The Atlanta Dream and Phoenix Mercury are set to clash in a high-stakes WNBA matchup on Wednesday night, marking their first encounter of the 2024 season and the league’s sole game of the day. The Dream (13-10), currently second in the Eastern Conference, look to rebound from recent inconsistencies after dropping three of their last five games. Their most recent outing resulted in an 87-72 loss to the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, despite veteran guard Allisha Gray’s standout 24-point, eight-rebound performance and Jordin Canada’s 12-point, six-assist contribution.
The Mercury (15-7), sitting second in the Western Conference, enter the game with stronger recent form, having secured three wins in their last five contests. Their three-game winning streak was halted on July 16 by the Minnesota Lynx in a 79-66 defeat, where forward Alyssa Thomas tallied 12 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, while DeWanna Bonner added 11 points.
Game Details and Betting Trends
Tipoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Phoenix’s Footprint Center, with coverage on CBSSN. Phoenix holds significant favoritism in sportsbooks, listed at -320 on the moneyline compared to Atlanta’s +260 odds. The spread sits at Mercury -7.5, with an over/under of 161.5 points. Bettors monitoring individual performances may eye Allisha Gray’s points prop (over/under 16.5), as she averages 18.4 points per game, alongside Alyssa Thomas’s 14.5-point line, given her 15.2-point season average.
Historical Context and Lineups
While the teams have split their last 10 meetings, Phoenix dominated Atlanta in 2023, securing three of four matchups. Their most recent clash in September 2024 saw the Mercury claim a 74-66 home victory. Projected starters for Atlanta include Gray and Canada in the backcourt, with Brittney Griner anchoring the center position. Phoenix’s lineup features Thomas and Natasha Mack in the frontcourt, though both squads’ rotations remain subject to last-minute changes.
Outlook
With Phoenix boasting a league-leading 76.2% win rate and Atlanta at 56.5%, the Mercury’s home-court advantage and offensive firepower position them as strong favorites. However, Atlanta’s resilience — particularly through Gray’s scoring prowess — could test Phoenix’s defense. The game’s outcome may hinge on whether the Dream can contain Thomas’s playmaking and improve their recent defensive lapses after allowing 87 points to Las Vegas.
As the WNBA season progresses, this matchup offers a critical test for both teams’ playoff positioning, blending tactical intrigue with high-octane individual performances.
