Phoenix Mercury vs Washington Mystics

Washington still is trying to get over the hump and get its first win following several close games, including a 70-68 loss at Los Angeles on Tuesday. Dating to last season, the Mystics are 4-1-1 ATS against teams with winning records, 3-1-1 ATS after a loss and 3-1-1 ATS on the road. Phoenix is 5-15 ATS following an ATS win and 0-6 ATS versus opponents with losing records. The Mercury are in a letdown situation after a stunning 98-88 victory over Las Vegas as a 13.5-point underdog on Tuesday. Look for the Mercury to cool off considerably after hitting 16 of 33 3-point tries. Kahleah Copper lit it up with 37 points for the Mercury. Washington has won and covered three of the past four meetings. Take the points with the Mystics as a Max Play.

Washington's defense has slipped from last season, on a two-game skid allowing 72 and 84 points. The offense is fourth from the free-throw line and the team is 11-3 OVER the total on the road against teams that shoot 44% or higher. Phoenix is third in the league in field goal shooting (44.6%) and seventh in assists. But the defense is poor, the fifth-worst in the WNBA in points surrendered (83.8 per game), as opponents shoot 44.1% from the field. These teams met last month with Phoenix winning 91-72 in a game that sailed OVER the total and this looks like another one with more offense than defense. Take Washington/Phoenix OVER the total as a Max Play. 

The Washington Mysitc are just 13-14 on the season, but they would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. This team has had its struggles at ties on the offensive end but the defense has responded well, and over their last 11 games just one has made it over the total. It has been a long season for the Phoenix Suns at 7-20, but there is evidence they have not quit. The offense has not been good but they are still engaged on the defensive end. That recipe has produced just two games that eclipsed the total in their last 11 games. Both these teams have shown limited offense, and the defense has carried the weight on both sides. Make the play UNDER the total.

Brittney Griner is doubtful for this game due to a hip injury, so Phoenix is getting plenty of points although Washington is coming off an embarrassing performance against Indiana losing 87-66 while shooting only 33 percent. The Mystics have been moneyburners this season with a 1-7 ATS record their past eight games and now they're laying double digits. The Mercury have won eight of the past nine meetings with a 6-3 ATS mark and this is the first meeting this season. Phoenix is 6-1 ATS following a loss and Washington is 0-7 ATS after a loss dating to last season and the Mercury have covered six of the past eight at Washington. The Mystics average 74.3 points per game and that is second-to-last in the league. Take the points with the Mercury as a Max Play.