Venue: Footprint Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Scheduled Tip-Off: 7:00 p.m. MST
Team Overview
New York Liberty (16–13)
A top-tier offensive team with elite spacing, ball movement, and star power. Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart continue to anchor one of the league’s most efficient half-court attacks. The Liberty remain inconsistent defensively but have enough firepower to overwhelm weaker opponents.
Phoenix Mercury (11–18)
A rebuilding roster with flashes of competitiveness. Diana Taurasi’s veteran presence and Brittney Griner’s interior scoring still matter, but the team’s defensive issues and lack of depth have held them back. Kahleah Copper’s arrival has boosted scoring, but consistency remains a challenge.
Current Rosters
New York Liberty – Key Players
Breanna Stewart — PF/C
Sabrina Ionescu — PG/SG
Jonquel Jones — C
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton — SF
Courtney Vandersloot — PG
Kayla Thornton — F
Nyara Sabally — F/C
Phoenix Mercury – Key Players
Brittney Griner — C
Kahleah Copper — SG/SF
Diana Taurasi — SG
Sophie Cunningham — SF
Natasha Cloud — PG
Moriah Jefferson — PG
Charli Collier — F/C
Injury Reports
New York Liberty
Courtney Vandersloot — Questionable (ankle)
Nyara Sabally — Probable (knee)
Phoenix Mercury
Diana Taurasi — Questionable (hip)
Charli Collier — Out (foot)
Recent Team Form
New York Liberty – Last 10 Games: 6–4
Offense averaging 88.1 PPG
Defense allowing 83.7 PPG
Stewart averaging 22.4 PPG, 9.8 RPG
Ionescu shooting 39% from three over last 10
Phoenix Mercury – Last 10 Games: 4–6
Offense averaging 82.3 PPG
Defense allowing 87.9 PPG
Copper averaging 20.1 PPG
Griner averaging 16.4 PPG, 7.9 RPG
Series History (2024–2026)
Liberty have dominated the matchup.
Last 10 meetings: Liberty lead 8–2
2026 season series: Liberty lead 1–0
Average margin of victory in last 5 Liberty wins: +12.4 points
Key Player vs Player Matchups
Breanna Stewart vs Brittney Griner
Stewart’s versatility stretches Griner away from the paint.
Griner’s post scoring can punish New York’s interior defense.
Edge: Stewart, due to perimeter creation and defensive mobility.
Sabrina Ionescu vs Natasha Cloud
Cloud is one of the league’s best defensive guards.
Ionescu’s shooting and pick-and-roll mastery still give her the advantage.
Edge: Ionescu
Kahleah Copper vs Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
Copper’s downhill scoring is elite.
Laney-Hamilton’s physical defense can slow her down.
Edge: Copper (slight)
Jonquel Jones vs Phoenix Frontcourt Depth
Jones’ rebounding and rim protection are major advantages.
Phoenix lacks consistent secondary interior defenders.
Edge: Jones (major)
Betting Trends (2026 Season)
New York Liberty
ATS: 14–15
O/U: 15–14
As road favorite: 7–5
Last 5 games: 3 overs, 2 unders
Phoenix Mercury
ATS: 12–17
O/U: 14–15
As home underdog: 6–11
Last 5 games: 3 unders, 2 overs
Head-to-Head Trends
Liberty have covered 6 of last 8 vs Mercury
Overs have hit in 4 of last 6 matchups
GAME ODDS
New York Liberty – 3
Phoenix Mercury 176.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 31, 2026
