Preview: Sun vs. Mercury is the biggest battle in a five-game WNBA Friday night slate

On Friday, 10 WNBA teams will compete to solidify their positions within the playoff pack or gain better position toward the top overall seed. The top-seeded Las Vegas Aces and second-seeded Washington Mystics are the only teams not playing tonight. They will play tomorrow, however, in an eagerly-awaited matchup.

The best part about this Friday night slate is that all games are on ESPN2, ESPN3 or CBS Sports Network via television or streaming. So, if you don’t have WNBA League Pass but have a cable, satellite or streaming package, you should be able to watch all of the games on television or online.

Here’s what you need to know about the individual matchups:

Game information

Indiana Fever (6-10) vs. Los Angeles Sparks (7-7)

When: Friday, July 12, at 7 p.m. ET

Where: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

How to watch: ESPN3, WNBA League Pass, FOX Sports Indiana

Keys to the matchup: It wasn’t that long ago when the Fever were well within the playoff pack, playing .500 basketball. Now, they have lost five of their last six games while the Sparks won three of their last four games before losing to the Wings on Tuesday. Though the Fever should have home-court advantage, they are still just 2-5 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Expect the Sparks to get back above .500.

Atlanta Dream (4-10) vs. Minnesota Lynx (9-6)

When: Friday, July 12, at 7 p.m. ET

Where: State Farm Arena, Atlanta. GA

How to watch: ESPN3, WNBA League Pass, WSB NOW

Keys to the matchup: The Dream are coming off a close win over the Sun on Wednesday with Tiffany Hayes scoring 18 points while the Lynx are on a league-leading winning streak of three games. With Atlanta hosting the game, expect a close battle.

Connecticut Sun (9-6) vs. Phoenix Mercury (7-6)

When: Friday, July 12, at 8 p.m. ET

Where: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT

How to watch: ESPN2

Keys to the matchup: The Sun started this season as the WNBA’s hottest team, but they are in the midst of a five-game losing streak. The Mercury, however, are on a two-game winning streak, including Wednesday’s win over the Mystics. No matter who takes this one, the matchup between Brittney Griner and Jonquel Jones should provide plenty of excitement.

Chicago Sky (7-8) vs. New York Liberty (7-8)

When: Friday, July 12, at 8 p.m. ET

Where: Wintrust Arena, Chicago, IL

How to watch: ESPN3, WNBA League Pass, The U Too

Keys to the matchup: Both the Sky and Liberty are heading into this game with losses. But New York has won six of its last 10 games, giving the Liberty slightly more momentum than Chicago, which has lost four of its last five.

Seattle Storm (8-8) vs. Dallas Wings (5-9)

When: Friday, July 12, at 10 p.m. ET

Where: Alaska Airlines Arena, Seattle, WA

How to watch: CBS Sports Network, JOETV

Keys to the matchup: The Storm have generally played above their weight all season, despite injuries. Now, however, they are on a three-game losing streak which includes defeats to the Liberty and Dream. The Wings, meanwhile, have struggled to get momentum on their side; they’ve lost two of their last three games. But Dallas has a chance to win this one against a depleted Seattle squad.