The Phoenix Mercury is entering a critical stretch as they fight for a playoff spot. Their recent win against the Chicago Sky—dominant, 86-68—showed what this team is capable of when clicking on all cylinders. More than that, it gave them their sixth win in their last ten games, continuing to cement the impression that this is a team never to be counted out.

With preparations going on for tonight’s showdown against the Atlanta Dream, all eyes are going to be on their star players, Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, whose availability seems imperative for the Mercury as far as the game outcome is concerned. With the problems of injuries being a major issue with the team this season, once again the question goes through fans’ minds: who will be healthy enough to take the court tonight? With these two teams so close in the standings, this game might be a determining one in the Mercury’s playoff hopes.

Mercury’s injury status

The veteran, Diana Taurasi, has battled some sort of injury all season long. As per the last report, Taurasi is expected to play tonight versus the Dream. Her presence will be huge for the Mercury, as she brings unmatched experience, leadership, and scoring ability with her. Taurasi now averages 15.7 points, 2.8 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, remaining a crucial element for Phoenix in their schemes on both ends of the floor. Additionally, also expected to feature in tonight’s game is the dominant center, Brittney Griner. As for Griner’s presence on the court, she averaged 18.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.

While Taurasi and Brittney Griner are in for the action, the Mercury still faces injuries in the form of other important players. Charisma Osborne, the Mercury guard is one of the central players who will miss out on the game tonight. She suffered a lower leg injury recently.

Another guard, Rebecca Allen, is currently sitting out with a hamstring injury. Allen hasn’t played since mid-July, and initially, it was announced that she would be sidelined till the Olympic break. Now that the W has resumed after the break, Allen is due for evaluation in the coming weeks. However, missing another Mercury player might pose an issue that may hamper the teamwork. As the matchup is just around the corner, what can we expect from this matchup?

What to expect against the Dream

The Atlanta Dream will be looking to clinch that playoff spot, making them one of the most intimidating opponents for tonight’s showdown. Allisha Gray has led with 15.7 points per game throughout the season while being a constant threat against the defense. They also have a balanced attack that gets contributions from other players too, making them hard to knock out for any team.

However, the Dream’s injury roster is marked with players such as Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, whose status reads day-to-day injury and is questionable to return tonight. In another case, Aerial Powers faced a calf injury, and the franchise is yet to share her return timetable.

For the Mercury, containment of Gray and overall paint could be a game changer. Clutch scoring and leadership from Taurasi will also be integral in close situations where experience tips over the scales for the Phoenix team. That defense must be on high alert since transition play has created many opportunities for the Dream to score quickly.

It all boils down to Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner if the Phoenix Mercury are to come up with a win tonight against the Atlanta Dream. Having the star power between these two will hopefully mean the Mercury can take the much-needed win and avenge their previous loss against the Dream.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.