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Phoenix (14-6) at Golden State (10-10)
- When: Jul 14 2025, 10:00 PM
- Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- TV: AZFamily
WNBA Preview and Prediction: Phoenix Mercury vs. Golden State Valkyries
Spread: Golden State -2.0 | Total: 158.0
Phoenix Mercury Breakdown
The Mercury (14-6) continue to be one of the West’s biggest surprises and enter Monday night’s contest riding the high of a dominant homestand. They blew the doors off Dallas in a 30-point thrashing before stunning the Minnesota Lynx, handing them only their third loss of the season. Even with star Kahleah Copper sidelined again (hamstring), Phoenix is proving they’ve got serious depth.
Alyssa Thomas has been the anchor since returning from injury, scoring 29 in the Lynx win and stepping up in Copper’s absence. Sami Whitcomb’s recent 36-point outburst against Dallas shows how dangerous this team is when someone gets hot. They’ve gone 8-2 over their last ten games, surging to second place in the West.
Phoenix already beat Golden State earlier this season in a 9-point win during the Commissioner’s Cup despite missing both Thomas and Copper. With Thomas active again, the Mercury will look to sweep the season series, even if Copper remains out.
Golden State Valkyries Breakdown
Golden State (expansion franchise, holding their own at .500) returns home after a competitive road stretch that included three close losses to top-tier teams. Despite falling short against Las Vegas on Saturday in a 104-102 thriller, the Valkyries had their best offensive performance of the year.
The return of international standouts Janelle Salaun, Cecilia Zandalasini, and Temi Fagbenle has made a huge difference, they combined for 41 points in Vegas and have added firepower to the bench and starting lineup alike. While defense took a hit in the high-scoring shootout, coach Natalie Nakase has been adamant that the team’s success will come from effort on the defensive end.
They’ll be motivated to even the score with Phoenix after dropping the first meeting short-handed, and with Hayes back, they’ll have a much stronger lineup this time around.
WNBA Game Prediction:
This one shapes up as a coin-flip between two rising teams. Phoenix has proven they can win shorthanded, but Golden State’s balanced scoring and home crowd edge tilt things slightly in their favor. Expect a fast-paced battle with big swings.
Lean Golden State -2 and take the Over 158, with both defenses likely clamping down late in a close one.
Score Prediction: Golden State 82, Phoenix 78
Best Bet: Golden State -2.0
Total: Over 158.0
- WNBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
