Sunday will characteristic 4 WNBA video games, with the spotlight undoubtedly being the matchup between the Indiana Fever (10-14) and the Minnesota Lynx (16-7) at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.
This would be the closing weekend of normal season basketball for a month, with the WNBA All-Star Recreation and the Olympic break approaching. So, let’s examine what the matchups are and what to anticipate from every crew on Sunday.
The Mercury are short-handed because the Solar proceed to shine
The Phoenix Mercury (12-11) have had constructive moments this 12 months, however with a nasty damage bug, they discover themselves lacing sufficient wholesome gamers to carry forth the most effective model of themselves. It is one motive they have been blown out in opposition to the Indiana Fever on Friday and why they would be the underdog in opposition to the Connecticut Solar (17-5) on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, ABC).
For Connecticut, they’re additionally coming off a defeat, albeit in opposition to the New York Liberty on the street by simply three factors. If the Solar can proceed to get their ordinary manufacturing from gamers like Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones, they need to cruise to victory in opposition to a Mercury crew ready for the break to allow them to reset.
Two groups, two completely different instructions
The Las Vegas Aces (15-7) are in prime kind, having gained 9 of their final 10 video games. The Washington Mystics (6-17) are the alternative of that, dropping 4 of their earlier six contests
Basically, the Mystics’ solely benefit is internet hosting the defending champions at residence as they try and earn their greatest win of the 12 months (3 p.m. ET, CBS Sports activities Community). Washington’s path to victory can be arduous, as Las Vegas has too many offensive weapons to include, together with A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Grey, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Younger.
Fever-Lynx is the sport of the day
The Indiana Fever’s (10-14) begin to the season was tough, however now they’re of their greatest kind, with high quality wins in opposition to the Mercury and the Liberty.
Indiana has the expertise, with an All-Star trio in Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, however the Minnesota Lynx (16-7) will show to be a a lot harder problem (4 p.m. ET, ESPN). They’re 16-7 on the season and would possibly get again their celebrity, Napheesa Collier, who’s questionable to return from her foot damage on Sunday.
If Collier performs, containing her is an train in futility; the objective must be to disrupt her offensive circulation as a lot as doable. A win by the Fever would show they could be prepared for playoff basketball this 12 months. A blowout loss would signify that, whereas they’ve proven promise, there’s a lengthy solution to go earlier than they’re a crew to take critically.
Storm may wrap up Sunday with a simple win
Much like the Lynx, the Seattle Storm (15-8) appear ready to contend for the title this 12 months. Which means not solely beating the most effective but in addition pummeling the worst. This Sunday, they’re going to be capable of show simply how massive that hole after they play the Atlanta Dream (7-15) at residence (6 p.m. ET, League Go).
Atlanta is hanging out within the WNBA basement this 12 months because it rebuilds and retools, whereas the Storm have Nneka Ogwumike, Jewell Loyd and Skylar Diggins-Smith prepared to present Seattle its fifth title. If the Storm are who I feel they’re, count on this one to be over by halftime.
Recreation data
Connecticut Solar (17-5) vs. Phoenix Mercury (12-11)
When: Sunday, July 14 at 1 p.m. ET
The place: Mohegan Solar Area in Uncasville, CT
Methods to watch: ABC
Solar damage report: Moriah Jefferson (out; ankle)
Mercury damage report: Diana Taurasi (questionable; decrease leg), Natasha Cloud (questionable; left knee), Brittney Griner (questionable; proper hip), Sug Sutton (out; proper hamstring), Charmisma Osborne (out; decrease left leg)
Washington Mystics (6-17) vs. Las Vegas Aces (15-7)
When: Sunday, July 14 at 3 p.m. ET
The place: Leisure & Sports activities Area in Washington, DC
Methods to watch: CBS Sports activities Community/Monumental
Aces damage report: none
Mystics damage report: Brittney Sykes (out; left foot), Shakira Austin (out; left hip), Karlie Samuelson (out; left hand fracture)
Minnesota Lynx (16-7) vs. Indiana Fever (10-14)
When: Sunday, July 14 at 4 p.m. ET
The place: Goal Heart in Minneapolis, MN
Methods to watch: ESPN
Lynx damage report: Napheesa Collier (questionable; left foot), Olivia Epoupa (out; proper thigh)
Fever damage report: Temi Fagbenle (out; thumb)
Seattle Storm (15-8) vs. Atlanta Dream (7-15)
When: Sunday, July 14 at 6 p.m. ET
The place: Local weather Pledge Area in Seattle, WA
Methods to watch: WNBA League Go
Storm damage report: none
Dream damage report: Aerial Powers (questionable; calf), Jordin Canada (out; damaged finger), Rhyne Howard (out; left ankle)
