The Minnesota Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury matchup is one to watch out for in the WNBA calendar. With both teams considered to be among the most successful in the league’s history, there is always an added intrigue when these two teams meet up. In the 2025 WNBA season as well, they are sitting at the first and second seeds, as of now.
The Lynx and Mercury have faced each other three times in the current season. Their first two meetings arrived relatively early into the season, with Minnesota winning them both. However, in their most recent match-up, the Phoenix Mercury got a taste of revenge with a 79-71 victory over the Lynx. With their final match-up of the season set to take place on July 16, it will be interesting to see if the Lynx will win the season series or will the Mercury will even it all up.
Where to Watch This High-Stakes Encounter?
Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN.
This high-stakes game between the league’s top two sides can be seen both on television and via online streaming services. For viewers willing to watch the game live on TV, they can view it on ESPN and FanDuel Sports Network.
If you want to catch the game live via online streaming, the game will be available to stream via the WNBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Minnesota Lynx
Karlie Samuelson: Out (Foot surgery)
The Minnesota Lynx were dealt a blow when their guard Karlie Samuelson injured her foot during the game against the Connecticut Sun on June 29. After going through MRIs, it was confirmed that she has suffered a Lisfranc fracture.
After the injury was confirmed, Samuelson underwent surgery for it and will, unfortunately, miss the rest of the season.
Phoenix Mercury
Kahleah Cooper: Out (Hamstring)
Kahleah Cooper suffered a hamstring injury during the game against the Dallas Wings on July 3. After appearing on the injury report, she was considered day-to-day. However, according to the latest reports, she is out for the game against the Minnesota Lynx.
Satou Sabally
The Phoenix Mercury guard Satau Sabally also suffered an injury during the same July 3 game against the Dallas Wings. Although considered day-to-day, her status for the pivotal game against the Minnesota Lynx remains doubtful.
Lexi Held
The Mercury’s rookie guard, Lexi Held, suffered a partial collapsed lung (pneumothorax) in a game against the New York Liberty. No timetable was provided for Lexi Held’s return to play. However, according to the recent reports, her status for the game will be a Game Time Decision by the coaching and the medical staff.
Predicted Starting Lineup
Minnesota Lynx
Bridget Carleton
Napheesa Collier
Kayla McBride
Alanna Smith
Courtney Williams
Phoenix Mercury
Monique Akoa-Makani
Natasha Mack
Alyssa Thomas
Kathryn Westbeld
Sami Whitcomb
Will the Minnesota Lynx Win Tonight?
According to ESPN’s matchup predictor, the Minnesota Lynx have a 75.8% chance of winning the game. With both teams at the top of the league standings, Minnesota’s home advantage may play a big part. The Lynx also has the better defense with allowing just 75.3 points per game as compared to the Mercury’s 79.3.
Offensively, both teams are fairly similar, with Lynx scoring 84.9 points per game as compared to Mercury’s 84.2 points per game. With both teams evenly matched, the game could go either way. The Phoenix Mercury has an ace up their sleeve with the recent addition of DeWanna Bonner. Will that be enough to tip the beat the best team in the league at their home court? That is the million-dollar question….
The post Minnesota Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury: Injury Report, Starting-5, Prediction, and More on WNBA Preview appeared first on EssentiallySports.