Golden State (18-17) at Phoenix (21-14)
- When: Aug 22 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: PHX Arena, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- TV: ION
Golden State vs Phoenix – WNBA Game Preview, Prediction and Player Props
Spread: Phoenix -6.5 | Total: 155.5
Phoenix Mercury Betting Outlook
The Mercury enter as 6.5-point favorites, with the total set at 155.5, though they’re battling through some bumps and bruises. Phoenix comes in off a rough 83-61 loss to Las Vegas, their lowest-scoring outing of the season, just two days after torching Golden State for 98 points.
Kahleah Copper, the star of that earlier win with 25 points, left Thursday’s game with a rib injury, casting doubt on her availability. That puts more pressure on Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, both of whom scored in double figures against the Aces, to step up offensively. Phoenix still holds a 3-0 edge over Golden State this season, but the uncertainty around Copper’s health could tighten this matchup.
Mercury Prop Pick: Satou Sabally Over 16.5 Points — with Copper banged up, Phoenix will lean more heavily on Sabally to carry the scoring load.
Golden State Valkyries Betting Outlook
Golden State, in its first year as a franchise, is still clinging to playoff hopes despite sitting seventh at 18-17. Their defense has been one of the stingiest in the league, giving up just 77.4 points per game, but they’ve been battling serious depth issues.
Kayla Thornton is done for the year with a knee injury, while Cecilia Zandalasini and Tiffany Hayes were unavailable Tuesday. On top of that, Iliana Rupert missed the last game with a concussion, leaving Veronica Burton to take over. Burton responded with a heroic 24-point, 14-assist performance, but the Valkyries were still overpowered late.
For Golden State to hang around, they’ll need their defense to control the tempo and hope for more backcourt magic from Burton.
Valkyries Prop Pick: Veronica Burton Over 5.5 Assists — with Golden State shorthanded, the ball will remain in her hands to create offense.
WNBA Prediction & Betting Angle
Both squads are limping into this matchup, but Phoenix has consistently gotten the better of Golden State. If Copper sits, expect the Mercury to win a tighter, defense-first game. If she plays, they should pull away late.
Best Bet: Phoenix -6.5
Toral: Under 155.5
Final Score Prediction: Phoenix 79, Golden State 72
- WNBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
