Los Angeles at Phoenix

Early activity in the marketplace has pushed this total well above the oddsmaker's opening number. It is understandable considering the Sparks are the worst defensive team in the WNBA. The Mercury were embarrassed by expansion Toronto at home Tuesday, losing 98-90. Their defense has been below average, too, but now there is value in taking the UNDER. Both teams have losing records and will be heavily emphasizing defense in this matchup. “It’s gonna be a long season if we don’t get it together on the defensive end,” Phoenix superstar Alyssa Thomas was quoted as saying after the loss to Toronto. The Mercury had the fifth-best defensive rating last season. The UNDER is 2-0-1 during the past three meetings in this series. LA's defense should improve as center Cameron Brink, an elite shot blocker, gets more playing time following a leg injury that derailed her season last year. Take the UNDER.