WNBA · July 17, 2026

Connecticut Sun @ Phoenix Mercury

Free LineCrush game report for Connecticut Sun @ Phoenix Mercury on July 17, 2026, with matchup analysis and pick ideas generated for the daily slate. Reports can update as lineups, injuries, and odds develop, so confirm time-sensitive details before acting.

Matchup Analysis

Sun's retooled frontcourt vs Mercury's veteran core

Connecticut features Brittney Griner and Olivia Nelson-Ododa in the frontcourt against Phoenix's Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner.

Source

Youthful Sun backcourt faces Copper and Akoa Makani

Leila Lacan leads the Sun backcourt against Kahleah Copper and Monique Akoa Makani, with Copper established as the Mercury's primary perimeter threat.

Source

Wing duel: Diamond Miller vs Bonner and Brochant

Diamond Miller's length provides Connecticut a defensive counter for DeWanna Bonner and Noemie Brochant.

Source

Mercury's frontcourt rotation tests Griner

Alyssa Thomas anchors the Mercury frontcourt to challenge Griner in the post, while the perimeter rotation looks to pull Sun defenders away from the rim.

Source

Chemistry and continuity in a pivotal season for Connecticut

Phoenix's continuity with Thomas, Bonner, and Copper provides a stable late-game identity against a reconfigured Sun roster.

Source

Relocation backdrop adds urgency to Sun performance

The Sun's veteran core faces high expectations in this matchup against a playoff-experienced Mercury squad.

Source

Pick Ideas

Frontcourt-driven spread angle favoring Connecticut

Backing the Sun's interior duo of Griner and Nelson-Ododa suggests an advantage in rim protection and rebounding over the Mercury frontcourt.

Total under lean based on halfcourt focal points

A slower pace is likely as both teams run offense through frontcourt anchors Alyssa Thomas and Brittney Griner.

Brittney Griner points or points+rebounds overs

Griner's heavy interior usage as the Sun's primary center makes her points and rebounds overs attractive.

Kahleah Copper scoring overs in a perimeter-heavy role

Kahleah Copper's role as the Mercury's top perimeter scorer supports taking the over on her scoring props.

Alyssa Thomas rebounds+assists overs as a point-forward

Thomas's status as a point-forward who averaged 8.3 assists in her last 10 games favors her rebounds and assists combined overs.

Diamond Miller defensive stocks (steals+blocks) overs

Diamond Miller's activity at forward makes her a strong candidate for defensive stocks overs against Phoenix's veteran scorers.