Tip-off is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET.
Venue: Mortgage Matchup Center (Phoenix, Arizona).
Coverage is available via WNBA League Pass (local options may include Monumental Sports Network for Mystics fans).
This is the first of a home-and-home series; the teams also meet again on Aug. 27 in Phoenix.
Recent team forms
Washington Mystics: 22-15 overall (9-8 away; strong Eastern Conference standing, roughly 11-5 in conference). They rebounded with a 105-100 road win at Portland on Aug. 23 (Shakira Austin career-high 31 points, 10 rebounds). Prior results include a loss to Minnesota and wins over Toronto and Los Angeles. They rank among the league’s better defensive teams (allowing ~83.1 PPG and holding opponents to ~42.8% shooting) while averaging about 82.6 PPG. Last stretch has been solid after an earlier skid.
Phoenix Mercury: 13-24 overall (5-12 home). Struggling with a recent 1-4 or worse stretch, including a 89-99 home loss to Atlanta on Aug. 22 and a narrow loss to Portland. They average ~84.0 PPG but allow 87.8. Home form has been poor, and they sit near the bottom of the Western Conference.
Injury reports
Washington Mystics: Relatively clean. Shakira Austin has dealt with knee issues at times but played through them recently (including the big game at Portland). No major long-term absences reported for key rotation players heading into this contest; status reports have often listed the roster as healthy.
@WashMystics
Phoenix Mercury: Kelsey Plum (G) – Day-to-day/Out (calf; missed recent games). Marta Suarez (F) – Out/Day-to-day (head/concussion protocol). Jovana Nogic (G) – Out for season (not injury-related). Other depth pieces (e.g., coach’s decisions on Kara Dunn/Shay Ciezki in recent reports). Core pieces Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas, and DeWanna Bonner are expected available.
Current key roster pieces
Mystics: Shakira Austin (C, dominant recent form ~17 PPG / 9+ RPG with rim protection), Sonia Citron (G, scoring and playmaking), Kiki Iriafen (F, double-double threat), Michaela Onyenwere, Georgia Amoore, and supporting depth including Lauren Betts and others. Strong rebounding edge (team averages ~37.8 RPG).
Mercury: Kahleah Copper (leading scorer ~21 PPG), Alyssa Thomas (versatile forward, playmaking and interior presence), DeWanna Bonner (veteran scoring and rebounding), Sami Whitcomb (when available), Natasha Mack, and others. Offense relies heavily on Copper and Thomas.
Key player vs. player matchups
Shakira Austin vs. Alyssa Thomas / Mercury frontcourt: Austin is peaking and provides size, scoring, and defense in the paint. Thomas is a high-IQ facilitator and rebounder; this interior battle will be pivotal.
Sonia Citron / Mystics guards vs. Kahleah Copper: Copper is Phoenix’s primary scoring threat and must be contained on the perimeter and in isolation. Citron and the Mystics’ backcourt bring scoring punch and defensive length.
Rebounding and transition: Mystics hold a clear edge on the glass. If Washington controls the boards and limits Copper’s efficiency, they can dictate tempo. Phoenix needs steals and transition opportunities to generate easy points.
Series history (2026)
The teams have met once this season:
Aug. 9: Mystics 95–75 Mercury (Washington home; Sonia Citron 19 points, dominant defensive performance).
Washington took the first meeting convincingly. Historical matchups have varied, but the Mystics enter with the recent edge and better overall form.
Betting trends
Washington’s defense, recent Austin explosion, and Phoenix’s home struggles and injuries support the road side. Totals lean toward the under given both teams’ moderate scoring averages and Washington’s defensive identity, though Copper can push the over if hot.
Washington is the more complete and motivated side (playoff positioning) while Phoenix is playing out a difficult season. Expect the Mystics’ size, defense, and Austin’s interior presence to control the game, though Copper and Thomas can keep Phoenix competitive if they generate transition and three-point looks. Final injury confirmations (especially Plum and any Austin updates) closer to tip-off will refine the expected margin. The teams reconvene two nights later in Phoenix for the second half of the set.
GAME ODDS
Washington Mystics – 3
Phoenix Mercury 165.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, August 24, 2026
