After dropping six consecutive games to open August, the Seattle Storm finally got on the board for the month with a much-needed win over the Atlanta Dream Friday night. But to remain on the right side of the WNBA playoff bubble, they need to start stringing some wins together, beginning with today’s visit from the Phoenix Mercury. Tip time for Mercury vs. Storm is set for 6:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. local).
This is an important game for both teams, not just the Storm. While Seattle (17-17) is in a five-way battle with the Valkyries, Fever, Sparks, and Mystics for three playoff spots, Phoenix (19-13) is trying to fight for the second seed while also attempting to avoid falling into the same fight the Storm are in.
Who will help their cause with a victory today? Read on for our Mercury vs. Storm prediction and expert picks, as well as the best value odds from BetOnline and other top U.S. sportsbooks.
Mercury vs. Storm Betting Trends
- The Mercury are 17-15 against the spread this season, but they are just 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games.
- Phoenix is 8-7 SU and 7-8 ATS on the road this season, including 3-4 SU and ATS as a road underdog.
- Overall, the Mercury are 5-6 SU and 6-5 ATS as an underdog this season.
- The Storm are 15-19 ATS this season, including 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games.
- In home games, Seattle is 8-9 SU and 5-12 ATS this season, and they have failed to win or cover in their last five home games.
- As a favorite, the Storm are just 11-14 SU and 8-17 ATS this season, including 6-8 SU and 3-11 ATS as a home favorite.
- The under is 9-3-1 in the Mercury’s last 13 games.
Mercury vs. Storm Prediction and Best Bets
Could Friday’s win over Atlanta prove to be a defining part of Seattle’s season?
The Storm led by as many as 15 in the second half and were up a dozen heading into the final quarter, but a 21-4 run saw the Dream take a 76-71 lead with 2:59 left.
Then the tide turned for the Storm, as Skylar Diggins was fouled on a three on the ensuing possession. She sank all three shots to kickstart an 8-0 run for Seattle, who went on to close out an 80-78 win.
Those are the kinds of moments that can breathe some serious life into a struggling team, and it’s only fitting that Diggins was at the heart of it. Just when the team needed a lift, she provided it. She scored Seattle’s only points during Atlanta’s fourth quarter run, came through at the line when points were a must, then provided an assist on Nneka Ogwumike’s game-tying bucket with 2:12 left.
Those clutch contributions were part of a 21-point, 11-assist night for Diggins, who had been held to only seven points and four assists in Wednesday’s 85-75 loss to the Dream.
It could not have come at a better time, both to save Friday’s game and with the Mercury, her former team, next up.
Last season, Diggins averaged 14.3 points per game, 3.3 rebounds per game, and 7.3 assists per game in four games against the Mercury. That was solid, but she has been even better against Phoenix this season, averaging 23.7 PPG, 8.3 APG, and 3.3 RPG while shooting 47.9% from the field.
Skylar Diggins vs. the Mercury This Season
- June 7: 26 points (8 of 18 FG, 4 of 8 3PT, 6 of 7 FT), seven assists, three rebounds, two steals
- May 23: 24 points (8 of 16 FG, 1 of 2 3PT, 7 of 9 FT), 14 assists, four rebounds, two steals
- May 17: 21 points (7 of 14 FG, 1 of 3 3PT, 6 of 7 FT), four assists, four steals, three rebounds
Disdain can be a powerful motivator, and the acrimonious way Diggins departed Phoenix certainly appears to fuel her when the Mercury are on the schedule. Look for her to have yet another huge game against Phoenix today and carry the Storm to a big home win.
Mercury vs. Storm Prediction: Storm to win
Mercury vs. Storm Best Bets: 1) Storm -1.5 (-110 at Everygame) 2) Skylar Diggins over 13.5 points (-125 at Bovada) 3) Skylar Diggins to score 20+ points (+400 at Bovada)
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