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Mystics vs. Mercury preview: Washington looks to bounce back at home against Phoenix

The Mystics are playing their home matinee of the season at Capital One Arena.

By Greydy Diaz
Washington Mystics v Los Angeles Sparks Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images

After losing to the Sparks, the Mystics (9-4) have returned home to face the Mercury (6-6). It will be their first meeting of the season.

Game Info

When: Wednesday July 10 at 11:30 a.m. ET

Where: Capital One Arena

How to watch: Twitter

Injury Report

Mystics: Elena Delle Donne (Face, Questionable), Kiara Leslie (Knee, Out), Emma Meesseman (Overseas Commitments), Kim Mestdagh (Overseas Commitments)

Phoenix: Diana Taurasi (Back, Questionable)

Pregame notes

Washington needs to arrive ready

The Mystics need to be prepared to go even harder if Delle Donne isn’t ready to play against Phoenix. Last game, we saw Aerial Powers step up with a season-high 24 points and Toliver put up 18 points but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The Mystics were outscored three out of the four quarters so going into this game they need to start and finish the game strong.

There’s no question that the Mystics have great depth this season but they need to showcase their talent whether they are down a player or have everyone healthy.

Brittney Griner and DeWanna Bonner need to be contained

Griner and Bonner are leading their team in minutes played, points, and rebounds per game. Griner, who is averaging 19.6 points per game, is coming off a win against Atlanta where she dropped a season-high 31 points. DeWanna is right behind her averaging 18.5 points. They are going to make the Mystics work on both ends of the court.

The Mystics will be back in their old stomping grounds

The Mystics haven’t played at Capital One Arena since last regular season so it might be a little odd for them to play there especially after they have gotten comfortable in their new arena. They’ve had the chance to fill most seats at the Entertainment and Sports Arena which has created a fun environment for them to feed off of so going back to Capital One Arena isn’t ideal.

The reason why the Mystics are playing at Capital One Arena is because it’s for their annual camp game which attracts many more children than the Entertainment and Sports Arena alone can provide.