sidelined since breaking her toe in training camp.
During Griner’s absence, Copper (31.3 PPG) and Diana Taurasi (15.7 PPG) have done most of the heavy lifting, with Natasha Cloud (10.7 PPG, 7.3 APG) also chipping in. Health remains a concern with this veteran-laden roster — Taurasi is the league’s oldest player at 41 — but they certainly could benefit from a strong start.
Projected for 18.5 wins, the Mercury have seen their championship odds climb from +4000 to +3500 within the last week. Only four teams are shorter favorites: Las Vegas (+105), Liberty (+180), Sun (+1000), and Storm (+2000).
Phoenix has displayed impressive shooting, averaging a league-best 12.3 3-pointers per game. Per WNBA stats, it also ranks second in both 3-point percentage (40.2) and points per game (88.7). In accordance, the Mercury have already gone Over the total twice.
Handicapping the Game
Phoenix keeps trending in the right direction, proving it can withstand the loss of Griner. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Washington, which is in for a long summer without its best player in Delle Donne. The Mystics don’t have the pieces to contend most nights, especially not against Copper, Taurasi, and Co.
The WNBA odds say as much.
For WNBA betting news, odds, analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
