The Connecticut Sun and Phoenix Mercury are set to face off in a highly anticipated WNBA showdown on Sunday, July 19, 2026. This highly-anticipated rematch comes on the heels of the Sun's impressive +154 upset victory over the Mercury on Friday, marking the second of back-to-back matchups between these two teams. With the Mercury favored at 4.5 points and holding -180 odds of winning outright, the stage is set for an intriguing contest.
The Sun, led by the formidable Brittney Griner, are on a roll, having won five of their past eight games and boasting a 14-11 ATS record. Griner's averages of 13.8 points and 5.7 rebounds per game make her a key player. However, the Sun's success extends beyond Griner, with Leila Lacan contributing 13.3 points and 4.6 assists, and Aneesah Morrow adding 10.5 points and 9.4 rebounds. The team's overall performance has been encouraging, with a focus on rebounding and field-goal shooting.
In contrast, the Mercury are struggling, with an 8-18 record and a 10-16 ATS mark. Their recent five-game losing streak and six-game losing streak earlier in the season are cause for concern. Kahleah Copper leads the Mercury with 20.6 points and 3.8 rebounds, while Alyssa Thomas contributes 14.5 points, 8.0 assists, and 6.9 rebounds. However, the team's defensive struggles, particularly against Eastern Conference opponents, cannot be ignored.
The key to this game lies in the Sun's recent dominance over the Mercury. Connecticut has won seven of the last nine games between the two teams and has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games. The Mercury, on the other hand, have failed to cover the spread in their last three games against Eastern Conference opponents with a losing record. With the Mercury's defensive woes and the Sun's recent momentum, the Sun are poised to secure their third straight win.
The best bet for this game is the Connecticut Sun's Moneyline (+150), as they are likely to capitalize on their recent success and the Mercury's struggles. The rebounding battle, which favors the Sun, further strengthens their case for victory. This game promises to be an exciting contest, with the Sun aiming to solidify their position in the WNBA standings and the Mercury looking to snap their losing streak.
In summary, the Connecticut Sun are the clear favorites in this matchup, and their recent form and dominance over the Mercury make them a strong choice for the Moneyline bet. The Mercury's defensive issues and the Sun's rebounding advantage tip the scales in favor of Connecticut, making it a wise decision to back the Sun for their third consecutive win.
