Tipoff is scheduled 10:00 p.m. ET
Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, AZ
Broadcast: USA Network.
This is a Western Conference matchup with the Wings locked into a playoff spot (currently 4th in the West) and riding strong momentum, while the Mercury have been eliminated from postseason contention and are playing out the string.
Current Rosters
Dallas Wings (head coach Jose Fernandez):
Core includes G Paige Bueckers, G Arike Ogunbowale, F Jessica Shepard, F Maddy Siegrist, F Awak Kuier, G Odyssey Sims, F Alysha Clark, C Li Yueru, G Aziaha James, F Haley Jones, G Kitija Laksa, and developmental pieces. Azzi Fudd and Alanna Smith are unavailable.
Phoenix Mercury (head coach Nate Tibbetts):
Key players feature F Alyssa Thomas, G/F Kahleah Copper (status to monitor), F Natasha Mack, G Lexi Held, F Noemie Brochant, G Sami Whitcomb, F Valeriane Ayayi, G Shay Ciezki, F Marta Suarez, F Maddy Westbeld, and others. Kelsey Plum and Jovana Nogic are unavailable for the season.
Injury Reports
Dallas Wings: Azzi Fudd (G) — out for the season (knee procedure). Alanna Smith (F) — out (lower leg; no firm return timetable, listed out through at least late September in recent reports). Costanza Verona has been listed out for personal reasons. Odyssey Sims has been day-to-day/questionable with a knee issue in recent games.
Phoenix Mercury: Kahleah Copper (G/F) — out/day-to-day (groin; ruled out for the prior game on Sept. 19). Kelsey Plum (G) — out for the season (lower leg). Jovana Nogic (G) — out for the season (not injury-related).
Both sides are dealing with significant absences that thin their depth.
Key Player Matchups
Paige Bueckers vs. Alyssa Thomas / Lexi Held perimeter defense: Bueckers (team-leading scorer ~20.6 PPG, strong playmaking) is the engine of Dallas’ offense. Thomas (elite facilitator ~8.4 APG, rebounding, and two-way impact) anchors Phoenix’s scheme and will be central to containing her while generating offense.
Jessica Shepard / Awak Kuier vs. Natasha Mack / Alyssa Thomas frontcourt: Shepard (~14.3 PPG, 10.9 RPG, strong assists) and Kuier provide size and production inside. Mack offers rim protection and rebounding; Thomas’ versatility makes this a physical battle for the paint and boards.
Arike Ogunbowale vs. Kahleah Copper (if available) / wing defenders: Ogunbowale’s scoring punch faces Phoenix’s remaining perimeter options. Copper has been a high-volume scorer when healthy (~21 PPG range earlier).
Supporting roles: Maddy Siegrist and Odyssey Sims add scoring/playmaking for Dallas; Lexi Held, Noemie Brochant, and Sami Whitcomb provide shooting and energy for Phoenix.
Recent Team Forms
Dallas Wings (26-16, 4th West): On a six-game winning streak entering this contest, including an 87-82 home win over Phoenix on Sept. 19 (Bueckers 26 points) and a 97-77 win over the Sparks. They average ~89.1 PPG with strong assists and rebounding, and have been one of the hotter teams in the West. Road record sits at 10-10.
Phoenix Mercury (15-27, 7th West): Coming off an 82-87 loss at Dallas on Sept. 19 and a prior win at Portland. Recent form is mixed (3-7 in last 10 in some reports), averaging ~84.4 PPG while allowing more. Home record is a struggling 6-14. They rely heavily on Thomas’ all-around production.
Dallas holds a clear edge in current form and overall quality.
Series History
The teams have split or competed closely in recent seasons. In 2026, Dallas won the most recent meeting 87-82 on Sept. 19 at home and also won an earlier June matchup (85-70). Historical head-to-head is relatively balanced over the past several years, with both sides capable of competitive games depending on health and venue.
Betting Trends
Dallas has covered well in stretches of their winning streak and performed solidly against Phoenix this season. Totals have leaned under in some recent meetings and Wings games. Phoenix’s home struggles and injuries make them significant underdogs.
GAME ODDS
Dallas Wings – 6.5
Phoenix Mercury 172.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, September 19, 2026
