Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky Prediction
The Phoenix Mercury and the Chicago Sky will collide Tuesday night. Both teams are already feeling the effects of the injury bug, while Chicago is looking to avoid a fifth straight loss. look to build momentum
Sky in the Midst of Skid
After winning their first two games of the season, they will look to stop a four game skid. An opening night injury to newcomer Candice Parker has put this season’s aspirations on hold. The reigning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year set the tone in the season opening win over the Washington Mystics, but with her missing the Sky have struggled mightily on the defensive side of the ball.
Parker leads the team with 16.1 points per game, and they’ve stayed afloat offensively during her absence. Sixth-year guard Kahleah Copper is averaging a career-best 15.7 ppg, and her back court mate Diamond DeShields is scoring 13.2 ppg. Longtime Sky sniper and floor general Courtney Vandersloot remains impressive in year 11.
She’s coming off of a season-high 28 points against the Sparks, and she looks set to lead the WNBA in assists for a fifth straight season.. Astou Ndour-Fall and Ruthy Hebard will have their hands with Britney Griner in the frontcourt, but the pairing has been formidable so far. Ndour-Fall averages 11.2 ppg, and leads the team in rebounding (8.7).
Mercury Staying Afloat
Phoenix (3-3) won two of their first three games, including a thrilling opening night victory over the Minnesota Lynn, before losing Diana Taurasi to an injury. The three-time WNBA Champion has been the heartbeat of the Mercury for 16 seasons, and her indefinite absence led to a pair of losses.
Brittney Griner has responded to the star guard’s absence by shouldering more of the scoring load. The former league MVP is scoring 17.8 points per game, and she’s grabbing a career high 9.7 rebounds per game. Griner has stepped up and poured in back-to-back 27 point performances.
Skylar Diggins-Smith has taken on more of a lead guard role, and she’s scored 20+ points in two of the last three games. Former UConn Husky Kia Nurse has received an uptick with the injury to Taurasi, and she hit five three’s in the win over the Wings. Brianna Turner averages 8.8 rpg, forming an imposing tandem with Griner up front
Phoenix Mercury vs. Chicago Sky Prediction & Pick
The losses of both Parker and Taurasi will affect this game. Phoenix has shown the ability to win and stay afloat without Taurasi, as Griner and Diggins-Smith still manage to form a dynamic duo. The former can still dominate a game and will be the best player on the floor.
Chicago desperately misses Candice Parker’s presence on both ends of the floor. Phoenix will enter with the size advantage and a bit of momentum on their side, look for them to pick up their second straight victory. Bet on the Phoenix Mercury to defeat the Chicago Sky, and cover the spread.
USA Wager Pick: Phoenix Mercury
