Mercury Won't Fall This Time Against Fever

Mercury vs. Fever, 7:30 ET

We have moved to a 9-2 record after 11 plays on Outkick. This isn't a matter of beginner's luck or anything - which I will admit, I think I experienced when I first started doing NHL plays for the organization. No, I've been crushing the WNBA this entire season, and now I am coming back for more. Still, winning nine of 11 games is great, but that doesn't mean we will win the next nine of 11 either. When people ask about a record, it really doesn't matter, nothing in the past matters, only things moving forward. Today we look forward to the game between the Mercury and the Fever. 

The Mercury are my sleeper choice for a team out West to be able to make a run in the playoffs. They are only 12-10 for the season, but I actually like the way their team is constructed and think they have the best roster outside of the Aces. The team has a great, dominant center (regardless of how you feel about her, she is great) in Brittney Griner. She is averaging just under 20 points per game in her 12 games since coming back to the team. Offseason addition Kahleah Copper is one of the best players in the game, and arguably has the best layup package in the game. She is averaging 23 points per game for the team and is coming off of a 32-point performance. When she is hot, look out, almost no one can stop her. Diana Taurasi may be old, but not having as much responsibility on the team has allowed her to flourish even more and she is still playing at a high level. Taurasi is averaging 16.6 points per game and hitting almost three three-pointers per game. Their other addition this offseason is Natasha Cloud. The point guard for the Mercury is averaging 12.5 points per game, but she adds a great piece of defense for her team. The Mercury are playing solid basketball right now as they have won three straight games. The two teams squared off recently and the Fever took that one from the Mercury. 

PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 30: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever and Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury smile during the game on June 30, 2024 at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images)

Speaking of that last game, most of you probably saw one clip from it. Caitlin Clark was fouled by Copper and shot the ball. She then tried to reach up and prevent the ball from hitting Copper in the head, something that she couldn't see happening. Copper jawed a bit at Clark and teammates stepped in. What you probably didn't see is that Copper came up to Clark and likely apologized. Both players then share a laugh and smile before moving on. It didn't fit the best narrative so you probably didn't see it, but it happened. Outside of that, Clark had a great game, falling one rebound short of a triple-double. She seems to be figuring the game out more and more as she is averaging 11.5 assists per game over her last six contests. The Fever looked like they were putting together a good stretch of basketball as they won five of six games and four in a row. Since June 23rd, they have been just 2-4 over their last six games. Overall for the year, the Fever are 9-14. Clark may not be transforming the game the way some predicted, but she certainly is making the team better. Last year, the Fever didn't win their ninth game until August 20th. 

In their last game, the Mercury were actually up by as many as 15 points before they fell apart and the Fever played great defense down the stretch. That was what put the team in a position to win the game. The Mercury aren't as good on the road as they are at home, but I think this is a bit of a revenge game and one that Phoenix will take. The Fever aren't playing great basketball right now and just lost to the Mystics, one of the worst teams in the league. I'll back the Mercury in this one to win the game and cover the short -2.5 spread. 

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