WNBA Game Preview: Atlanta Dream (13-10) vs. Phoenix Mercury (15-7)

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) and will be broadcast nationally on CBS Sports Network. This game marks the emotional return of Brittney Griner to Phoenix, now wearing Dream colors, and features two playoff-caliber teams battling for conference supremacy.

Team Records & Standings

Team	Record	Conference Rank	Last 5 Games
Phoenix Mercury	15–7	3rd in West	W–W–W–L–L
Atlanta Dream	13–10	2nd in East	L–L–W–L-L

Key Storylines

Brittney Griner’s Return to Phoenix: After 11 seasons, 10 All-Star selections, and a 2014 championship with the Mercury, Griner returns to the desert as a member of the Dream. She leads Atlanta with 1.3 blocks per game and remains a defensive anchor.

Injury Watch: The Mercury are monitoring Kahleah Copper (hamstring), Satou Sabally (ankle), and Lexi Held (chest)—all listed as day-to-day. Atlanta is without Rhyne Howard (knee), a major blow to their perimeter scoring.

Playoff Implications: Both teams are in the top three of their respective conferences. A win here could impact seeding and momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

Players to Watch

Atlanta Dream

Allisha Gray: Averaging 18.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 4.0 APG; one of the league’s top 3-point shooters.

Brionna Jones: Dominating the paint with 13.4 PPG and 7.8 RPG.

Brittney Griner: 10.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, and 1.3 BPG; emotional return to Phoenix.

Phoenix Mercury

Satou Sabally: Team leader with 19.1 PPG and 7.7 RPG.

Alyssa Thomas: Triple-double threat with 15.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 9.5 APG.

Sami Whitcomb & Kiana Williams: Stepped up during recent injuries, combining for over 20 points in key wins.

Team Stats Comparison

Category	Dream	Mercury
Points Per Game	83.8	83.4
Rebounds Per Game	37.5	34.4
Assists Per Game	21.0	21.0
Turnovers Per Game	11.8	12.6
FG% / 3P%	43.0% / 32.3%	43.3% / 34.5%
Defensive Rating	78.7	79.5

Both teams are evenly matched offensively, but Atlanta holds a slight edge on the boards and in turnover margin.

Tactical Breakdown

Atlanta Dream will rely on interior defense and transition scoring, especially with Griner anchoring the paint and Gray pushing the pace.

Phoenix Mercury must control tempo and exploit mismatches with Sabally and Thomas, especially if Copper is unavailable.

Expect a physical battle in the post and a chess match between two of the WNBA’s most versatile rosters.