Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, Connecticut
Scheduled Tip‑Off: 7:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast: WNBA League Pass, ESPN+
CURRENT ROSTERS (PROJECTED ACTIVE PLAYERS)
Phoenix Mercury
Guards: Diana Taurasi, Natasha Cloud, Sophie Cunningham, Sug Sutton Wings/Forwards: Kahleah Copper, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, Rebecca Allen Posts: Brittney Griner, Brianna Turner, Charli Collier Two‑way/Depth: Kadi Sissoko, Liz Dixon
Connecticut Sun
Guards: Ty Harris, Tiffany Mitchell, Rachel Banham Wings/Forwards: DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones Posts: Olivia Nelson‑Ododa, Astou Ndour‑Fall Depth: Leigha Brown, Mya Hollingshed
(Rosters reflect 2026 active players and standard rotations.)
INJURY REPORT
Phoenix Mercury
Brittney Griner – Probable (ankle soreness)
Sophie Cunningham – Questionable (wrist sprain)
Charli Collier – Out (foot stress reaction)
Connecticut Sun
Alyssa Thomas – Probable (shoulder management)
Brionna Jones – Questionable (knee swelling)
Tiffany Mitchell – Out (hamstring)
RECENT TEAM FORM
Phoenix Mercury – Last 5 Games
W 89–81 vs Seattle
L 72–84 at Minnesota
W 95–88 vs Dallas
L 79–90 at Las Vegas
L 83–92 vs Chicago Trend: Offense improving; defense inconsistent. Copper and Taurasi carrying scoring load.
Connecticut Sun – Last 5 Games
L 68–79 vs New York
L 74–82 at Washington
W 81–77 vs Indiana
L 70–89 at Atlanta
L 73–85 vs Las Vegas Trend: Struggling to generate offense; defensive rebounding issues without consistent minutes from Jones.
SERIES HISTORY
All‑time: Connecticut leads 32–20
At Mohegan Sun Arena: Sun lead 18–7
Last meeting (2026): Mercury 87, Sun 78
Key trend: Phoenix has won 3 of the last 4 matchups, largely due to Copper’s ability to attack Connecticut’s slower perimeter rotations.
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
1. Brittney Griner (PHX) vs Olivia Nelson‑Ododa (CON)
Griner’s post efficiency (58% FG) and rim protection remain elite. Nelson‑Ododa must use mobility to deny deep seals. If Griner dominates early touches, Connecticut will be forced to double, opening Phoenix’s perimeter.
2. Kahleah Copper (PHX) vs DeWanna Bonner (CON)
Copper’s downhill explosiveness vs Bonner’s length and veteran savvy. Copper averages 21.4 PPG over her last five; Bonner’s ability to force mid‑range pull‑ups is critical.
3. Natasha Cloud (PHX) vs Ty Harris (CON)
Cloud’s physicality and pace control vs Harris’ efficiency and improved shooting. Harris must limit turnovers; Cloud excels at turning live‑ball mistakes into transition points.
4. Alyssa Thomas (CON) vs Brianna Turner (PHX)
Thomas’ point‑forward role challenges Turner’s defensive versatility. If Thomas is limited physically, Connecticut’s offensive creation suffers dramatically.
TACTICAL OUTLOOK
Phoenix Mercury
Offensive Identity: Spread‑floor pick‑and‑roll, Copper isolation, Griner post touches
Defensive Approach: Switch‑heavy scheme; Cloud pressures ball handlers
Key Advantage: Superior shot creation; Copper’s ability to collapse defenses
Concern: Defensive rebounding; reliance on Griner’s rim protection
Connecticut Sun
Offensive Identity: Thomas as initiator, Bonner mid‑range creation, Jones post scoring (if active)
Defensive Approach: Physical interior defense, zone looks to hide perimeter gaps
Key Advantage: If Jones plays, interior scoring and offensive rebounding
Concern: Limited spacing; inconsistent guard production
BETTING TRENDS
Phoenix is 4–2 ATS in its last six.
Connecticut is 1–7 ATS in its last eight.
Overs have hit in 5 of Phoenix’s last 6 games.
Sun unders have hit in 4 of their last 5 home games.
Phoenix has covered in 3 straight meetings vs Connecticut.
GAME ODDS
Phoenix Mercury – 5.5
Connecticut Sun 175
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, August 6, 2026
