With half the teams in action tonight, we go to the Connecticut Sun (21-7) taking on the Phoenix Mercury (8-20) in the 5th game of a 5-game home stand for the Mercury.
The Sun are currently 2nd place in the Eastern Conference and are on a 3-game winning streak and are 8-2 in their last 10 games. They also play well on the road with a 12-3 record.
One player on the Sun is playing out of their mind and that is Alyssa Thomas. She is almost averaging a Triple Double with 14.8 points per game, 10.1 rebounds per game and 8.2 assists per game, which is unheard of in the WNBA. Shes had 2 triple doubles in her last 4 games and 5 on the season, a WNBA record.
DeWanna Bonner has also been well this season. She’s averaging 19 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game. Bonner and Thomas have been the focal point of the offense and stepped up since losing forward Brianna Jones to a torn Achilles tendon in June.
Mercury rank 5th in the Western Conference. They are 4-6 in their last 10 games and are 7-7 at home this season. The have won 7 out of their 8 games this year at home, which is key.
These 2 teams met once this year with the Mercury winning by 6 points and the game was in Phoenix. Statistically, they are out matched against the Sun on paper, but that home record plays a factor.
Diana Taurasi has been hot as of late for the Mercury since breaking the 10,000-point career mark. She’s had 24+ points in 4 of her last 5 games totaling 138 points while draining 3+ three pointers in all 5 games.
She’s averaging 17.8 point per game on the year and shooting 35% from 3. The veteran is showing she is nowhere near done and to not be messed with.
Alongside Taurasi is Brittney Griner and Sophie Cunningham. Griner leads the team with 18 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game. Cunningham is dangerous from 3, shooting 35%.
For whatever reason, the Sun don’t mess around at home. Look for them to continue the momentum off their last game where they beat the Mystics by 19-points.
Betting Odds
Spread
- Sun -7.5 (-120)
- Mercury +7.5 (-102)
Moneyline
- Sun -385
- Mercury +290
Over/Under
- Over 160.5 (-113)
- Under 160.5 (-113)
Odds courtesy of BetUS
Game Information
- Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
- Date: Thursday, August 10, 2023
- Tip-off: 10PM EST
- TV: Prime Video, AZFamily, NBCS-BOS
Connecticut Sun and Phoenix Mercury Predictions and Picks
Pick: Mercury +7.5 (-102)
The Sun have been playing great basketball as of late and all year, but this home play from the Mercury is something else. It’s really hard to think that they won’t contend in this game.
Taurasi will need to shoot well and make her 3’s as well as Griner cleaning the glass to stay in this game. Thomas will be Griner’s biggest challenge in getting rebounds.
Mercury will also need Sophie Cunningham to shoot well from 3-point range. We may talk more about this in a few minutes.
The books are giving a nice number here. The Mercury need to contain Bonner or Thomas like they did in their July win. If they can do that, the stand a good chance to even win, but definitely keep it close and cover 7.5.
Player Prop: Sophie Cunningham O1.5 3PT (-113)
Sophie’s specialty is 3-point shooting. She’s had a weird season so far, only averaging 10.6 points per game, but she’s had some good games and buried the 3’s.
She’s coming off a game with 4 and has hit 4 of her last 7. She has shot at least 2 3-pointers in her last 13 games, so the volume is there.
In the game earlier this year, Sophie had 17 points and drained 5 3’s on 9 shots. We’re only looking for 2 at a line that is very generous.
Coming off a game with 4 3’s, she’ll look to carry that momentum and repeat her July performance.
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