Venue: College Park Center, Arlington, Texas
Tip-off: 1:00 p.m. ET
TV/Streaming: CBS / Paramount+
This is a late-season WNBA regular-season matchup (part of a back-to-back series, with a rematch in Phoenix on Monday). The Wings are playoff-bound and fighting for seeding/positioning in the West, riding strong home form. The Mercury are eliminated from postseason contention and playing out the schedule. Dallas won the only prior 2026 meeting 85-70 on June 11 behind Paige Bueckers’ 31 points.
Current Rosters & Key Players
Dallas Wings feature a balanced, efficient attack. Stars include Paige Bueckers (~20.5 PPG, strong efficiency and playmaking), Jessica Shepard (double-double machine with ~11.1 RPG and versatile contributions, including recent triple-doubles), and Arike Ogunbowale (secondary scoring). The Wings rank well in scoring, rebounding, and assists.
Phoenix Mercury rely on Alyssa Thomas (elite facilitator with high assists and rebounding) and Kahleah Copper (primary scorer when healthy, ~21 PPG range). Supporting pieces include Natasha Mack and others, but the roster is depleted. Phoenix averages fewer points and rebounds.
Injury Reports
Mercury:
Kelsey Plum: Out for season (lower leg).
Kahleah Copper: Questionable (ankle/groin — missed recent games; status key for Phoenix offense).
Wings:
Azzi Fudd: Out for season (knee).
Alanna Smith: Out (lower leg).
Odyssey Sims: Questionable (knee — left recent game early).
Dallas is missing some depth but remains deeper overall than Phoenix.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Paige Bueckers vs. Mercury perimeter defense: Bueckers’ scoring, efficiency, and playmaking will be the focal point. Phoenix must limit her isolation and transition opportunities.
Jessica Shepard vs. Alyssa Thomas / Mercury frontcourt: Shepard’s rebounding and versatility against Thomas’s facilitation and interior presence. Dallas has a clear rebounding edge.
Kahleah Copper (if playing) vs. Wings wing defenders: Copper’s scoring punch is critical for Phoenix to stay competitive; without her, the offense is limited.
Overall: Wings’ superior efficiency and home net rating vs. Mercury’s struggles in consistency and depth.
Recent Team Forms
Dallas Wings: Strong, with a 5-game win streak and excellent home record (15-6 range). Averaging high 80s in scoring with solid defense. Last 10: ~6-4.
Phoenix Mercury: Poor overall (3-7 in last 10 entering recent results), though they picked up a couple of late wins. Road struggles and injuries have defined the season.
Series History
Dallas leads the 2026 season series 1-0 (85-70 win in June). All-time, Phoenix holds a historical edge (approx. 50-35), but recent regular-season meetings have favored the Wings. The teams meet again Monday in Phoenix.
Betting Trends
Dallas is a heavy home favorite. Trends support the Wings covering or winning outright at home against weaker opponents. Totals have varied; recent head-to-head was lower-scoring.
GAME ODDS
Phoenix Mercury 172
Dallas Wings – 9.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, September 18, 2026
