Liberty vs Mercury predictions
Looking at the New York Liberty, it's hard not to spotlight Breanna Stewart, who’s been on an absolute tear lately and shows no sign of slowing down. With Jonquel Jones sidelined, Stewart steps even further into the leadership role—so if you’re expecting another 20+ point effort, you’re definitely on the money. Natasha Cloud is another key name to watch; she’s dishing out assists at an impressive clip and will probably have her fingerprints all over the Liberty’s half-court action, especially as they look to pick apart the Mercury’s defense. With the interior presence weakened, expect Stewart and Cloud to shoulder even more of the scoring and playmaking, giving the Liberty a fighting chance even on the road.
Sliding over to Phoenix, Satou Sabally is proving she can take over a game on both ends, and that’s not about to change with this high-stakes matchup at PHX Arena. She’s got the scoring touch working for her, and her activity on the boards could be especially crucial tonight, particularly without Jones patrolling the paint for New York. Then there’s Alyssa Thomas—her versatility and passing have become the engine for a Mercury attack that’s suddenly found its groove, racking up nearly nine dimes a night. If Thomas can continue orchestrating with poise and get her teammates involved in those scoring runs, the Mercury are going to be tough to slow down at home.
So, what’s it all add up to? The Mercury are riding a five-game win streak, and there’s just something about how they’ve been closing out games that makes them dangerous in crunch time. Sure, New York has serious star power, and Stewart is a problem for any defensive scheme, but the combination of Phoenix’s momentum, their home-court edge, and the chemistry brewing between Sabally and Thomas gives them the slight edge in this one. If you had to pick, wouldn’t you lean toward the Mercury keeping this win streak alive for one more night?
