Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
Tip‑off: 7:00 PM MST
Two struggling teams meet in downtown Phoenix with both desperate to stabilize their seasons. Connecticut enters with one of the league’s worst records, hampered by injuries and inconsistent offense. Phoenix has been slightly better, especially at home, but defensive lapses and roster instability have kept them below the playoff line. Both teams need this win, and the matchup features several intriguing individual battles.
Venue — Footprint Center
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Capacity: ~17,000
Court Profile: Fast floor, strong shooting sightlines
Home Advantage: Mercury play with more pace at home; crowd energy boosts their perimeter attack.
Injury Report
Connecticut Sun
Alyssa Thomas — OUT (shoulder)
Brionna Jones — OUT (Achilles)
DiJonai Carrington — Day‑to‑day (ankle)
Ty Harris — OUT (knee)
Olivia Nelson‑Ododa — Day‑to‑day (back)
The Sun are missing their two franchise pillars (Thomas & Jones), leaving a massive void in rebounding, defense, and playmaking.
Phoenix Mercury
Diana Taurasi — Day‑to‑day (hamstring)
Brittney Griner — OUT (foot)
Sophie Cunningham — OUT (wrist)
Kahleah Copper — Day‑to‑day (hip)
Natasha Mack — OUT (knee)
Phoenix’s frontcourt is thin without Griner, but Copper’s availability is the biggest swing factor.
Team Records & Recent Form
Connecticut Sun (6–18)
Last 10: 2–8
Offensive Rating: Bottom‑three
Defensive Rating: Middle‑third
Trend: Struggling to generate offense; defense keeps them competitive but not enough to close games.
Phoenix Mercury (8–17)
Last 10: 4–6
Offensive Rating: Middle‑third
Defensive Rating: Bottom‑third
Trend: Offense improving at home; defense remains inconsistent.
Key Player Matchups
Kahleah Copper (PHX) vs. DeWanna Bonner (CON)
Copper’s explosiveness vs. Bonner’s length and veteran savvy. Edge: Copper, if healthy.
Diana Taurasi (PHX) vs. Sun Backcourt
Taurasi’s shooting and playmaking vs. a depleted Connecticut guard rotation. Edge: Taurasi, if active.
Moriah Jefferson (CON) vs. Phoenix Guards
Jefferson’s speed and shot creation are crucial for Connecticut’s offense. Edge: Jefferson, but Phoenix’s depth challenges her.
Phoenix Frontcourt vs. Sun Frontcourt
With Griner and Jones both out, interior play becomes unpredictable. Edge: Phoenix, due to better spacing and mobility.
Series History
All‑time: Mercury lead 30–26
Recent: Mercury have won 3 of the last 4
At Phoenix: Mercury lead 17–12
Trend: Phoenix’s perimeter shooting has historically given Connecticut trouble.
Betting Trends
Connecticut Sun
2–6 ATS in last 8
Under has hit in 6 of last 9
Sun average 77.1 PPG, bottom‑three
Struggle vs. teams with strong wing scoring
Phoenix Mercury
5–3 ATS in last 8 home games
Over has hit in 7 of last 10
Mercury average 85.4 PPG at home
Defense allows 88.0 PPG, bottom‑five
GAME ODDS
Connecticut Sun 163.5
Phoenix Mercury – 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, July 16, 2026
