Two losing record teams go head-to-head tonight and it is the Seattle Storm that needs the win far more than the Phoenix Mercury entering the extended break for the London Olympics.

20* graded play on Seattle as they take on Phoenix in WNBA action set to start at 10:00 PM ET.



Seattle is 8-10 overall and 5-7 against Western Conference teams and trail conference leader Minnesota by 6.5 games. The Mercury stand at 4-14 and are just 2-11 in the Western Conference and trail Minnesota by 10.5 games. The fact that Seattle is a road favorite reflects their superiority over Phoenix in this matchup.

Sue BirdSimulator projections

The simulator shows a high probability that Seattle will win this game by seven or more points. It further shows that Seattle will hold Phoenix to between 36 and 39% shooting; that Phoenix will score between 72 and 78 points and that they force 13 to 18 turnovers. In past games these situations have all supported Seattle well.

Note that Seattle is 16-2 ATS when their opponents make 36% to 39% of their shots in a game over the last three seasons; Phoenix is just 31-60 ATS when they make 36% to 39% of their shots in a game since 1997;  2-8 ATS in games where they force 13 to 18 turnovers this season;  1-8 ATS (-7.8 Units) when they score 72 to 77 points in a game over the last 3 seasons.

Supporting system

Supporting this graded play is a system that has produced a record of 56-26 for 68% winners since 1997. Play on WNBA odds underdogs after allowing 70 points or more in five straight games and facing an opponent after a loss by 10 points or more.

Game situations

There are several situations supporting Seattle and working against Phoenix in this game as well. Seattle is a solid 11-3 ATS when playing against a terrible team that has won 25% or less of their games in games played over the last three seasons;  6-0 ATS when facing foul prone teams that are called for 21 or more fouls per game after 15 or more games have been played in the regular season and playoffs covering the last two seasons.

Seattle is a strong three point shooting team and this has caused defensive issues for Phoenix as they are just  7-16 ATS when facing solid three point shooting teams making better than 33% of their shot attempts after 15 or more regular season games encompassing the last two seasons;  5-14 ATS in home games when facing less aggressive style teams that are attempting attempting 21 or fewer free throws per game after 15 or more regular season games encompassing the last three seasons.

Seattle has won seven of their last 10 games, but have failed to cover in tow of the last three games. However, Seattle is 13-5 ATS after failing to cover two of their last three against the spread in games played over the last two seasons. 

TAKE SEATTLE as a 20* Titan