If you want to know why the 23-15 Mystics are only laying 2.5 points on the road against a 13-25 Phoenix team, look no further than the Mercury’s ability to turn games into absolute track meets. Phoenix actually outpaces Washington on the scoreboard, putting up 84.0 points per game to the Mystics' 82.9, but they play defense like the concept is merely optional. The Mercury surrender a generous 87.9 points per night, a glaring vulnerability that Washington’s disciplined half-court offense is built to exploit.
With a dismal 5-13 record at the Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix has treated its own floor like a neutral site all year. The hill gets even steeper for the home team with guards Shay Ciezki and Kara Dunn ruled out, forcing Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas to play hero ball against a stingy Washington defense that holds opponents to 83.2 points per game. Shakira Austin should control the paint, and unless the Mercury find some bench scoring out of thin air, Washington’s 10-8 road split is about to get even better. Jump onto StreakChat to lock in your pick on the 167.5 total and discuss if the Mystics cover the short spread on Prime Video at 10:00 PM EDT.