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The WNBA season has been underway for about a week, so it’s far too early to make assumptions about teams. That doesn’t mean we won’t make them; it’s just too early to believe that. I lost my first WNBA bet this season, so I hope to avenge that loss here when the Sky take on the Mercury.
The Chicago Sky are one of the worst run franchises in basketball. They have had some great names on their team and only one championship to show for it.
Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner shoots over Indiana Fever guard Aerial Powers in the first half at PHX Arena. (Rick Scuteri/Imagn Images)
There really isn’t a clear indication of what’s wrong with the franchise, but they’ve never been able to retain their talent. Other than Kamilla Cardoso, I can’t name a player on this team that they actually drafted. They just seem to get good players and then show them the door.
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Although they have had some questionable front office decisions, they seem to have put together a solid team this season – something I didn’t expect before the season started.
They are 2-0 which is too early to really say they are a good team. I will also reserve judgment until they face a team with a longer history than last year. Portland Tempo played their first ever game against the Sky and Golden State were good last year but are still in their second season.
The Phoenix Mercury is actually considered one of the best franchises in the league. I’m sure there are issues that people have reported, but for the most part they have good facilities and people want to play for their team. They made it all the way to the WNBA Finals last season before falling to the Las Vegas Aces. This year they are looking to restart that journey and see if they can win the last game of the year.
Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper dribbles the ball during the second half at CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC on July 27, 2025. (Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Photos)
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It will have to come with some better play than they have shown through three games this year. They are just 1-2 on the year with an 0-1 home record. The only win was a blowout win over the Aces (a definite revenge game if ever we saw one). Then they lost the next two games against Golden State and Minnesota. Losing to the Lynx wouldn’t be a problem, but they didn’t have Napheesa Collier, who still has an ankle injury.
I expect Mercury to make some adjustments for this game. They haven’t looked particularly sharp to start the year, but they have been strong offensively, averaging 87 points per game. match.
The Sky will continue to rely on their offense to do just enough and their defense to lock in. The Sky has an edge on the inside so they can get shovels down quite easily. I like over 166.5 in this game.
Chicago Sky guard Skylar Diggins chases the ball in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Valkyries at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California on May 13, 2026. (Bob Kupbens/Imagn Images)
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I also think it’s worth betting on Kahleah Copper going over her point total. Copper had two tough matches before breaking out in the final match. Now she has the same sight lines and can attack the big ones from the sky with her athleticism. Since going to Phoenix, she has scored 29, 7, 16, 25 and 28 points in five games against them.
For more information on sports betting and gambling, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024
