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Four WNBA teams will be in action tonight as the halfway mark of the season approaches. Those four teams include the Washington Mystics (5-3), Las Vegas Aces (4-3), Dallas Wings (1-5) and Phoenix Mercury (2-4).
In the first matchup, it will be a battle of struggling teams, with the Wings trying to get past the Mercury at home. If not tonight, Phoenix could turn its season around this weekend with the expected return of Diana Taurasi, per Arizona Republic’s Jeff Metcalfe. Although, the Mercury are coming off a Friday night loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, winning against a Wings team currently in disarray is still possible.
But the Wings who won their first game of the season on Saturday against the Atlanta Dream and will look to build on that with a win tonight.
For both teams, victory will come down to offensive efficiency and execution.
In the second matchup of the night, Washington looks to continue its road winning streak. The Mystics enter tonight’s matchup against Las Vegas with momentum after blowing out the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday night, spoiling Candace Parker’s return. Washington got the win because of its physical defensive. Now, the Mystics find themselves back in the top three in the standings.
After a slow start, the Aces are one game above .500 and looking to beat a balanced Mystics team. On Sunday, the Aces extended their winning streak to two games as they beat the New York Liberty, 80-75.
Here’s what to expect and how to watch the games:
Game Information
Phoenix Mercury (2-4) vs. Dallas Wings (1-5)
When: Thursday, June 20, at 8 p.m. ET
Where: College Park Center, Arlington, TX
How to watch: CBS Sports Network
Keys to the matchup: Phoenix enters tonight’s game after a double-digit loss to the Sparks at home, while the Wings won their first game of the season at home. The key for the Mercury is to space the floor and get Brittney Griner as many touches as possible, with DeWanna Bonner coming out aggressive on offensive. For the Wings, an early lead and taking care of the basketball will give them a chance. Plus, Kayla Thornton will need to assert herself early and take on the challenge of guarding Bonner in stretches.
Washington Mystics (5-3) vs. Las Vegas Aces (4-3)
When: Thursday, June 20, at 10 p.m. ET
Where: Mandalay Bay Event Center, Las Vegas, NV
How to watch: CBS Sports Network
Keys to the matchup: The Mystics are fresh off a blowout road win against the Sparks, while the Aces celebrate being over .500 again after defeating the Liberty. In order for the Mystics to win, they need a strong performance from their starters. But the x-factor will be their second unit, known as the “Bench Mob”. The Aces, meanwhile, need strong performances from Liz Cambage, A’ja Wilson and the Aces bench. Both teams have strong starting lineups but whichever team’s bench has the better performance will win.