Venue: Footprint Center — Phoenix, Arizona
Tip‑Off: 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT
Broadcast: ESPN+ • WNBA League Pass
Two struggling Western Conference teams meet in a matchup that feels like a crossroads moment for both franchises. The Seattle Storm (3–13) enter the game on a skid, searching for offensive consistency and defensive identity. The Phoenix Mercury (4–12) haven’t fared much better, but they’ve shown flashes of improvement behind their veteran core and home‑court energy. This is a battle of teams trying to stop the bleeding — and one of them will walk away with a much‑needed momentum boost.
INJURY REPORT
Seattle Storm
Jewell Loyd — Probable (ankle soreness)
Nneka Ogwumike — OUT (knee sprain)
Skylar Diggins‑Smith — OUT (foot)
Mercedes Russell — Probable (conditioning)
Jordan Horston — Probable (shoulder)
Phoenix Mercury
Diana Taurasi — Probable (rest management)
Brittney Griner — OUT (ankle)
Natasha Cloud — Probable (hip tightness)
Sophie Cunningham — OUT (wrist)
Kahleah Copper — Probable (hamstring)
TEAM RECORDS & RECENT FORM
Seattle Storm (3–13)
Last 5: 1–4
Offensive Rating: Bottom‑3 in the league
Defensive Rating: Bottom‑3
Trend: Injuries have gutted their scoring options; defense has struggled without Ogwumike’s presence.
Phoenix Mercury (4–12)
Last 5: 2–3
Offensive Rating: Middle of the pack
Defensive Rating: Bottom‑5
Trend: Offense inconsistent without Griner, but Copper and Taurasi have kept them competitive.
TEAM STYLES & MATCHUP BREAKDOWN
Seattle Storm
Strengths:
Loyd’s elite scoring ability
Horston’s defensive versatility
Improved ball movement when Russell plays
Weaknesses:
No interior scoring threat without Ogwumike
Poor defensive rebounding
Inconsistent perimeter shooting
Bench production extremely limited
Key Players:
Jewell Loyd — 21.4 PPG, elite shot‑maker
Jordan Horston — defensive anchor
Mercedes Russell — interior presence
Phoenix Mercury
Strengths:
Veteran scoring (Taurasi, Copper)
Strong perimeter shooting
Cloud’s playmaking stabilizes the offense
Home‑court advantage
Weaknesses:
No rim protection without Griner
Defensive rotations inconsistent
Overreliance on Copper for shot creation
Bench depth thin
Key Players:
Kahleah Copper — 19.8 PPG, explosive slasher
Diana Taurasi — 14.7 PPG, veteran leadership
Natasha Cloud — 6.8 APG, floor general
KEY PLAYER MATCHUPS
Jewell Loyd (SEA) vs. Kahleah Copper (PHX)
Two elite scorers.
Whoever wins this duel likely swings the game.
Jordan Horston (SEA) vs. Diana Taurasi (PHX)
Horston’s length vs Taurasi’s experience.
A fascinating offense‑vs‑defense matchup.
Mercedes Russell (SEA) vs. Phoenix’s Backup Centers
With Griner out, Phoenix is vulnerable inside.
Russell could have her best game of the season.
Natasha Cloud (PHX) vs. Seattle’s PG Committee
Cloud’s playmaking vs Seattle’s inconsistent guard rotation.
Major advantage Phoenix.
SERIES HISTORY
2025 Season Series: Seattle won 2–1
Last 10 Meetings: Seattle leads 6–4
At Footprint Center: Phoenix has won 3 of the last 4
Trend: Home team has won 5 of the last 7 matchups.
BETTING TRENDS
Seattle Storm
2–6 ATS in last 8
5 of last 7 games: Under
Loyd has scored 20+ in 7 of last 10
Phoenix Mercury
4–2 ATS in last 6
4 of last 6: Over
Copper has scored 18+ in 8 of last 10
GAME ODDS
Seattle Storm 163
Phoenix Mercury – 7
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, June 19, 2026
