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(WNBA) Liberty (NY) vs. Mercury (PHX),
Total: 168.50 | -112.00 Under
Result: Loss
Total: 168.50 | -112.00 Under
Result: Loss
The Liberty-Mercury matchup isn't going to lack star power. Maybe that's why the oddsmaker has set the total too high.
New York has superstars Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones. But what's overlooked is the Liberty's defense. They give up the third-fewest points per game and are No. 2 in defensive field goal percentage. New York has held its past eight opponents to an average of 75.7 points a game.
The Mercury have big names, too - Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi and underrated Kahleah Cooper, their best offensive player. Phoenix, though, has improved its porous defense of a year ago thanks to its first-year head coach Nate Tibbetts, who earned a defensive reputation as an assistant coach in the NBA. Tibbetts was an excellent hire.
Phoenix has held five of its last six foes to 80 points or fewer in regulation. The Mercury gave up 78 points to the Storm in their last game, which was five points below Seattle's fourth-highest ranked scoring average.
New York point guard Courtney Vandersloot is expected to miss the game due to personal reasons. She's No. 2 on the Liberty in assists. Kayla Thornton is likely to pick up Vandersloot's minutes. Thornton is a defensive-oriented player.
New York has superstars Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Jonquel Jones. But what's overlooked is the Liberty's defense. They give up the third-fewest points per game and are No. 2 in defensive field goal percentage. New York has held its past eight opponents to an average of 75.7 points a game.
The Mercury have big names, too - Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi and underrated Kahleah Cooper, their best offensive player. Phoenix, though, has improved its porous defense of a year ago thanks to its first-year head coach Nate Tibbetts, who earned a defensive reputation as an assistant coach in the NBA. Tibbetts was an excellent hire.
Phoenix has held five of its last six foes to 80 points or fewer in regulation. The Mercury gave up 78 points to the Storm in their last game, which was five points below Seattle's fourth-highest ranked scoring average.
New York point guard Courtney Vandersloot is expected to miss the game due to personal reasons. She's No. 2 on the Liberty in assists. Kayla Thornton is likely to pick up Vandersloot's minutes. Thornton is a defensive-oriented player.
