When the Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury game starts tonight, expect sparks to fly. These are two of the hottest teams in the league: both riding multi-game win streaks, both locked in a battle for playoff positioning, and both desperate to prove they belong among the elite. With the margins this tight, the outcome could swing at any moment.
Phoenix, however, holds the home-court advantage. The Mercury boasts an impressive 11-4 record at home, and their last home outing was a statement blowout with a 35-point dismantling of the visiting Indiana Fever. Can Atlanta break through Phoenix’s fortress and keep their streak alive? To have a better knowledge of that, let’s take a look at the injury reports and the projected starting five of both teams.
Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury: Where to watch?
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2025
Time: 03:00 PM PST/ 06:00 PM EST
Venue: PHX Arena, Phoenix, AZ
Fans at home have plenty of ways to watch. Cable viewers can tune in to NBA TV, Peachtree TV, AZFamily, or Merc+. Streaming options include WNBA League Pass, Fubo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Whatever your screen of choice, you won’t miss a single play.
Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury Injury Report
This season of the WNBA is riddled with injuries. Many star players and their teams have been affected by untimely injuries. The Atlanta Dream is also one of them, with two key players on the bench. However, the Phoenix Mercury roster has avoided this major issue in the league with ease.
Atlanta Dream
Rhyne Howard: Out (Knee injury)
Brittney Griner: Out (Neck injury)
Rhyne Howard suffered a left knee injury against the Indiana Fever, landing awkwardly during a second-quarter rebound attempt. She needed help leaving the court but returned to start the second half, noticeably limping. Although listed for a potential return on August 10, her status for the Mercury matchup remains questionable.
Brittney Griner is also aiming for an August 10 return, but is questionable to face Phoenix. A neck injury has sidelined her for multiple games, with no official details on its severity. She was initially ‘doubtful’ for an earlier game against the Mercury before being ruled out entirely. Before this season, Griner was ejected from a game against the Dallas Wings after receiving two technical fouls.
Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury roster is not suffering from any injuries at the moment. They will have all eleven players available for the game.
Predicted Starting Lineup
Atlanta Dream
Jordin Canada
Brionna Jones
Allisha Gray
Naz Hillmon
Maya Caldwell
Phoenix Mercury
Alyssa Thomas
Kahleah Copper
Satou Sabally
Natasha Mack
Monique Akoa Makani
Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury prediction: Which team will emerge victorious?
On paper, these two teams are nearly identical. Atlanta averages 84.6 points per game on 44.2 percent shooting, while Phoenix puts up 83.7 points on 43.5 percent. But the Dream holds the defensive edge, boasting a +6.1 point differential compared to the Mercury’s +4.0. This is thanks in part to stronger numbers in assists, blocks, and steals per game.
Phoenix, though, is a different beast at home. Their recent demolition of the Indiana Fever is proof, and their offense will once again run through Satou Sabally, DeWanna Bonner, and Alyssa Thomas. Atlanta will counter with its own trio of Brionna Jones, Jordin Canada, and Allisha Gray in search of game-changing moments.
Jul 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) shoots the ball while Washington Mystics guard Jade Melbourne (5) defends in the fourth quarter at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Emily Faith Morgan-Imagn Images
But the past matchups of these two powerhouses should also be taken into consideration. In their two previous faceoffs, Atlanta has emerged victorious both times. The Dream defeated the Mercury 95-72 in their last meeting on August 1 as Allisha Gray led the Dream with 26 points. Even ESPN’s analytics give Atlanta a slim advantage at 53.8 percent.
But Phoenix enters this clash riding the momentum of that last home blowout. Will the Mercury finally crack the Dream this season? The answer comes at tip-off on Sunday.
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