Venue: Moda Center — Portland, Oregon

Tip‑off: 7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET

Surface: Hardwood

Capacity: ~19,000

Venue Profile — Moda Center

One of the league’s largest and loudest arenas:

NBA‑level lighting and acoustics create a high‑energy environment.

Fast hardwood floor supports Portland’s pace‑and‑space offense.

Fire home games trend high‑scoring, especially in summer.

Dallas historically struggles in Portland, but this is the Fire’s first competitive roster capable of matching elite teams.

Team Form & Statistical Profile

Dallas Wings (17‑8)

Last 5 Games: W‑W‑L‑W‑W Points Per Game: 87.4 Points Allowed: 82.2 Road Record: 7‑4

Team Identity

Elite offensive team

Heavy reliance on Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally, and Teaira McCowan

Strong transition scoring

Improved defensive rotations

One of the most efficient teams in the WNBA

Portland Fire (11‑15)

Last 5 Games: L‑W‑L‑L‑W Points Per Game: 80.3 Points Allowed: 86.1 Home Record: 5‑7

Team Identity

Expansion‑era roster with strong guard play

Heavy reliance on Charisma Osborne, Rhyne Howard, and Kalani Brown

Strong perimeter shooting

Struggle in interior defense

One of the most inconsistent teams in the league

Listed Injury Reports

Dallas Wings

Arike Ogunbowale (G): Available — minor ankle soreness

Satou Sabally (F): Day‑to‑day — shoulder inflammation

Teaira McCowan (C): Available — knee wrap

Natasha Howard (F): Out — foot

Maddy Siegrist (F): Day‑to‑day — hip

Dallas’ injuries affect depth but not the core rotation.

Portland Fire

Rhyne Howard (G/F): Day‑to‑day — quad tightness

Charisma Osborne (G): Available — wrist wrap

Kalani Brown (C): Questionable — ankle sprain

Jordin Canada (G): Out — knee

Emily Engstler (F): Day‑to‑day — back

Portland’s injuries significantly impact spacing and interior defense.

Projected Starting Lineups

Dallas Wings

G: Arike Ogunbowale G: Veronica Burton F: Satou Sabally* F: Maddy Siegrist* C: Teaira McCowan

(*If Sabally sits, Siegrist moves to PF and Awak Kuier starts at SF.)

Portland Fire

G: Charisma Osborne G: Rhyne Howard* F: Emily Engstler* F: Nyara Sabally C: Kalani Brown*

(*If Brown sits, Sabally moves to center and Kiah Stokes starts at PF.)

Key Player vs Player Matchups

1. Arike Ogunbowale (DAL) vs Charisma Osborne (POR)

Elite scorer vs elite defender.

Ogunbowale thrives in isolation scoring

Osborne strong at contesting jumpers

Dallas will force switches to free Ogunbowale

Edge: Ogunbowale

2. Satou Sabally (DAL) vs Rhyne Howard (POR)

Two versatile stars with contrasting styles.

Sabally excels in face‑up scoring

Howard thrives in perimeter creation

If Howard is limited, Portland loses its primary scoring engine

Edge: Sabally

3. Teaira McCowan (DAL) vs Kalani Brown (POR)

Interior dominance vs interior strength.

McCowan dominates in post scoring and rebounding

Brown strong defensively but inconsistent

Dallas will feed McCowan early

Edge: McCowan

4. Maddy Siegrist (DAL) vs Emily Engstler (POR)

Stretch‑forward vs defensive specialist.

Siegrist thrives in pick‑and‑pop

Engstler strong defensively but foul‑prone

Dallas’ spacing gives Siegrist room to operate

Edge: Siegrist

Recent Team Trends

Dallas Wings

4‑1 in last five

Scoring 88.0 PPG

Allowing 81.0 PPG

Road games trending Over

Elite fourth‑quarter execution

Portland Fire

2‑3 in last five

Scoring 79.5 PPG

Allowing 87.5 PPG

Home games trending Over

Defensive inconsistency

Series History

First‑year Portland expansion team

Dallas leads 1‑0 all‑time

Wings won the first meeting (June 2026) by 13 points

Betting Trends

Wings ATS: 7‑3 in last 10

Fire ATS: 4‑6 in last 10

Wings Overs: 6 of last 10

Fire Overs: 7 of last 10

Wings ML on road: 7‑3 in last 10

Fire ML at home: 4‑6 in last 10

GAME ODDS

Dallas Wings                      – 5.5

Portland Fire                     174.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Venue: Mohegan Sun Arena — Uncasville, Connecticut

Tip‑off: 7:00 PM ET

Surface: Hardwood

Capacity: ~9,500

Venue Profile — Mohegan Sun Arena

One of the league’s most unique home environments:

Casino‑attached venue creates a loud, energetic crowd.

Fast hardwood floor supports Connecticut’s pace‑and‑space offense.

Sun home games trend lower‑scoring due to their defensive identity.

Indiana historically struggles in Uncasville, but the Fever’s 2026 roster is far stronger than past seasons.

Team Form & Statistical Profile

Indiana Fever (16‑10)

Last 5 Games: W‑W‑L‑W‑W Points Per Game: 85.1 Points Allowed: 81.3 Road Record: 7‑5

Team Identity

Young, dynamic offense

Heavy reliance on Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell

High‑volume three‑point shooting

Strong interior defense

One of the fastest‑improving teams in the WNBA

Connecticut Sun (7‑19)

Last 5 Games: L‑L‑W‑L‑L Points Per Game: 78.2 Points Allowed: 86.9 Home Record: 4‑8

Team Identity

Rebuilding roster

Heavy reliance on DeWanna Bonner, Brionna Jones, and Ty Harris

Strong half‑court defense

Struggle in offensive creation

One of the weakest offenses in the league

Listed Injury Reports

Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark (G): Available — minor ankle soreness

Aliyah Boston (C/F): Available — knee wrap

Kelsey Mitchell (G): Day‑to‑day — quad tightness

NaLyssa Smith (F): Out — foot

Lexie Hull (G/F): Out — shoulder

Indiana’s injuries affect depth but not the core rotation.

Connecticut Sun

DeWanna Bonner (F): Day‑to‑day — hip soreness

Brionna Jones (C): Available — conditioning management

Ty Harris (G): Day‑to‑day — ankle

Rachel Banham (G): Out — knee

Olivia Nelson‑Ododa (F/C): Out — wrist

Connecticut’s injuries significantly impact spacing and bench scoring.

Projected Starting Lineups

Indiana Fever

G: Caitlin Clark G: Kelsey Mitchell* F: Grace Berger F: NaLyssa Smith* (OUT → Kristy Wallace starts) C: Aliyah Boston

(*If Mitchell sits, Kristy Wallace starts at SG.)

Connecticut Sun

G: Ty Harris* G: Tiffany Hayes F: DeWanna Bonner* F: Brionna Jones C: Olivia Nelson‑Ododa* (OUT → Mompremier starts)

(*If Harris sits, Dijonai Carrington starts at PG.)

Key Player vs Player Matchups

1. Caitlin Clark (IND) vs Ty Harris (CON)

Elite playmaker vs defensive‑minded guard.

Clark thrives in pick‑and‑roll creation and deep shooting

Harris struggles against elite pace

Indiana will force switches to free Clark for threes

Edge: Clark

2. Aliyah Boston (IND) vs Brionna Jones (CON)

Two of the league’s strongest interior players.

Boston dominates in rim protection and post scoring

Jones excels in physicality and offensive rebounding

Boston’s mobility gives her the edge

Edge: Boston

3. DeWanna Bonner (CON) vs Grace Berger (IND)

Veteran scoring vs young defensive versatility.

Bonner thrives in mid‑range creation

Berger strong defensively but inconsistent offensively

Connecticut needs Bonner to carry scoring load

Edge: Bonner — but only slightly.

4. Kelsey Mitchell (IND) vs Tiffany Hayes (CON)

High‑volume scorer vs veteran defender.

Mitchell dangerous off the dribble

Hayes strong at contesting jumpers

Indiana will use Mitchell as a secondary creator

Edge: Mitchell

Recent Team Trends

Indiana Fever

4‑1 in last five

Scoring 86.0 PPG

Allowing 80.5 PPG

Road games trending Over

Elite fourth‑quarter execution

Connecticut Sun

1‑4 in last five

Scoring 77.0 PPG

Allowing 88.0 PPG

Home games trending Under

Offensive inconsistency

Series History

All‑time: Sun lead 41‑18

Last 10 meetings: Sun lead 7‑3

At Mohegan Sun Arena: Sun 6‑1 in last 7

Fever won the last meeting (June 2026) by 9 points, signaling a shift in momentum.

Betting Trends

Fever ATS: 7‑3 in last 10

Sun ATS: 3‑7 in last 10

Fever Overs: 6 of last 10

Sun Overs: 5 of last 10

Fever ML on road: 6‑4 in last 10

Sun ML at home: 3‑7 in last 10

GAME ODDS

Connecticut Sun               180

Indiana Fever                    – 10

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Venue: Entertainment & Sports Arena — Washington, D.C.

Tip‑off: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT

Surface: Hardwood

Capacity: ~4,200 (intimate, high‑energy environment)

Venue Profile — Entertainment & Sports Arena

One of the league’s most compact and loud venues:

Small seating bowl amplifies crowd noise, giving Washington a real home‑court edge.

Fast hardwood floor supports pace‑and‑space offenses.

Mystics home games trend lower‑scoring, driven by their defensive identity.

Las Vegas historically performs well in D.C., but Washington has stolen several close games in recent seasons.

Team Form & Statistical Profile

Las Vegas Aces (17‑7)

Last 5 Games: W‑W‑L‑W‑W Points Per Game: 89.3 Points Allowed: 81.4 Road Record: 8‑4

Team Identity

Elite offensive team

Heavy reliance on A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Young

Strong spacing and three‑point volume

Improved defensive rotations compared to early season

One of the most efficient teams in the WNBA

Washington Mystics (12‑12)

Last 5 Games: L‑W‑W‑L‑L Points Per Game: 81.0 Points Allowed: 83.7 Home Record: 6‑6

Team Identity

Defense‑first approach

Heavy reliance on Elena Delle Donne, Ariel Atkins, and Shakira Austin

Strong half‑court execution

Struggle in transition defense

One of the most inconsistent teams in the league

Listed Injury Reports

Las Vegas Aces

A’ja Wilson (F/C): Available — minor knee soreness

Kelsey Plum (G): Day‑to‑day — ankle

Chelsea Gray (G): Out — long‑term foot recovery

Alysha Clark (F): Day‑to‑day — hip

Megan Gustafson (C): Available — wrist wrap

Gray’s absence continues to impact Las Vegas’ playmaking depth.

Washington Mystics

Elena Delle Donne (F): Day‑to‑day — back tightness

Ariel Atkins (G): Available — minor shoulder soreness

Shakira Austin (C): Questionable — knee inflammation

Brittney Sykes (G): Out — ankle

Myisha Hines‑Allen (F): Day‑to‑day — foot

Washington’s injuries are more structurally damaging, especially Austin and Sykes.

Projected Starting Lineups

Las Vegas Aces

G: Kelsey Plum* G: Jackie Young F: Alysha Clark* F: A’ja Wilson C: Megan Gustafson

(*If Plum sits, Kierstan Bell starts; if Clark sits, Sydney Colson starts and Young shifts to SF.)

Washington Mystics

G: Ariel Atkins G: Jade Melbourne F: Elena Delle Donne* F: Myisha Hines‑Allen* C: Shakira Austin*

(*If Austin sits, Hines‑Allen moves to center and Emily Engstler starts at PF.)

Key Player vs Player Matchups

1. A’ja Wilson (LVA) vs Elena Delle Donne (WAS)

Two MVP‑caliber forwards.

Wilson dominates in face‑up scoring and rim protection

Delle Donne excels in efficiency and shot creation

If Delle Donne is limited, Washington loses its offensive anchor

Edge: Wilson

2. Jackie Young (LVA) vs Ariel Atkins (WAS)

Two elite two‑way guards.

Young thrives in pick‑and‑roll creation

Atkins is one of the league’s best perimeter defenders

This matchup will dictate pace

Edge: Young — due to offensive versatility.

3. Kelsey Plum (LVA) vs Jade Melbourne (WAS)

High‑volume scorer vs developing playmaker.

Plum is dangerous from deep

Melbourne struggles defensively against elite guards

Las Vegas will target this matchup repeatedly

Edge: Plum

4. Shakira Austin (WAS) vs Megan Gustafson (LVA)

Interior athleticism vs positional strength.

Austin excels in rim protection

Gustafson strong in post positioning

Austin’s health is a major swing factor

Edge: Austin — if fully active.

Recent Team Trends

Las Vegas Aces

4‑1 in last five

Scoring 90.0 PPG

Allowing 82.0 PPG

Road games trending Over

Elite fourth‑quarter execution

Washington Mystics

2‑3 in last five

Scoring 80.5 PPG

Allowing 85.0 PPG

Home games trending Under

Defensive inconsistency

Series History

All‑time: Aces lead 27‑22

Last 10 meetings: Aces lead 7‑3

At ESA: Aces 3‑2 in last 5

Aces won the last meeting (June 2026) by 12 points

Betting Trends

Aces ATS: 6‑4 in last 10

Mystics ATS: 4‑6 in last 10

Aces Overs: 7 of last 10

Mystics Overs: 5 of last 10

Aces ML on road: 7‑3 in last 10

Mystics ML at home: 5‑5 in last 10

GAME ODDS

Las Vegas Aces                                  – 6

Washington Mystics                       164.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Venue: Barclays Center — Brooklyn, New York

Tip‑off: 7:00 PM ET

Surface: Hardwood

Capacity: ~17,700

Venue Profile — Barclays Center

One of the league’s premier basketball environments:

Fast hardwood floor ideal for New York’s pace‑and‑space offense.

Strong crowd energy boosts Liberty runs, especially in the second half.

Liberty home games trend high‑scoring, driven by their three‑point volume.

Chicago historically struggles in Brooklyn, especially late in games.

Team Form & Statistical Profile

New York Liberty (13‑12)

Last 5 Games: W‑L‑W‑L‑W Points Per Game: 84.7 Points Allowed: 82.9 Home Record: 7‑5

Team Identity

High‑volume three‑point shooting

Heavy reliance on Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, and Jonquel Jones

Strong rebounding and rim protection

Defensive inconsistency on the perimeter

One of the most explosive offenses in the league

Chicago Sky (9‑17)

Last 5 Games: L‑W‑L‑L‑W Points Per Game: 78.9 Points Allowed: 86.4 Road Record: 3‑9

Team Identity

Rebuilding roster with young core

Heavy reliance on Angel Reese, Marina Mabrey, and Chennedy Carter

Strong offensive rebounding

Struggle in half‑court creation

One of the weakest road defenses in the WNBA

Listed Injury Reports

New York Liberty

Breanna Stewart (F): Day‑to‑day — ankle soreness

Sabrina Ionescu (G): Available — minor wrist wrap

Jonquel Jones (C): Day‑to‑day — knee inflammation

Betnijah Laney‑Hamilton (G/F): Out — foot

Kayla Thornton (F): Questionable — hip

Liberty’s injuries affect wing depth but core stars are expected to play.

Chicago Sky

Angel Reese (F): Available — shoulder wrap

Marina Mabrey (G): Day‑to‑day — ankle

Chennedy Carter (G): Available — minor knee soreness

Isabelle Harrison (F/C): Out — foot

Diamond DeShields (G/F): Out — knee

Chicago’s injuries hurt spacing and bench scoring.

Projected Starting Lineups

New York Liberty

G: Sabrina Ionescu G: Courtney Vandersloot F: Breanna Stewart* F: Kayla Thornton* C: Jonquel Jones*

(*If Stewart sits, Thornton moves to PF and Nyara Sabally starts; if Jones sits, Sabally starts at center.)

Chicago Sky

G: Marina Mabrey* G: Chennedy Carter F: Angel Reese F: Morgan Bertsch C: Elizabeth Williams

(*If Mabrey sits, Lindsay Allen starts at PG.)

Key Player vs Player Matchups

1. Breanna Stewart (NYL) vs Angel Reese (CHI)

Elite scorer vs elite rebounder.

Stewart dominates in mid‑post and pick‑and‑pop

Reese excels in offensive rebounding and physicality

Liberty will try to pull Reese away from the paint

Edge: Stewart

2. Sabrina Ionescu (NYL) vs Marina Mabrey (CHI)

High‑IQ playmaker vs streaky scorer.

Ionescu thrives in pick‑and‑roll creation

Mabrey strong as a shooter but inconsistent defensively

Liberty will force switches to exploit mismatches

Edge: Ionescu

3. Jonquel Jones (NYL) vs Elizabeth Williams (CHI)

Interior dominance vs rim protection.

Jones is elite at sealing and finishing

Williams strong defensively but undersized

Liberty’s spacing gives Jones room to operate

Edge: Jones

4. Chennedy Carter (CHI) vs Courtney Vandersloot (NYL)

Explosive scorer vs veteran floor general.

Carter thrives in downhill drives

Vandersloot excels at controlling tempo

Liberty will try to slow Carter with help defense

Edge: Carter — but only in isolation scoring.

Recent Team Trends

New York Liberty

3‑2 in last five

Scoring 86.0 PPG

Allowing 83.5 PPG

Home games trending Over

Strong fourth‑quarter execution

Chicago Sky

2‑3 in last five

Scoring 79.0 PPG

Allowing 88.0 PPG

Road games trending Over

Defensive collapse in transition

Series History

All‑time: Liberty lead 29‑26

Last 10 meetings: Liberty lead 7‑3

At Barclays Center: Liberty 5‑1 in last 6

Liberty won the last meeting (June 2026) by 15 points

Betting Trends

Liberty ATS: 6‑4 in last 10

Sky ATS: 3‑7 in last 10

Liberty Overs: 7 of last 10

Sky Overs: 8 of last 10

Liberty ML at home: 7‑3 in last 10

Sky ML on road: 2‑8 in last 10

GAME ODDS

Chicago Sky                        179

New York Liberty             – 6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Venue: Climate Pledge Arena — Seattle, Washington

Tip‑off: 7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET

Surface: Hardwood

Capacity: ~17,100

Venue Profile — Climate Pledge Arena

One of the league’s most modern and energy‑efficient arenas:

Fast hardwood floor ideal for Minnesota’s pace‑and‑space offense.

Strong acoustics amplify Seattle’s home crowd, even in down seasons.

Storm home games trend lower‑scoring due to their defensive‑first identity.

Lynx historically perform well in Seattle, especially in summer road games.

Team Form & Statistical Profile

Minnesota Lynx (20‑6)

Last 5 Games: W‑W‑L‑W‑W Points Per Game: 85.4 Points Allowed: 78.1 Road Record: 9‑3

Team Identity

Elite two‑way team

Heavy reliance on Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, and Alanna Smith

Strong defensive rotations

Top‑three net rating in the WNBA

One of the most consistent teams in the league

Seattle Storm (6‑21)

Last 5 Games: L‑L‑W‑L‑L Points Per Game: 77.2 Points Allowed: 88.5 Home Record: 3‑10

Team Identity

Rebuilding roster

Heavy reliance on Jewell Loyd and Nneka Ogwumike

Defensive inconsistency

Struggle in half‑court offense

One of the weakest home teams in 2026

Listed Injury Reports

Minnesota Lynx

Napheesa Collier (F): Available — minor ankle soreness

Kayla McBride (G): Day‑to‑day — knee inflammation

Diamond Miller (G/F): Out — foot

Dorka Juhász (F/C): Day‑to‑day — shoulder

Natisha Hiedeman (G): Available — wrist wrap

Minnesota’s injuries are manageable and do not significantly impact rotations.

Seattle Storm

Jewell Loyd (G): Day‑to‑day — quad tightness

Nneka Ogwumike (F): Questionable — ankle sprain

Skylar Diggins‑Smith (G): Out — long‑term knee recovery

Mercedes Russell (C): Out — back

Jordan Horston (G/F): Day‑to‑day — hip

Seattle’s injuries are structurally damaging, especially Ogwumike and Diggins‑Smith.

Projected Starting Lineups

Minnesota Lynx

G: Kayla McBride* G: Natisha Hiedeman F: Napheesa Collier F: Alanna Smith C: Dorka Juhász*

(*If McBride sits, Tiffany Mitchell starts; if Juhász sits, Alissa Pili starts.)

Seattle Storm

G: Jewell Loyd* G: Jordan Horston* F: Nneka Ogwumike* F: Kia Nurse C: Ezi Magbegor

(*If Ogwumike sits, Nurse shifts to PF and Dulcy Fankam‑Mendjiadeu starts at center.)

Key Player vs Player Matchups

1. Napheesa Collier (MIN) vs Nneka Ogwumike (SEA)

Two elite forwards with contrasting styles.

Collier dominates in mid‑post and face‑up scoring

Ogwumike excels in efficiency and physicality

If Ogwumike is limited, Seattle loses its interior anchor

Edge: Collier

2. Jewell Loyd (SEA) vs Kayla McBride (MIN)

High‑volume scorer vs elite perimeter defender.

Loyd thrives in isolation scoring

McBride excels at contesting jumpers

Minnesota will force Loyd into tough mid‑range looks

Edge: McBride — if fully active.

3. Ezi Magbegor (SEA) vs Dorka Juhász (MIN)

Athletic rim protector vs versatile stretch‑big.

Magbegor strong defensively

Juhász stretches the floor

Minnesota’s spacing may neutralize Magbegor’s rim protection

Edge: Juhász

4. Alanna Smith (MIN) vs Kia Nurse (SEA)

Mismatch in size and mobility.

Smith thrives in pick‑and‑pop

Nurse struggles defensively against bigger forwards

Minnesota will target this matchup repeatedly

Edge: Smith

Recent Team Trends

Minnesota Lynx

4‑1 in last five

Scoring 86.0 PPG

Allowing 77.5 PPG

Road games trending Over

Elite fourth‑quarter execution

Seattle Storm

1‑4 in last five

Scoring 76.0 PPG

Allowing 89.0 PPG

Home games trending Under due to offensive struggles

Defensive collapse in transition

Series History

All‑time: Lynx lead 41‑32

Last 10 meetings: Lynx lead 7‑3

At Climate Pledge Arena: Lynx 4‑1 in last 5

Minnesota won the last meeting (June 2026) by 14 points

Betting Trends

Lynx ATS: 7‑3 in last 10

Storm ATS: 3‑7 in last 10

Lynx Overs: 6 of last 10

Storm Overs: 4 of last 10

Lynx ML on road: 8‑2 in last 10

Storm ML at home: 2‑8 in last 10

GAME ODDS

Minnesota Lynx                – 10.5

Seattle Storm                    178

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Venue: Crypto.com Arena — Los Angeles, California

Tip‑off: 7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET

Surface: Hardwood

Capacity: ~19,000

Venue Profile — Crypto.com Arena

One of the league’s most iconic basketball venues:

Downtown Los Angeles location creates a high‑energy environment.

Fast hardwood floor favors pace‑and‑space offenses.

Sparks home games trend high‑scoring, especially in summer.

Phoenix historically struggles in LA, but recent meetings have been tighter.

Team Form & Statistical Profile

Los Angeles Sparks (10‑15)

Last 5 Games: W‑L‑W‑L‑L Points Per Game: 82.1 Points Allowed: 84.7 Home Record: 6‑7

Team Identity

Wing‑driven offense

Heavy reliance on Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson, and Lexie Brown

Defensive inconsistency, especially in transition

Strong rebounding team

One of the most volatile teams in the WNBA

Phoenix Mercury (9‑18)

Last 5 Games: L‑W‑L‑L‑W Points Per Game: 79.4 Points Allowed: 87.2 Road Record: 3‑10

Team Identity

Veteran‑led offense

Heavy reliance on Diana Taurasi, Kahleah Copper, and Brittney Griner

Defensive instability

Struggle in late‑game execution

One of the weakest road teams in the league

Listed Injury Reports

Los Angeles Sparks

Dearica Hamby (F): Day‑to‑day — ankle soreness

Lexie Brown (G): Questionable — knee inflammation

Karlie Samuelson (G/F): Out — foot

Cameron Brink (F/C): Out for season — ACL (2024 injury recovery timeline extended)

Julie Allemand (G): Day‑to‑day — wrist

Phoenix Mercury

Brittney Griner (C): Day‑to‑day — shoulder tightness

Kahleah Copper (G/F): Questionable — quad strain

Diana Taurasi (G): Available — load management

Sug Sutton (G): Out — ankle

Natasha Cloud (G): Day‑to‑day — hip

Phoenix’s injuries are more structurally damaging, especially Copper and Griner.

Projected Starting Lineups

Los Angeles Sparks

G: Lexie Brown* G: Rickea Jackson F: Dearica Hamby* F: Rae Burrell C: Li Yueru

(*If Brown sits, Zia Cooke starts; if Hamby sits, Burrell shifts to PF and Nelson‑Ododa starts.)

Phoenix Mercury

G: Diana Taurasi G: Natasha Cloud* F: Kahleah Copper* F: Michaela Onyenwere C: Brittney Griner*

(*If Copper sits, Onyenwere moves to SF and Cunningham starts; if Griner sits, Turner starts at center.)

Key Player vs Player Matchups

1. Brittney Griner (PHX) vs Li Yueru (L.A.)

Griner’s post scoring vs Li’s size and rim protection.

Griner dominates in the mid‑post

Li struggles against elite footwork

Phoenix will feed Griner early

Edge: Griner — if fully active.

2. Dearica Hamby (L.A.) vs Michaela Onyenwere (PHX)

Hamby’s versatility vs Onyenwere’s athleticism.

Hamby excels in face‑up scoring

Onyenwere strong defensively but inconsistent

Sparks rely heavily on Hamby’s production

Edge: Hamby

3. Rickea Jackson (L.A.) vs Kahleah Copper (PHX)

Two elite wings with contrasting styles.

Jackson thrives in downhill drives

Copper excels in transition and slashing

If Copper is limited, Phoenix loses its primary wing threat

Edge: Jackson — due to Copper’s questionable status.

4. Diana Taurasi (PHX) vs Lexie Brown (L.A.)

Veteran shot‑making vs perimeter defense.

Taurasi still dangerous as a shooter

Brown provides strong perimeter containment

Sparks will try to force Taurasi into contested threes

Edge: Even — depends on Brown’s availability.

Recent Team Trends

Los Angeles Sparks

2‑3 in last five

Scoring 83.0 PPG

Allowing 86.2 PPG

Home games trending Over

Defensive rebounding improving

Phoenix Mercury

2‑3 in last five

Scoring 78.5 PPG

Allowing 89.0 PPG

Road games trending Over

Defensive collapse in fourth quarters

Series History

All‑time: Mercury lead 38‑32

Last 10 meetings: Sparks lead 6‑4

At Crypto.com Arena: Sparks 4‑1 in last 5

Sparks won the last meeting (June 2026) by 11 points

Betting Trends

Sparks ATS: 5‑5 in last 10

Mercury ATS: 3‑7 in last 10

Sparks Overs: 7 of last 10

Mercury Overs: 8 of last 10

Sparks ML at home: 6‑4 in last 10

Mercury ML on road: 2‑8 in last 10

GAME ODDS

Phoenix Mercury             177

Los Angeles Sparks          – 1.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, July 21, 2026