New York Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

The New York Liberty are one of the hottest teams in the WNBA, having won 8-of-9, and, now at 25-5, sit at the top of the WNBA standings. This, despite a 72-64 loss to second-place Connecticut last night. 

Having already clinched a playoff berth, the Liberty continue their march to a first WNBA title Monday night against the Phoenix Mercury. The two teams have split so far this season, with New York defeating the Mercury by three at home at the end of May and Phoenix returning the favor at home in June in a 99-93 win. 

The rubber match also takes place in Phoenix. Below are our experts’ picks and predictions for the contest.

New York Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury betting picks and predictions

New York Liberty -5.5 (-110)

The defeat at Phoenix in June represents one of just three losses the Liberty have suffered since the end of May. They have gone 21-3 during that stretch to firmly place them at the top of the WNBA standings. 

New York is 11-3 straight up and 10-4 against the spread on the road this season. It was a barnburner the last time between these two, but New York has the defense, particularly in the interior, to hold Phoenix at bay just enough to post the victory.

Look for the Liberty to win and cover the spread.

Total over 166.5 points (-110)

While 192 points should not be expected in this rubber match, look for a higher scoring contest than New York’s 81-78 win over Phoenix in May. Both offenses have evolved, and the Mercury are still allowing nearly 85 points a game. They are going to surrender a lot of points to New York, and will need to score quickly to keep pace. 

Look for the teams to combine for more than 166.5 points tomorrow night.

Breanna Stewart 20+ points milestone (-115)

Stewart has picked up where she left off at the break for New York. She is averaging 21 points a game for the Liberty in New York’s five second-half contests. That included picking up the slack in two victories over the Dallas Wings with leading scorer Sabrina Ionescu sidelined with a sore neck.

She has also averaged 20.5 points in two games against Phoenix this season and that includes 28 in that 99-93 loss in June.

Stewart and the Liberty desperately want a first franchise WNBA title, so don’t look for a letup anywhere on the schedule leading up to the playoffs.

Brittany Griner 15+ points milestone (-330)

Although the record does not show a significant jump, Griner’s return has stabilized Phoenix. She is second on the team, averaging over 18 points a game. She was one of the difference makers in the June win over the Liberty, scoring 19 points. Griner will need to tally a similar number of points or more for her team to pick up a second win over New York.

Griner is averaging just over 17 points a game since the start of the season’s second half. Look for her to stay in that realm again tomorrow night as she scores at least 15 points against the Liberty..

Sabrina Ionescu 15+ points milestone (-425)

Ionescu could be the X factor here. She missed two games against Dallas with a sore neck before scoring 12 points on her return against Connecticut on Saturday night. She is tied with Stewart for the team scoring lead at 19.6 points per game, and she has averaged 20.5 points against the Mercury this season.

She looked fit against the Sun last night, so look for her to continue her return to form and score at least 15 points against the Mercury.

New York Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury odds

New York Liberty	-20 ML
Phoenix Mercury	+195 ML
Spread	NY Liberty -5.5
Total Points	O/U 166.5

New York Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury player props

Player Points

Kahleah Copper (PHX)	O/U 21.5
Sabrina Ionescu (NY)	O/U 20.5
Breanna Stewart (NY)	O/U 19.5
Brittney Griner (PHX)	O/U 18.5
Diana Taurasi (PHX)	O/U 14.5
Jonquel Jones (NY)	O/U 13.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.