Phoenix Mercury vs Washington Mystics Prediction & Picks (Shakira Austin Key Factor): High-Value Opportunity

For the Phoenix Mercury to cover a 4.5 point spread against the Washington Mystics, they need to keep the game close and score effectively. The Mystics are in solid form, winning 7 of their last 10 games, but the Mercury have shown they can compete, even if they've only won 3 of their last 10. Phoenix tends to give up a few more rebounds than the league average, which could be a problem, but playing at home might help them keep it tight. With both teams so close in skill, it could go either way. It was priced at -112 when we wrote this, so a $10 bet returns $18.90 if it lands. The number next to the team is the handicap, and that team's score is adjusted by it before the bet is settled. This is an alternate line, so it is not the main number on the board and the price moves with it. The bookmakers have this as a slight favourite. Our model leans this way without loving it. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back it. And if this one does not feel right to you, skipping it is a perfectly good move.

Shakira Austin Over 30.5 Points, Rebounds and Assists (-110)

Shakira Austin has been putting up some solid numbers lately, with her total points, rebounds, and assists often reaching between 23 and 42 in recent games. The Phoenix Mercury have struggled against opponents, allowing a lot of rebounds and three-point attempts, which could lead to Austin getting more opportunities to rack up stats. With the game at home, she might feel even more confident. The Washington Mystics have been performing well, winning 7 of their last 10 games, so they will be a tough opponent. The most concrete risk here is that both teams are closely matched, and if the game turns into a defensive battle, Austin might not get enough chances. Still, we see a good chance for her to go over 30.5 in points, rebounds, and assists. It was priced at -110 when we wrote this, so a $10 bet returns $19.10 if it lands. The bookmakers have this as a slight favourite. Our model leans this way without loving it. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back it. And if this one does not feel right to you, skipping it is a perfectly good move.

Kiki Iriafen Over 26.5 Points, Rebounds and Assists (-111)

Kiki Iriafen has shown she can be a key player, but her performance has varied quite a bit lately. In her last ten games, she has recorded between zero and two three-pointers, and that inconsistency makes her a bit tricky to bet on. However, with the Phoenix Mercury allowing opponents to grab a lot of rebounds and shoot plenty of threes, this could create some great chances for her to rack up points, rebounds, and assists. The Mercury have won four of their last ten, while the Washington Mystics are on a hot streak with seven wins in their last ten. This matchup is pretty close, and the Mystics don't give up many rebounds. The main risk here is that Kiki's recent stats show she sometimes struggles to get involved. Still, our numbers suggest she has a good chance to hit over 26.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists today. It was priced at -111 when we wrote this, so a $10 bet returns $19.00 if it lands. The bookmakers have this as a slight favourite. Our model leans this way without loving it. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back it. And if this one does not feel right to you, skipping it is a perfectly good move.

Kelsey Plum Under 18.5 Points, Rebounds and Assists (-112)

Kelsey Plum has been a bit up and down lately, with her points, rebounds, and assists bouncing between low and high numbers. In her last ten games, she has scored anywhere from 1 to 5 three-pointers and has had games where she only recorded a couple of assists. With Phoenix Mercury allowing a lot of rebounds and threes, they could limit her chances to rack up those stats. We're going with under 18.5 for Kelsey Plum's combined points, rebounds, and assists. The Washington Mystics have been strong lately, winning 7 out of their last 10 games, and that could mean less playing time for Plum if the game gets away from her team. The biggest risk here is that she could get a hot shooting night, but she has shown some inconsistency lately. It was priced at -112 when we wrote this, so a $10 bet returns $18.90 if it lands. The bookmakers have this as a slight favourite. Our model leans this way without loving it. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back it. And if this one does not feel right to you, skipping it is a perfectly good move.

That is how our model reads Phoenix Mercury v Washington Mystics. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back anything. And if a game does not feel right to you, the strongest move is to skip it -- there is another one tomorrow.