San Antonio Silver Stars at Chicago Sky
The Silver Stars are aiming to get back in the mix of the WNBA’s Western Conference. However, they may have to take the first steps without their best player.
Point guard Becky Hammon is nursing a quadriceps injury that forced her to miss the league’s All-Star festivities last week and could have her out of the lineup again against the Sky Wednesday night.
San Antonio lost three of four games heading into the break, going 1-3 against the spreads. The Silver Stars’ most recent defeat was an 89-68 beating at the hands of the Minnesota Lynx.
Forward Sophia Young was the only starter to crack double figures in scoring in that loss, getting help from Jayne Appel and Roneeka Hodges off the bench. San Antonio will be asking everyone to step up against Chicago, but that might not be enough with Hammon on the sidelines.
Pick: Chicago
Seattle Storm at Phoenix Mercury
The Seattle Storm put together a stellar first half of the WNBA schedule, posting a 16-2 record with an 11-7 mark against the spread. But a week-long layoff could snap any momentum the Storm have built, especially after winning seven straight outings.
"I feel every game we play, we are going to have the opportunity to win it,” Seattle forward Swin Cash told reporters. “Even when we're down, I feel like we have the pieces that can get it done. It's just about what it is that each person who comes in can bring to the table."
The biggest thing on the Storm’s side this season has been the lack of injuries to key players. Cash, who has battled knee injuries throughout her pro career, is averaging almost 16 points and Lauren Jackson, who missed the team’s last game with a concussion, hasn’t suffered any of her normal season-shortening injuries. Point guard Sue Bird has been the only member of the Storm truly hampered by injuries, but has fought through knee and back ailments.
If Seattle is going to keep the same pace it had in the first half of the season, it must start with a win over the defending WNBA champs Wednesday. The Storm have already knocked off the Mercury twice this season, covering in both contests.
Pick: Seattle