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The Atlanta Dream will hope to claim another major scalp when they take on the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday. Both teams are in great form, with the Mercury winning six of their last nine, while the Dream, coming off back-to-back wins, are just 1.5 games away from a playoff spot.
The Mercury (15-13) were seen as playoff hopefuls as well, having narrowly missed out last season. But they now find themselves in sixth place despite a slow start to the season.
However, the return of Breanna Stewart has given them a boost. Following the Olympic break, they've had mixed results, winning two games against the Chicago Sky but losing to the Indiana Fever.
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Meanwhile, Tanisha Wright’s Dream (9-17) are being considered the dark horses for the playoffs after a recent upturn in form. They needed a win after losing eight of their last 10 games, and they achieved it after the Olympic break, winning their last two home games.
Most significantly though, they picked up victories against teams in the upper echelons - Seattle Storm and Connecticut Sun. With Rhyne Howard and Tina Charles playing at a high level, the Dream are determined to prove that their slow start was an anomaly.
Fans will hope that it's not another false dawn as they look for three consecutive wins for the first time this season.
Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream: Starting lineups and depth charts
Phoenix Mercury starting lineups and depth charts
The Mercury will be missing Charisma Osborne and Rebecca Allen due to injuries. Allen's return is uncertain and may be delayed. Nate Tibbetts may rest some players ahead of a busy month but is unlikely to make any drastic changes.
Star players Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, Natasha Cloud, Kahleah Copper and Sophie Cunningham are potential starters. With the trade of Celeste Taylor, Mikiah Herbert and Natasha Mack will be vying for starting positions.
Atlanta Dream starting lineups and depth charts
For the Dream, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus is a doubt due a leg injury issue, while Aerial Powers won't feature, as she continues to recover from a calf injury. Tanisha Wright could name an unchanged team as she looks to go three games unbeaten at the Gateway Center Arena after the break.
Expect Naz Hillmon, Tina Charles, Allisha Gray, Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard to be in the starting five, with Haley Jones and Nia Coffey likely to contribute off the bench.
Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream: What to expect?
On paper, given the likes of Diana Taurasi, Kahleah Copper and Brittney Griner, the Mercury are the clear favorites, but Atlanta will hope to use the home crowd to their advantage, having won its last two home games.
