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Preview: Sky host Lynx, Mercury host Mystics in late Tuesday games

Two games wrap up a busy four-game day in the WNBA, and both will say a lot about which teams are playoff-ready and which aren’t.

By Christine M. Hopkins

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DeWanna Bonner takes a nine-game double-digit scoring streak into Tuesday’s game against the Mystics. Bonner has scored fewer than 10 points just three times this season.
NBAE/Getty Images

Tuesday’s final two games are on Twitter and NBA TV, respectively, which means that nearly everyone has a chance to watch these teams take the court. Here’s how to watch and what to look for.

Minnesota Lynx (15-13) at Chicago Sky (10-18)

When: Tuesday, August 7 at 8:30 p.m. ET

Where: Wintrust Arena | TICKETS

How to watch: Twitter (worldwide streaming), The U Too (Chicago-area TV)

Injuries: Rebekkah Brunson (nose) is out for the Lynx.

Storylines to follow

Last meeting: Sky 77, Lynx 63 (July 7)

  • Postseason picture: While Minnesota comes into this game on a three-game losing streak, it’s Chicago with the more pressing need for a win if they want to keep clinging to a longshot chance at a postseason appearance. A loss here won’t eliminate them from contention, but considering that the only two teams below them in the standings are already eliminated, the Sky have to feel the pressure.
  • Offensive efficiency: The last time these two teams faced each other, only five players across both teams scored in double figures. Minnesota shot just 35.5 percent, while Chicago shot 47.6 percent on 13 fewer shots. The Lynx have been rather low-scoring during their losing streak, including a season-low 57-point showing against the Sparks on August 2. With Chicago currently leading Minnesota overall in both field goal percentage and points per game, it will be interesting to see if the addition of home-court advantage can help put the Sky on top once more.

Washington Mystics (16-11) at Phoenix Mercury (16-13)

When: Tuesday, August 7 at 10 p.m. ET

Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena | TICKETS

How to watch: NBA TV (national TV), Monumental Sports Network (D.C.-area TV)

Injuries: Nothing new to report.

Storylines to follow

Last meeting: Mercury 84, Mystics 74 (June 30)

  • Momentum building: It’s the sports cliché-est of all sports clichés, but the fact is, the Mystics clearly have the momentum going into this game, and the Mercury clearly do not. The season-ending Sancho Lyttle injury — which she suffered in these teams’ last meeting, a win that put the Mercury in first place — continues to haunt Phoenix, as they’ve won just three of 11 games since. Washington, on the other hand, enters this game on a two-game winning streak, including a three-game road winning streak.
  • Playoff shuffle: In spite of their recent woes, the Mercury are only a game back of the Mystics in the standings, mainly due to the power trio of Brittney Griner, DeWanna Bonner and Diana Taurasi maintaining a high level of play. A win would throw them right back into a slightly more comfortable part of the playoff picture, but considering their vast inconsistencies and shortcomings of late, Phoenix can’t get too comfortable no matter what their playoff status is. This game will give a clearer picture of which team is more ready and willing to fight for a high seed no matter their circumstances, and which team hopes to sail into the playoffs on the strength of their current record.

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