Washington Mystics vs Phoenix Mercury Picks and Prediction for Thursday, August 27, 2026
The Washington Mystics visit the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center on Thursday, with tipoff scheduled for 10:00 PM ET. Washington is 23-15, seventh in the overall WNBA standings, and has clinched a playoff berth. The Mystics have won four of their last five, including Tuesday’s 94-84 road victory over Phoenix. The Mercury are 13-25, tied for 11th overall, and have been eliminated from playoff contention. Phoenix has lost three straight and seven of its last 10. Cash in Thursday with our free WNBA picks.
Washington Mystics Continue Strong Late-Season Play
Washington has been producing positive results down the stretch, winning four of its last five and seven of its last 10. The Mystics beat Phoenix 94-84 on Tuesday after defeating Portland 105-100, giving Washington consecutive road victories. The Mystics have also controlled the season series against Phoenix, winning both meetings by double digits. Washington took the first matchup 95-75 on August 9 before Tuesday’s 10-point victory in Phoenix.
The Mystics average 82.6 points while shooting 44.6% from the field and 30.4% from 3-point range. Washington’s strongest statistical advantage comes on the boards, where it averages 37.8 rebounds compared with Phoenix’s 31.7. Shakira Austin leads the Mystics with 17.0 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. Sonia Citron adds 16.9 points and 4.2 assists, while Kiki Iriafen contributes 15.2 points and 9.3 rebounds. Washington also allows 83.1 points per game, the second-lowest mark in the league.
Injuries: No Washington players were listed on the its injury report.
Phoenix Mercury Look to End Home Losing Streak
Phoenix has dropped three consecutive games, with all three defeats coming at home. The Mercury lost 88-85 against Portland, 99-89 against Atlanta and 94-84 against Washington. Phoenix has now lost four of its last five overall and is only 5-13 at Mortgage Matchup Center. The Mercury’s only victory during their last five games was a 94-87 home win over Los Angeles on August 11.
The Mercury average 84.0 points per game while allowing 87.9. Phoenix shoots 44.4% from the field and 32.6% from beyond the arc while averaging 31.7 rebounds and 19.9 assists. Kahleah Copper leads the scoring at 21.0 points per game. Alyssa Thomas contributes across several categories with 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 8.3 assists and 1.4 steals. DeWanna Bonner adds 10.6 points and 6.1 rebounds, giving Phoenix another experienced option in the frontcourt.
Injuries: Marta Suarez (Out), Jovana Nogic (Out).
Key Player Matchup
Shakira Austin vs Alyssa Thomas
Austin gives Washington a major presence around the basket, averaging 17.0 points and 9.6 rebounds while shooting 48.5% from the field. Thomas affects the game differently, averaging 14.8 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists while shooting 51.4%. Austin’s 2.0 offensive rebounds per game can help Washington create extra possessions against a Phoenix team that averages only 31.7 rebounds. Thomas needs to answer with her playmaking, where her 8.3 assists give the Mercury their strongest method of creating opportunities for teammates.
Washington Mystics vs Phoenix Mercury Game Pick
- Washington Mystics -2.5
Washington has already beaten Phoenix twice this month, winning both games by double digits, and the Mystics enter Thursday with four victories in their last five contests. Washington also owns a sizable rebounding advantage, averaging 37.8 boards compared with Phoenix’s 31.7, and allows only 83.1 points per game. Phoenix has dropped three consecutive home games and sits at 5-13 on its own court. With Washington playing better basketball recently and controlling both previous meetings, the Mystics are the choice to cover the 2.5-point spread Thursday night.
Washington Mystics vs Phoenix Mercury Over/Under Pick
- Over 167.5
Recent meetings between these teams support another game reaching the 168-point range. Washington and Phoenix combined for 178 points Tuesday after producing 170 in their first meeting this month. The Mystics have scored at least 93 points in four of their last five games, including 105 against Portland, while Phoenix has scored at least 84 in four straight. The Mercury have also allowed at least 88 points in four of their last five contests. With both season meetings clearing this number, Over 167.5 is the play Thursday.