The nightcap to Friday’s five-game WNBA betting slate is a cross-conference showdown between the Atlanta Dream and Phoenix Mercury. This contest marks the rematch of a game played just over three weeks ago in which the Dream cruised to a blowout win on their home floor. The Mercury will hope that a two-day rest advantage and home court will be the perfect recipe to exact revenge tonight as they try to climb out of an early-season hole in the standings. The WNBA betting odds have indeed declared the home team as the favorite for today’s Dream vs Mercury prediction.
The following game preview includes our official Dream vs Mercury prediction, the injury report for both teams, WNBA betting odds from BetOnline Sportsbook, key betting trends and much more!
Dream vs Mercury Prediction, WNBA Betting Odds and Game Info
WNBA Regular Season Game
Atlanta Dream (7-5, 3-2 Away) vs. Phoenix Mercury (3-8, 2-3 Home)
Date: Friday, June 10, 2022
Time: 10 PM EST
Venue: Footprint Center — Phoenix, AZ
Coverage: CBSSN
Dream vs Mercury WNBA Betting Game Preview
Atlanta Dream Preview
Tonight’s contest marks the continuation of what will ultimately be a four-game road trip for the Dream. Atlanta has surprised many WNBA betting analysts with their strong start to the 2022 season. After all, it was just a few months ago that the Dream were picking Rhyne Howard first overall in the WNBA Draft. With Tiffany Hayes out indefinitely due to a knee injury, Howard has been thrust right into the spotlight as the Dream’s best offensive weapon. She leads Atlanta with 15.4 points per game coming into the day.
Because of the Dream’s offensive limitations, much of their early-season success can be chalked up to their suffocating defense. Statistically speaking, the Dream are well ahead of all other teams at that end of the floor. Atlanta ranks first in scoring defense (73.1), defensive rating (89.4) and opponent field goal percentage (38.3%). The status of veteran guard Erica Wheeler will be worth monitoring ahead of Friday’s matchup. She is listed as questionable on the injury report with a foot injury.
Phoenix Mercury Preview
Injuries and player absences, most notably that of Brittney Griner, have put the Mercury in a bit of a bind to begin the WNBA betting season. Phoenix finally managed to put an end to a seven-game losing skid by knocking off Los Angeles in their latest contest. Perhaps what was most encouraging about the Mercury’s win five days ago is that they earned it without the help of center Tina Charles. The veteran is once again designated as questionable for tonight’s matchup due to a shoulder injury.
With Sophie Cunningham also now set to miss a few weeks after sustaining an injury in Sunday’s game, Charles’ status proves even more vital to the Dream vs Mercury prediction. Phoenix has very little depth to spare at this juncture in the frontcourt. Fortunately, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Diana Taurasi and Diamond DeShields form arguably the best backcourt trio in the league today.
Dream vs Mercury WNBA Betting Odds
All WNBA betting odds for Dream vs Mercury can be found at BetOnline Sportsbook.
Moneyline: ATL: (+150) | PHX: (-170)
Point Spread: ATL: +4 (-110) | PHX: -4 (-110)
Total: 153.5 — Over: (-110) | Under: (-110)
Public (Spread) Betting Percentages via Action Network: ATL: (50%) | PHX: (50%)
Dream vs Mercury Betting Trends
- Dream are 4-0 ATS in their last four games against teams with a losing record.
- The UNDER is 11-2 in the Dream’s last 13 games following a straight up loss.
- The UNDER is 5-0-1 in the Mercury’s last six games following a straight up win.
- In the Mercury’s last four home games played as a betting favorite, the OVER is 3-0-1.
- Mercury are 5-1 ATS in their last six head-to-head matchups against the Dream played in Phoenix.
Atlanta Dream Injury Report
Out: Tiffany Hayes (knee)
Questionable: Erica Wheeler (foot)
Phoenix Mercury Injury Report
Out: Brittney Griner (personal); Kia Nurse (knee); Sophie Cunningham (elbow)
Questionable: Tina Charles (shoulder)
Dream vs Mercury Stats
- Atlanta is averaging 74.2 points per game (PPG) this season (No. 11 in the WNBA).
- Atlanta is surrendering 73.1 points per game (PPG) this season (No. 1 in the WNBA).
- Phoenix is averaging 79.9 points per game (PPG) this season (No. 6 in the WNBA).
- Phoenix is surrendering 86.0 points per game (PPG) this season (No. 10 in the WNBA).
Dream vs Mercury Prediction
The Dream and Mercury have been polar opposites of one another in more ways than one this season. One can take this narrative right down to the win-loss records of each respective club. While the Dream have probably been the most pleasant surprise in the early stages of the season, the Mercury have easily been one of the top disappointments.
There are also very few similarities to be found between these teams from a stylistic standpoint. The Dream thrive on playing an intense brand of defense and limiting the scoring of their opponents. For the Mercury, many games have seemed to take a “defense-optional” approach so far this season. Phoenix has surrendered 13 more points per game to their opponents than Atlanta coming into the day.
Despite the fact that the Mercury continue to be shorthanded in the frontcourt, the WNBA betting odds have tabbed them as the favorites at home tonight. If the spirited effort against L.A. on Sunday carries over to tonight, it’s hard to argue with that assessment.
At the end of the day, the Dream simply have very little offensive firepower. If Erica Wheeler is forced to miss tonight’s contest, that sentiment becomes even more true. Rhyne Howard alone cannot be expected to keep pace with Skylar Diggins-Smith, Diamond DeShields and the Mercury on the scoreboard.
Dream vs Mercury Prediction: Mercury -4 (-110 at BetOnline Sportsbook)
