Phoenix Mercury at Chicago Sky odds, picks and predictions

The Phoenix Mercury (13-12) visit the Chicago Sky (10-14) Thursday for the 1st WNBA action in almost a month due to its Olympic break. Tip from Wintrust Arena is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Mercury vs. Sky odds, and make our expert WNBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting of season
Phoenix snapped a 2-game losing streak with a 96-87 win over the Washington Mystics while covering as a 4.5-point road favorite in its last game on July 16. C Brittney Griner, who was part of Team USA that took home gold, scored a game-high 23 points while the Mercury had 5 players  score in double digits. The team shot 53.8% from the field in the win.
Chicago snapped a 2-game losing streak with a 93-85 win over the Las Vegas Aces to cover as a 13-point road underdog in its last game on July 16. G Chennedy Carter led all scorers with 34 points while F Angel Reese had a double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds). The Sky shot 48.6% from the field in the win.
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:12 a.m. ET.
Mercury 87, Sky 79
PASS.
There is better value on the Phoenix spread.
BET MERCURY -2.5 (-115).
The Mercury had 3 players (Griner, G Kahleah Copper, and 6-time gold winner G Diana Taurasi) on the US Olympic team this summer which will play a large role in the fluidity of the team returning to WNBA play after extended time off. Phoenix has been hot offensively over its recent games while the same is not to be said about Chicago. The Sky’s offense largely revolves around Carter and Reese while the team has scored 78 or fewer points in 4 of its last 5 games.
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LEAN OVER 165.5 (-110).
While both teams are coming off a near-month break, expect a fast pace in Thursday’s matchup. The Mercury have scored 84 or more points in 5 of their last 6 games and 82 or more in 8 of their last 10 while allowing 83 or more in 7 of their last 8 games. The Sky have allowed 81 or more in 7 of their last 10 including 5 of their last 6.
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