The WNBA season heats up as the top two teams in the Western Conference, the Minnesota Lynx and the Phoenix Mercury, are set to clash on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. This highly anticipated matchup at the Target Center in Minneapolis carries significant weight as both teams look to solidify their positions before the upcoming All-Star break. The Lynx, currently leading the Western Conference with an impressive 19-4 record, hold a three-game cushion over the second-place Mercury, who stand at 15-6. The game is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. EST (12:00 p.m. CT) and will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network North and Arizona’s Family Sports, with live streaming available via the WNBA app.
This will be the fourth meeting between these two formidable squads this season, with the Minnesota Lynx currently holding a 2-1 advantage in the regular season series. Their first encounter on May 30 saw the Lynx edge out the Mercury 74-71 in Phoenix, a tight contest that set the tone for their rivalry. Just a few days later, on June 3, the Lynx dominated at home, securing an 88-65 victory over the Mercury at the Target Center. However, the most recent matchup on July 9 saw the Phoenix Mercury claim an 8-point victory, defeating the Lynx 79-71 in Phoenix. This recent win for the Mercury, despite facing significant injury challenges, highlights their resilience and ability to compete at a high level even when shorthanded.
Injuries are a major storyline heading into Wednesday’s game, particularly for the Phoenix Mercury. The team has been significantly impacted by the absence of key players. As of July 15, the Mercury’s injury report lists Kahleah Copper (Right Hamstring), Satou Sabally (Right Ankle), Lexi Held (Pneumothorax), and Monique Akoa Makani (Concussion) all as out for the contest. These absences will undoubtedly place a greater burden on the remaining roster, especially on star players like Alyssa Thomas. For the Minnesota Lynx, the injury report is much lighter, with only Karlie Samuelson listed as out due to a foot injury.
The Minnesota Lynx enter this game with a significant home-court advantage, boasting a perfect 11-0 record at the Target Center in regular season games. This unblemished home record is a testament to their consistent performance and the strong support they receive from their fans. The Lynx have also demonstrated their ability to cover the spread, doing so in 13 of their 23 appearances in the 2025 season, according to Sports Illustrated. Their strong overall record and league-best net rating further underscore their dominance this season.
Given the Mercury’s extensive injury list, the performance of Alyssa Thomas will be critical. Thomas has been a consistent force for Phoenix, averaging 9.6 assists per game this season. She has recorded 10 or more assists in four of her last six games and eight of 16 total games in the 2025 season, making her a strong candidate for prop bets in the assists market. Her ability to facilitate offense and threaten a triple-double nightly will be crucial for the Mercury to stay competitive against the league-leading Lynx. Betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook reflect the Lynx’s favored status, with Minnesota opening as 8-point favorites (-110) and a moneyline of -360, while the Mercury are +8 (-110) with a moneyline of +285. The total for the game is set at 161.5 points.
As both teams prepare for their final game before the All-Star break, the Minnesota Lynx will be looking to protect their perfect home record and enter the break on a high note, further solidifying their position atop the Western Conference. The Phoenix Mercury, despite their injury woes, will aim to replicate their recent success against the Lynx and prove their mettle as a top contender. This matchup promises to be a compelling display of WNBA talent and strategy.
