Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, Arizona
Tip‑off: 7:00 p.m. PT / 10:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: ESPN+, Mercury Live, Bally Sports North
Injury Report
Minnesota Lynx
- Napheesa Collier — Probable (ankle soreness; expected to play)
- Kayla McBride — Probable (illness)
- Diamond Miller — Out (knee)
- Alanna Smith — Day‑to‑day (shoulder; game‑time decision)
- Natisha Hiedeman — Healthy
Minnesota is already dealing with early‑season depth issues, especially on the wing with Miller sidelined.
Phoenix Mercury
- Diana Taurasi — Probable (rest management; expected to play limited minutes)
- Brittney Griner — Healthy
- Kahleah Copper — Healthy
- Sophie Cunningham — Out (back)
- Natasha Cloud — Probable (hamstring tightness)
Phoenix is healthier than last season and looked sharp in its opener, but Cloud’s mobility is something to monitor.
Team Records & Context
- Minnesota Lynx: 0–1 (lost to Atlanta 89–82)
- Phoenix Mercury: 1–0 (beat Seattle 92–84)
- 2025 Season Series: Minnesota won 2–1
- 2026 Stakes: Early‑season momentum game; Phoenix trying to prove its revamped roster is a contender, Minnesota trying to avoid an 0–2 start.
Recent Team Form
Minnesota Lynx
- Last game: Lost 89–82 to Atlanta
- Offensive rating: 104.2
- Defensive rating: 113.7
- Trend: Minnesota struggled defensively, especially in transition. Collier was productive (23 points), but the supporting cast was inconsistent.
Phoenix Mercury
- Last game: Beat Seattle 92–84
- Offensive rating: 118.3
- Defensive rating: 108.1
- Trend: Phoenix looked explosive offensively. Copper scored 27, Griner dominated the paint, and the Mercury shot 41% from three.
Key Player Matchups
1. Napheesa Collier (MIN) vs. Kahleah Copper (PHX)
A matchup of elite two‑way forwards.
- Collier: 23 points, 9 rebounds in opener
- Copper: 27 points, 4 steals in opener Copper’s athleticism vs. Collier’s versatility is the headline duel.
2. Brittney Griner (PHX) vs. Dorka Juhász (MIN)
Griner has a major experience and physicality advantage. Minnesota must send help or risk Griner controlling the paint.
3. Kayla McBride (MIN) vs. Diana Taurasi (PHX)
Two veteran sharpshooters. If Taurasi plays limited minutes, Phoenix may rely more on Cloud and Cunningham replacements to defend McBride.
4. Natasha Cloud (PHX) vs. Natisha Hiedeman (MIN)
Cloud’s playmaking vs. Hiedeman’s perimeter defense. If Cloud is limited, Phoenix’s offensive flow could suffer.
Series History
- Last 10 meetings: Minnesota leads 6–4
- At Footprint Center: Teams have split last 4
- Trend: Games tend to be high‑scoring, averaging 171.8 points over the last three matchups.
Betting Trends
Minnesota Lynx
- 1–4 ATS in last 5 games dating back to 2025
- Overs in 4 of last 6
- 0–3 in last 3 road games
Phoenix Mercury
- 4–1 ATS in last 5 home games
- Overs in 5 of last 7
- 3–1 in last 4 vs. Minnesota at home
Matchup Trends
- Last 3 meetings have gone Over
- Phoenix has scored 85+ points in 4 of last 5 vs. Minnesota
GAME ODDS
Minnesota Lynx 169.5
Phoenix Mercury – 3.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, May 11, 2026
