- Matchup: Phoenix Mercury vs Washington Mystics
- Date: Sunday, August 9, 2026
- Venue: CareFirst Arena, Washington, DC
- Broadcast: Available on WNBA League Pass
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On Sunday, the Washington Mystics (18-12) will face off against the Phoenix Mercury (12-21) at CareFirst Arena.
The Phoenix Mercury recently took to the hardwood against the Connecticut Sun, resulting in a narrow 75-72 defeat. Phoenix recorded a field goal percentage of 39.7% (27 of 68), while they struggled from beyond the arc, making only 5 out of 28 attempts. At the free-throw line, the Mercury converted 13 of 23 for a 56.5% success rate. On the boards, they secured 29 rebounds, including 6 offensive rebounds. Additionally, they provided 19 assists, forced 18 turnovers from their opponents, and came away with 10 steals. Defensively, Phoenix allowed Connecticut to shoot 47.4% from the field, as the Sun connected on 27 of their 57 attempts. Connecticut logged 3 assists and recorded 5 steals during the game. They also grabbed 34 rebounds—3 offensive and 31 defensive—and blocked 5 shots. At the charity stripe, Connecticut finished at 70.0%, hitting 14 of 20 free-throw attempts, and made 7 of their 20 three-point attempts.
Kelsey Plum was instrumental in the matchup, ending with 25 points on 9 of 16 shooting. After spending 28 minutes on the floor, she did not grab any rebounds but tallied 3 assists, shooting at an impressive 56.3% from the field.
The Mercury enter this game with a record of 12-21 this season. They average 83.8 points per game (ranking 11th in the league) with a shooting percentage of 44.2%. From long range, Phoenix has made 252 of 791 attempts, converting 31.9%. Their free throw shooting stands at 78.3%. The team averages 31.3 rebounds per game and boasts 654 assists this season, placing 7th in assists per game. Ball security remains a concern, as they commit 12.7 turnovers per game and 18.4 fouls. Defensively, they force 13.1 turnovers and commit 21.8 fouls, allowing opponents to shoot 37.0% from three-point range. Phoenix ranks 8th in points allowed per game (87.3), permitting a field goal percentage of 46.3% (432 of 719), and yielding 33.9 rebounds per contest. They sit at the bottom, 14th in the league, in assists allowed, giving up 709 this season.
The Washington Mystics secured a recent win against the Atlanta Dream, concluding the game with a score of 79-74. They collected a total of 46 rebounds (35 defensive, 11 offensive) while committing 17 turnovers, earning 6 steals in the process. The Dream were penalized with 29 fouls, granting the Mystics 34 free-throw attempts, of which they converted 15 for a 44.1% success rate. Washington made 6 out of 14 three-point attempts, finishing 29 for 62 overall from the field, equating to a shooting percentage of 46.8%. Defensively, they held the Dream to a shooting percentage of 32.5% (25 of 77), allowing 28.6% from beyond the arc, and finished 18 of 27 from the free-throw line (66.7%). The Mystics permitted Atlanta to grab a total of 40 rebounds, including 14 offensive boards.
Shakira Austin was a key player for the Mystics in this match. She shot 7 of 11, achieving a rate of 63.6%, and gathered 11 rebounds. Austin tallied 21 points in 27 minutes on the court while providing 3 assists.
Currently, Washington boasts a solid record of 18-12 for the season. Offensively, the Mystics hold a shooting percentage of 43.8%, ranking 11th in the WNBA. They have accumulated 2,448 points this season, averaging 81.6 points per game, and gather 37.5 rebounds per contest. They distribute 19.1 assists each game (ranking 15th in the league) and commit 15.5 turnovers. Washington averages 20.3 fouls per game and has a free-throw success rate of 73.5%. Defensively, they are ranked 2nd in points allowed per game (82.9), yielding 19.5 assists and 30.8 rebounds on average, ranking 3rd in both categories. Opponents shoot 32.4% from three-point range against them (256 of 791), and they allow 77.5% success from the free-throw line. Washington forces 12.3 turnovers per game and restricts opponents to a field goal percentage of 42.4% (1st in the league).
Who will emerge victorious in tonight’s WNBA matchup against the spread?
Prediction: Bet on Washington
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