Consider it or not, it’s time for WNBA motion to renew! The break was lengthy for many who didn’t play within the Olympics, however for many who did take part in Paris, the grind will proceed.
On Thursday, we now have three video games scheduled as we start the ultimate push in the direction of the playoffs. The Chicago Sky host the Phoenix Mercury at 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video). On the similar time, the Minnesota Lynx can be going through off in opposition to the Washington Mystics on the Goal Heart (ESPN 3). Lastly, the Los Angeles Sparks will face the title-contending New York Liberty contained in the Crypto.com Area at 9 p.m. ET (ESPN).
Angel Reese is taking part in once more
The Chicago Sky (10-14) have been one of many greatest surprises this WNBA season. Angel Reese has been even higher than marketed, Chennedy Carter has revitalized her profession and the Sky are at the moment holding on to the eighth and remaining playoff spot.
The crew on the rise will face a Phoenix Mercury (13-12) squad trying to see if they’ve sufficient firepower to make yet one more Finals run with Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. They’re not only a dynamic duo, as Kahleah Copper is part of a “Massive 3” in Phoenix. If something, she leads the cost, averaging a team-high 23.2 factors per sport.
The Mercury at the moment sit in sixth place within the standings, however a lot can change between now and the tip of the season. Each groups need this win to higher their playoff odds and get off on the proper foot post-Olympic break.
Lynx dynasty
The Minnesota Lynx (17-8) internet hosting the Washington Mystics (6-19) ought to end in a straightforward win for the house crew. They’re too good and stacked for Washington to compete with, participant for participant or collectively as a crew.
The excellent news for the Mystics is that they’re comparatively wholesome, with simply Didi Richards formally dominated out. Maybe, now wholesome and given the prolonged break, they’ll shock Napheesa Collier and the Lynx and pull off the upset.
Coastal elites
NY vs. LA, a battle as previous as time itself. Sadly for the Los Angeles Sparks (6-18), they arrive into this contest with simply six wins on the season, whereas Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty (21-4) have a league-high 21 victories.
Just like the Mystics, the Sparks should play above and past their anticipated output to guard their house courtroom and win. Something can occur in only one sport, however I feel the Liberty will make a press release and remind everybody why they’re the highest seed within the league.
Sport data
Chicago Sky (10-14) vs. Phoenix Mercury (13-12)
When: Thursday, August 15 at 8 p.m. ET
The place: Wintrust Area in Chicago, IL
Find out how to watch: Prime Video, Mercury Reside
Sky harm report: Elizabeth Williams (out; knee)
Mercury harm report: Rebecca Allen (out; proper hamstring), Charisma Osborne (out; left decrease leg)
Minnesota Lynx (17-8) vs. Washington Mystics (6-19)
When: Thursday, August 15 at 8 p.m. ET
The place: Goal Heart in Minneapolis, MN
Find out how to watch: ESPN 3, Bally Sports activities North Additional
Lynx harm report: none
Mystics harm report: Didi Richards (out; proper Achilles)
Los Angeles Sparks (6-18) vs. New York Liberty (21-4)
When: Thursday, August 15 at 9 p.m. ET
The place: Crypto.com Area in Los Angeles, CA
Find out how to watch: ESPN
Sparks harm report: Cameron Brink (out; left knee), Lexie Brown (out; Crohn’s illness), Aari McDonald (out; proper foot), Stephanie Talbot (out; proper foot)
Liberty harm report: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (out; proper knee)
