Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream WNBA Pick and Prediction

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 - 7:30 PM ET

The Phoenix Mercury (15-13) face off against the Atlanta Dream (9-17) at 7:30 PM ET on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

The Dream have looked like a good team as of late, winning three of their last four games. They are led by Tiffany Hayes, who is averaging 18.5 points per game. The Mercury are also coming off a win, but they have been inconsistent all season. They are led by Diana Taurasi, who is averaging 17.2 points per game.

This is a tough matchup to call, but I think the Dream have a slight edge. They are playing at home and they have been playing well lately. The Mercury have been inconsistent all season and I don't think they will be able to keep up with the Dream's high-powered offense.

Prediction: Atlanta Dream 82, Phoenix Mercury 75

Dream Key Players to Watch

• Tiffany Hayes (18.5 ppg)
• Rhyne Howard (15.4 ppg)
• Aari McDonald (11.2 ppg)

Mercury Key Players to Watch

• Diana Taurasi (17.2 ppg)
• Brittney Griner (16.7 ppg)
• Skylar Diggins-Smith (14.3 ppg)

Prediction and Analysis

The Phoenix Mercury are the more experienced team, but the Atlanta Dream are the hotter team. The Dream have won three of their last four games, while the Mercury have lost three of their last four. The Dream are also playing at home, which gives them a slight edge. The Dream are led by Tiffany Hayes, who is averaging 18.5 points per game. Hayes is a dynamic scorer who can create her own shot. She is also a good passer and rebounder. The Mercury are led by Diana Taurasi, who is averaging 17.2 points per game. Taurasi is one of the greatest players in WNBA history, but she is getting older and her production has declined slightly in recent years. The Mercury also have Brittney Griner, who is averaging 16.7 points per game. Griner is a dominant force in the post, but she is not as effective when she is asked to play outside the paint. The Dream have a good frontcourt, led by Aaliyah Boston. Boston is a rising star who is averaging 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. The Dream also have the advantage in the backcourt. Rhyne Howard is a rookie who is averaging 15.4 points per game. Howard is a talented scorer who can also play defense. The Mercury have Skylar Diggins-Smith, who is averaging 14.3 points per game. Diggins-Smith is a good scorer and passer, but she is not as good of a defender as Howard. Overall, I think the Dream have a slight edge in this matchup. They are the hotter team, they are playing at home, and they have the better backcourt. I predict the Dream will win 82-75.