The Phoenix Mercury will have a lot of questions to answer once WNBA games start. While Brittney Griner will return after being forced to spend time in Russian prison, but the Mercury do have an aging roster and some questions on if one of their stars will return. Meanwhile, people looking to bet on WNBA and making a Mercury vs Sparks prediction will see that Los Angeles made a splash in the coaching market.
The Sparks added veteran coach Curt Miller, who previously coached the Connecticut Sun. Miller had a .613 winning percentage in Connecticut and led the Sun to the WNBA finals twice, including last season where it lost to the Las Vegas Aces.
Mercury at Sparks Information
Phoenix Mercury vs Los Angeles Sparks
Location of the Game: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA.
Date & Time: Friday, May 19. 11:00 p.m.
How to watch: ESPN | ESPN+
Mercury at Sparks Recent Scores
Last season, anyone making a Mercury vs Sparks prediction may have been better off flipping a coin. Both teams had their ups-and-downs and the two teams split their four meetings. Phoenix won the last meeting between 90-80 in late July last season.
Mercury at Sparks Betting Analysis
Mercury
Skyler Diggins-Smith was one of the WNBA players that fought the hardest for maternity leave in the most recent CBA negotiations. Diggins-Smith, who was suspended for the final two games of the 2022 season, led Phoenix in scoring last season at 19.7 points per game. She started training camp on maternity leave after welcoming her second child before this season.
It is unclear when she will return. Phoenix also lost Tina Charles, who averaged 17.3 points per game last season, to the Seattle Storm in free agency. Griner is set to return, but it is unclear if she can still play at her former level. Diana Taurasi is back, but she has struggled with injuries the past few seasons.
Sparks hope new coach rights the ship
WNBA news shows the Sparks went out and added point guard Jasmine Thomas. Thomas is coming off a torn ACL, but helped lead a strong Sun team last season. Forward Nneka Ogumike led the team in scoring at 18.1 points per game.
People making a Mercury vs Sparks prediction will see that center Liz Cambage left the WNBA altogether. Los Angeles also brought in Dearcia Hamby from the Las Vegas Aces, who will serve as a strong veteran presence at forward.
Updates
People making a Mercury vs Sparks prediction will see Diggins-Smith is out on maternity leave. There are no other major injuries at this time.
Mercury at Sparks betting preview
WNBA odds won’t usually post until the morning of the game for most matchups. With how much change each team had in the offseason, Los Angeles should be favored on moneyline due to the pieces Phoenix could be missing.
Mercury at Sparks betting prediction
Getting off to a good start will be paramount for Phoenix and Los Angeles. Both teams saw a lot of changes in the offseason and will want to build confidence by opening up the season with a win. The WNBA as a whole will see a seismic shift this season as the New York Liberty built a superteam that should wreak havoc through the league.
- Expect the Los Angeles Sparks to welcome Miller to the City of Angels by grabbing a home win over the Mercury.
Phoenix has too many unanswered questions to be expected to grab a victory out of the gate.
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