MERCURY VS LIBERTY PREDICTIONS, PICKS & ODDS FOR TONIGHT’S WNBA GAME

The New York Liberty host the Phoenix Mercury in a WNBA matchup on July 25, featuring the second-seeded Liberty against the third-seeded Mercury. While the Mercury won the first two meetings this season, predictions favor the defending champion Liberty to win this game.

The Liberty enter the game on a four-game winning streak, with each victory by at least nine points, including a recent sweep of the Indiana Fever. Key to their success is the return of Jonquel Jones from an ankle injury; in her first game back, she led the team with 18 points and 9 rebounds. The Liberty boast a 9-1 record in games Jones has played and are 11-2 at home with a +12.5 point differential.

The Mercury, starting a five-game road trip, are on a two-game losing streak and risk their first three-game losing streak of the season with a defeat. Despite covering as 11.5-point underdogs and winning decisively (106-91) in New York on June 27, the prediction notes Jones played only nine total minutes against Phoenix this year due to injury. Her return is expected to restore the Liberty's balance and offensive potency.

Specific predictions include the Liberty covering a -5.5 point spread. Prop bets highlighted are Jonquel Jones exceeding 7.5 rebounds (she averages 9.5 and has hit 8+ in 7 of 10 games) and Sabrina Ionescu making over 2.5 three-pointers (her shooting against Phoenix this season is 20%, 5-for-25). Jones' presence is seen as potentially creating better perimeter opportunities for Ionescu.