Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky: Prediction and odds | August 15, 2024

The ⁠⁠Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky matchup is one of the three WNBA games scheduled for Thursday. This will be the first regular-season meeting between the two teams this season. The game will mark the return of WNBA action after a month-long hiatus due to its All-Star weekend and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Mercury(13-12) are fourth in the West and sixth overall. They split the past 10 games 5-5 and are in a good position to make the playoffs. The Sky, meanwhile, are fourth in the East and eighth overall with a 10-14 record.

⁠⁠Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky game details and odds

The ⁠⁠Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky game is scheduled for 8 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Aug. 15, at Wintrust Arena. The game will be broadcast nationally on Amazon Prime. It will also be available locally on Marquee Sports Network, Arizona’s Family Sports and Mercury Live. The game won’t stream live on WNBA League Pass and will be available only on demand once it ends.

Moneyline: Mercury (-140) vs. Sky (+120)

Spread: Mercury (-2.5) vs. Sky (+2.5)

Total (O/U): Mercury -110 (o165.5) vs. Sky -110 (u165.5)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

⁠⁠Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky preview

The two teams have met 43 times in the regular season, with Phoenix leading the all-time series 25-18. Chicago, however, has dominated the matchup in the past couple of seasons with a 5-1 record.

⁠⁠Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky starting lineups

As per ESPN, the Mercury will be without Charisma Osborne (lower leg) and Rebecca Allen (hamstring). Expect Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts to start:

PG: Kahleah Copper SG: Natasha Cloud SF: Diana Taurasi PF: Mikiah Herbert Harrigan C: Brittney Griner

Phoenix’s key bench players could be Sophie Cunningham, Sug Sutton and Natasha Mack.

Chicago is expected to be without Elizabeth Williams (season-ending surgery to fix a torn meniscus) and Chennedy Carter (knee). Sky coach Teresa Weatherspoon should start:

PG: Dana Evans SG: Lindsay Allen SF: Marina Mabrey PF: Angel Reese C: Kamilla Cardoso

Chicago’s key contributors off of the bench should be Isabelle Harrison and Moriah Jefferson who is expected to make her Sky debut on Thursday.

Editor’s note: These are predicted starting lineups, which could change depending on the availability of players uncertain to play.

⁠⁠Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky prediction

The oddsmakers slightly favor the Mercury to beat the Sky at home. While Phoenix has been the better side so far, Angel Reese and Co. might have something to say about the odds. This should be a high-scoring game, with the team total going past 165.5 points and the Mercury somehow covering the spread.