Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the WNBA match.
In the early hours of 3 September, the Phoenix Mercury face the Indiana Fever in the WNBA regular season. The bookmakers make the hosts clear favourites, but the head-to-head record and the visitors’ current form give us reason to question that view.
Phoenix Mercury
The Mercury are in good form, with seven wins in their last 10 games. They push the pace in transition offence and convert consistently from three-point range. The Mercury average 82.4 points per game while allowing 77.4. They are particularly effective at home, with 81-plus points on average across their last 10 outings on this court. The most recent head-to-head with the Indiana Fever, on 8 August, ended (95:60).
Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever are inconsistent, but they remain competitive away from home, with four wins in their last 10 games. Over that stretch they scored 851 points (85.1 on average), yet defence remains a weakness, with 86.9 conceded. Even so, in head-to-head meetings with the Phoenix Mercury, the Fever have performed respectably, covering a +11.5 handicap in six of the last seven games.
Phoenix Mercury vs Indiana Fever Prediction
The Phoenix Mercury’s strength on their own floor is beyond dispute, yet the Indiana Fever should not be underestimated. The hosts may have superior quality and depth, but the visitors regularly cover big handicaps thanks to their attacking output.
