:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/64006512/D8pizgAXoAAueWr.0.jpg)
Tonight, eight out of the 12 WNBA teams will be in action for fans to watch and enjoy. Those eight teams include the New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces, Washington Mystics, Seattle Storm, Connecticut Sun, Minnesota Lynx, Los Angeles Sparks and Phoenix Mercury.
The Sun, Mystics, Sparks, Lynx, and Storm aim to stay above .500 and move up the rankings in the league Friday night. On the other hand, the Mercury, Aces and Liberty look to fight their way back to the .500 mark. Connecticut is currently in first place in the WNBA and seeks to improve to 7-1 on the season.
Connecticut and Washington will try to add another win to their columns as they face scrappy teams in the Lynx and Storm. An explosive Sparks team will play a shorthanded Mercury team — who could pull off a surprise win — while the Liberty attempts to win its third straight game and second consecutive against the Aces.
Here’s how to follow each of today’s games and what to expect:
Game Information
Seattle Storm (4-3) vs. Washington Mystics (4-2)
When: Friday, June 14, at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Entertainment and Sports Arena, Washington, D.C.
How to watch: CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports Washington
Keys to the matchup: The Mystics are fresh off of a loss to the first-place Sun and look to rebound, while the Storm just won a close one on the road against the Fever. In order for the Storm to win, it needs to limit Elena Delle Donne’s touches and clean looks. In addition to shutting down EDD, the Storm needs to weather the Mystics’ bench output. On the flip side, the Mystics need to get Delle Donne involved early on and take advantage of their size. The Mystics backcourt need to come out aggressive against the Storm’s short-handed backcourt.
Connecticut Sun (6-1) vs. Minnesota Lynx (4-3)
When: Friday, June 14, at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
How to watch: WNBA League Pass, FOX Sports Go, NESN+
Keys to the matchup: Connecticut enters tonight’s game after a stellar win Tuesday night against the Mystics at home, while the Lynx lost a close one to the Liberty Wednesday night. The key for the Sun is to continue moving the ball and playing on both sides of the floor. For the Lynx, they need to limit their turnovers and continue to let Odyssey Sims run the offense and get others involved early.
Los Angeles Sparks (3-2) vs. Phoenix Mercury (2-3)
When: Friday, June 14, at 10 p.m. ET
Where: Talking Stick Resort Arena, Phoenix, AZ
How to watch: CBS Sports Network
Keys to the matchup: Los Angeles has had six days off since its win against the Lynx and spoiling Lindsay Whalen’s jersey retirement. Phoenix, on the other hand, is fresh off of a 75-82 loss against the Chicago Sky. This game has the potential to go either way and both teams need to take care of the basketball in order to win. Phoenix needs to get Brittney Griner involved early by putting her in the pick-and-roll and by posting her up. Los Angeles needs to spread the floor and hit perimeter shots in order to space out the Mercury’s defense, draw Griner out the post and open up the lanes.
New York Liberty (2-4) vs. Las Vegas Aces (2-3)
When: Friday, June 14, at 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Mandalay Bay Event Center, Las Vegas, NV
How to watch: WNBA League Pass, MYLVTV
Keys to the matchup: The Liberty is fresh off a 75-69 win over the Lynx in which Asia Durr and Kia Nurse scored a combined 46 points. The Aces have had time to game plan after losing to the Liberty last Sunday. In order for the Aces to win they need A’ja Wilson to come out aggressive and hit shots early. The Aces only succeed when Wilson is effective and involved in the activity. The key for the Liberty is for players not named Tina Charles to move without the basketball, space the floor and sink the open shots. In addition, Durr and the rest of the team need to continue to use the pick-and-roll, push the pace and be aggressive on offense.