Sunday will characteristic 4 WNBA video games, with the spotlight undoubtedly being the matchup between the Indiana Fever (10-14) and the Minnesota Lynx (16-7) at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.
This would be the ultimate weekend of standard season basketball for a month, with the WNBA All-Star Recreation and the Olympic break approaching. So, let’s have a look at what the matchups are and what to anticipate from every workforce on Sunday.
The Mercury are short-handed because the Solar proceed to shine
The Phoenix Mercury (12-11) have had optimistic moments this yr, however with a nasty harm bug, they discover themselves lacing sufficient wholesome gamers to convey forth the most effective model of themselves. It is one purpose they have been blown out towards the Indiana Fever on Friday and why they would be the underdog towards the Connecticut Solar (17-5) on Sunday (1 p.m. ET, ABC).
For Connecticut, they’re additionally coming off a defeat, albeit towards the New York Liberty on the street by simply three factors. If the Solar can proceed to get their common manufacturing from gamers like Alyssa Thomas, DeWanna Bonner and Brionna Jones, they need to cruise to victory towards a Mercury workforce ready for the break to allow them to reset.
Two groups, two completely different instructions
The Las Vegas Aces (15-7) are in prime type, having received 9 of their final 10 video games. The Washington Mystics (6-17) are the alternative of that, dropping 4 of their earlier six contests
Primarily, the Mystics’ solely benefit is internet hosting the defending champions at house as they try and earn their greatest win of the yr (3 p.m. ET, CBS Sports activities Community). Washington’s path to victory will probably be arduous, as Las Vegas has too many offensive weapons to comprise, together with A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Grey, Kelsey Plum, and Jackie Younger.
Fever-Lynx is the sport of the day
The Indiana Fever’s (10-14) begin to the season was tough, however now they’re of their greatest type, with high quality wins towards the Mercury and the Liberty.
Indiana has the expertise, with an All-Star trio in Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, however the Minnesota Lynx (16-7) will show to be a a lot harder problem (4 p.m. ET, ESPN). They’re 16-7 on the season and may get again their famous person, Napheesa Collier, who’s questionable to return from her foot harm on Sunday.
If Collier performs, containing her is an train in futility; the objective needs to be to disrupt her offensive circulate as a lot as doable. A win by the Fever would show they is likely to be prepared for playoff basketball this yr. A blowout loss would signify that, whereas they’ve proven promise, there’s a lengthy approach to go earlier than they’re a workforce to take significantly.
Storm might wrap up Sunday with a straightforward win
Much like the Lynx, the Seattle Storm (15-8) appear ready to contend for the title this yr. Which means not solely beating the most effective but in addition pummeling the worst. This Sunday, they will have the ability to display simply how massive that hole once they play the Atlanta Dream (7-15) at house (6 p.m. ET, League Cross).
Atlanta is hanging out within the WNBA basement this yr because it rebuilds and retools, whereas the Storm have Nneka Ogwumike, Jewell Loyd and Skylar Diggins-Smith prepared to offer Seattle its fifth title. If the Storm are who I believe they’re, anticipate this one to be over by halftime.
Recreation info
Connecticut Solar (17-5) vs. Phoenix Mercury (12-11)
When: Sunday, July 14 at 1 p.m. ET
The place: Mohegan Solar Enviornment in Uncasville, CT
How you can watch: ABC
Solar harm report: Moriah Jefferson (out; ankle)
Mercury harm report: Diana Taurasi (questionable; decrease leg), Natasha Cloud (questionable; left knee), Brittney Griner (questionable; proper hip), Sug Sutton (out; proper hamstring), Charmisma Osborne (out; decrease left leg)
Washington Mystics (6-17) vs. Las Vegas Aces (15-7)
When: Sunday, July 14 at 3 p.m. ET
The place: Leisure & Sports activities Enviornment in Washington, DC
How you can watch: CBS Sports activities Community/Monumental
Aces harm report: none
Mystics harm report: Brittney Sykes (out; left foot), Shakira Austin (out; left hip), Karlie Samuelson (out; left hand fracture)
Minnesota Lynx (16-7) vs. Indiana Fever (10-14)
When: Sunday, July 14 at 4 p.m. ET
The place: Goal Heart in Minneapolis, MN
How you can watch: ESPN
Lynx harm report: Napheesa Collier (questionable; left foot), Olivia Epoupa (out; proper thigh)
Fever harm report: Temi Fagbenle (out; thumb)
Seattle Storm (15-8) vs. Atlanta Dream (7-15)
When: Sunday, July 14 at 6 p.m. ET
The place: Local weather Pledge Enviornment in Seattle, WA
How you can watch: WNBA League Cross
Storm harm report: none
Dream harm report: Aerial Powers (questionable; calf), Jordin Canada (out; damaged finger), Rhyne Howard (out; left ankle)
