Believe it or not, it’s time for WNBA action to resume! The break was long for those who didn’t play in the Olympics, but for those who did participate in Paris, the grind will continue.
On Thursday, we have three games scheduled as we begin the final push towards the playoffs. The Chicago Sky host the Phoenix Mercury at 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video). At the same time, the Minnesota Lynx will be facing off against the Washington Mystics at the Target Center (ESPN 3). Lastly, the Los Angeles Sparks will face the title-contending New York Liberty inside the Crypto.com Arena at 9 p.m. ET (ESPN).
Angel Reese is playing again
The Chicago Sky (10-14) have been one of the biggest surprises this WNBA season. Angel Reese has been even better than advertised, Chennedy Carter has revitalized her career and the Sky are currently holding on to the eighth and final playoff spot.
The team on the rise will face a Phoenix Mercury (13-12) squad looking to see if they have enough firepower to make one more Finals run with Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner. They’re not just a dynamic duo, as Kahleah Copper is a part of a “Big 3” in Phoenix. If anything, she leads the charge, averaging a team-high 23.2 points per game.
The Mercury currently sit in sixth place in the standings, but much can change between now and the end of the season. Both teams want this win to better their playoff odds and get off on the right foot post-Olympic break.
Lynx dynasty
The Minnesota Lynx (17-8) hosting the Washington Mystics (6-19) should result in an easy win for the home team. They are too good and stacked for Washington to compete with, player for player or collectively as a team.
The good news for the Mystics is that they are relatively healthy, with just Didi Richards officially ruled out. Perhaps, now healthy and given the extended break, they can surprise Napheesa Collier and the Lynx and pull off the upset.
Coastal elites
NY vs. LA, a battle as old as time itself. Unfortunately for the Los Angeles Sparks (6-18), they come into this contest with just six wins on the season, while Sabrina Ionescu and the New York Liberty (21-4) have a league-high 21 victories.
Like the Mystics, the Sparks will have to play above and beyond their expected output to protect their home court and win. Anything can happen in just one game, but I think the Liberty will make a statement and remind everyone why they are the top seed in the league.
Game information
Chicago Sky (10-14) vs. Phoenix Mercury (13-12)
When: Thursday, August 15 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Wintrust Arena in Chicago, IL
How to watch: Prime Video, Mercury Live
Sky injury report: Elizabeth Williams (out; knee)
Mercury injury report: Rebecca Allen (out; right hamstring), Charisma Osborne (out; left lower leg)
Minnesota Lynx (17-8) vs. Washington Mystics (6-19)
When: Thursday, August 15 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
How to watch: ESPN 3, Bally Sports North Extra
Lynx injury report: none
Mystics injury report: Didi Richards (out; right Achilles)
Los Angeles Sparks (6-18) vs. New York Liberty (21-4)
When: Thursday, August 15 at 9 p.m. ET
Where: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA
How to watch: ESPN
Sparks injury report: Cameron Brink (out; left knee), Lexie Brown (out; Crohn’s disease), Aari McDonald (out; right foot), Stephanie Talbot (out; right foot)
Liberty injury report: Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (out; right knee)
