Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
Tip‑off: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT
Broadcast: ESPN+, Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network, Arizona’s Family Sports
The Aces and Mercury meet in a Western Conference matchup between two teams on opposite trajectories. Las Vegas enters at 10–4, rounding into championship form behind elite guard play and a top‑tier offense. Phoenix, meanwhile, sits at 4–11, struggling with injuries, defensive inconsistency, and a lack of depth. Despite the records, these teams have a long, heated rivalry — and Phoenix typically elevates its play at home.
Venue Information
Footprint Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Capacity: ~17,000
Known for: Fast pace, strong shooting backdrop, loud lower bowl
Court style: Favors perimeter scoring and transition play
Mercury home record (2026): 3–5
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Rest Advantage: Aces +1 day
Travel Factor: Aces on short West‑Coast swing; Mercury returning home after a two‑game road trip
Injury Report
Las Vegas Aces
A’ja Wilson — Healthy
Kelsey Plum — Healthy
Chelsea Gray — Questionable (foot)
Jackie Young — Healthy
Alicia Clark — Healthy
Impact: If Gray sits, Las Vegas loses its primary floor general, but Young and Plum have proven capable of handling full playmaking duties.
Phoenix Mercury
Diana Taurasi — Questionable (hamstring)
Brittney Griner — OUT (ankle)
Kahleah Copper — Healthy
Natasha Cloud — Healthy
Sophie Cunningham — Healthy
Impact: Griner’s absence is massive — Phoenix loses its interior anchor on both ends. Taurasi’s status further complicates their offensive structure.
Team Records & Recent Form
Las Vegas Aces (10–4)
Last 5: 4–1
Offensive Rating: Top‑2
Defensive Rating: Top‑6
Trend: Aces are surging; Wilson playing at MVP level; perimeter shooting improving
Phoenix Mercury (4–11)
Last 5: 1–4
Offensive Rating: Bottom‑5
Defensive Rating: Bottom‑3
Trend: Struggling without Griner; Copper carrying heavy scoring load
Series History
2025 Season: Aces won 3–1
Last 10 Meetings: Aces lead 8–2
At Footprint Center (last 6): Aces lead 4–2
Las Vegas has dominated this rivalry in recent years.
Key Player Matchups
1. A’ja Wilson (LVA) vs. Phoenix Frontcourt
With Griner out, Wilson has a massive advantage
Phoenix must double early or risk a 30‑point night
Wilson’s mid‑range game and rim protection are matchup‑breaking
2. Kahleah Copper (PHX) vs. Jackie Young (LVA)
Copper’s downhill scoring vs. Young’s elite two‑way defense
If Copper is held under 20, Phoenix’s offense collapses
3. Kelsey Plum (LVA) vs. Natasha Cloud (PHX)
Plum’s shooting vs. Cloud’s physical perimeter defense
Cloud must limit Plum’s catch‑and‑shoot looks
4. Chelsea Gray (LVA, if active) vs. Phoenix Backcourt
Gray’s playmaking would overwhelm Phoenix’s rotations
If she sits, Las Vegas still has the guard depth advantage
Betting Trends
Las Vegas Aces
6–2 ATS in last 8
Over is 7–3 in last 10
4–1 ATS on the road
Aces 9–0 when scoring 85+
Phoenix Mercury
2–8 ATS in last 10
Over is 6–4 in last 10
1–5 ATS at home
Mercury allowing 87.3 PPG in last 7 games
Predictive Analysis
Why Las Vegas can win
Wilson has a dominant matchup with Griner out
Plum and Young form the best backcourt in this game
Aces’ defense can overwhelm Phoenix’s thin rotation
Las Vegas is elite in transition; Phoenix struggles in transition defense
Why Phoenix can win
Copper can take over games when hot
Home‑court energy can keep them competitive early
If Taurasi plays and shoots well, Phoenix’s spacing improves
X‑Factor:
Phoenix’s ability to defend without Griner. If they cannot slow Wilson, this game gets out of hand quickly.
GAME ODDS
Las Vegas Aces – 7.5
Phoenix Mercury 173.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, June 16, 2026
