Chicago Sky vs. Phoenix Mercury: WNBA Showdown Resumes with High Stakes

The WNBA has returned from its month-long hiatus for the Olympics, and the excitement is palpable as the Phoenix Mercury and Chicago Sky prepare to face off in a highly anticipated matchup. This game marks the first of three encounters between these two teams this season, and it will take place at the Wintrust Arena at 8:00 pm EST. The Phoenix Mercury, with a record of 13-12, are coming into this game with a renewed sense of vigor, especially after three of their key players—Kahleah Copper, Brittney Griner, and Diana Taurasi—secured gold medals at the Paris Olympics. The Chicago Sky, on the other hand, have a record of 10-14 and are looking to make a strong comeback in the second half of the season.

The Mercury had an extended break due to their players’ participation in the Olympics, which could either work to their advantage or disadvantage. The long break allowed their star players to rest and recover, but it also meant less time for team practice and cohesion. Kahleah Copper, who had a significant impact in the gold medal game by scoring 12 points, is having a stellar season with an average of 23.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Brittney Griner, despite missing several games at the beginning of the season, is now averaging 18.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Diana Taurasi, at 42 years old, continues to be a top player in the WNBA, averaging 16.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while leading her team with 2.7 made threes per game.

On the other side, the Chicago Sky are currently ranked 8th in the league and are in the running for a playoff spot. Although they do not have any Olympians on their roster, they boast strong players like Angel Reese and Chennedy Carter, who have trained against Team USA. Reese is second in the league for rebounds per game, making her a formidable opponent for the Mercury, who are weak in rebounding. Carter, who is the 12th best scorer in the league, had a standout month in July and is known for her defensive skills. She famously body-checked rookie sensation Caitlin Clark during a game earlier in the season, showcasing her tenacity and grit.

This game is crucial for both teams as they navigate the second half of the WNBA season. The Mercury are currently ranked 6th overall in the league standings but are trailing the Aces by 3.5 games for the 5th seed. They are ranked 4th in the league for scoring but only 10th in defense, indicating a need for improvement on the defensive end. Additionally, they rank 5th in made threes but 11th in rebounding, highlighting their preference for outside shooting. The Sky, known for their strong rebounding, will look to exploit this weakness in the Mercury’s game.

Adding to the intrigue of this matchup is the fact that this will be Kahleah Copper’s first return to Chicago, where she spent most of her career before joining the Mercury. Copper is excited to see old friends and the fan base that supported her throughout her time with the Sky. Chicago has undergone significant changes since Copper and Candace Parker led the team to their championship win. They now have a young core with rookie Angel Reese, four-year veteran Chennedy Carter, and rookie of the year candidate Kamilla Cardoso. This new lineup has brought fresh energy and potential to the team, making them a formidable opponent for the Mercury.

The Mercury will have to rely heavily on their star players to secure a win. Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, and Kahleah Copper had a quick transition back to the team after their Olympic success and had limited time to acclimate. Despite this, they are ready to win games on the road and prove their mettle. Griner will face off against Kamilla Cardoso, a matchup of two of the tallest players in the league. This duel will be one of the highlights of the game, as both players bring unique skills and strengths to the court.

Chennedy Carter, who scored 34 points in the Sky’s previous game, will be a key player to watch. Her performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. Carter has been vocal about being ranked low on ESPN’s midseason player rankings, and she is determined to prove her critics wrong. In an interview, she stated that she should not be underestimated in the second half of the season. Copper, who was ranked higher, stated that she lets her game speak for itself and does not worry about media recognition.

Michaela Onyenwere, another player on the Chicago Sky team, has also been making waves this season. Her prop bets start at 0.5 boards, 4 points, and 0 assists. She has an average of 0.3 steals and 0.2 blocks on defense. Onyenwere has 8 assists and 15 total rebounds so far in the season. She has played for a total of 183 minutes this year and accumulated 64 points. Her free throw percentage is 55.6% and her effective field goal rate is 48.4%. Onyenwere has a field goal rate of 41.0% and a three-point shooting percentage of 45.0%. In 18 games, she averages 3.6 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 0.4 assists.

On the defensive end, Onyenwere averages 0.5 steals and 0.3 blocks per game in her career. She has 2.6 total rebounds per game and a 79.5% free throw percentage in her WNBA career. On the offensive end, she averages 13.3 points, 1.4 assists, and 0.8 three-pointers per game in her pro basketball career. Her field goal rate is 39.9% and she shoots 32.7% from three in her career. Onyenwere has a total of 853 points, 90 assists, and 326 rebounds in her pro basketball career. She has played for a total of 2,313 minutes, and has recorded 63 steals and 40 blocks in her career.

When facing the Phoenix Mercury, Onyenwere’s true shooting percentage is 44.7% and she shoots 100.0% from the free throw line. Against the Mercury, she has 1 steal and 1 block in her career. Her shooting percentage is at 42.9% and she is a 30.0% shooter overall. In the last 5 games, Onyenwere has averaged 0.4 assists, 4.1 points, and 0.4 turnovers. She has also accumulated 2 steals, 1 blocked shot, and 16 total field goals in her last 10 games. Her performance will be another critical factor in the Sky’s strategy against the Mercury.

For fans interested in wagering on the game, odds and other information are available on platforms like BetMGM. The game will be broadcasted on several channels, including Mercury Live, Marq, AZ Family, and Amazon Prime Video. Fans can also watch the WNBA all season long on Fubo, Paramount+, Prime Video, and WNBA League Pass. It is important to note that not all offers are available in all states, and fans should check with BetMGM for the latest promotions in their area. All gamblers must be 21 or older and are encouraged to gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, contact 1-800-GAMBLER for help.

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As the WNBA season resumes, the match between the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury is more than just a game; it’s a battle of strategies, skills, and sheer willpower. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and it will be fascinating to see how they adapt and overcome challenges. Whether it’s the Sky’s strong rebounding or the Mercury’s outside shooting, each team has unique attributes that could tip the scales in their favor. With star players like Kahleah Copper, Brittney Griner, Diana Taurasi, Angel Reese, and Chennedy Carter taking the court, this game promises to be a thrilling spectacle that no basketball fan would want to miss.