What happened: The Minnesota Lynx face the Phoenix Mercury on Monday at Target Center. The contest marks the third regular-season meeting between the two franchises following a 34-point rout by the Lynx on June 3.
Why it matters: Minnesota holds first place in the WNBA standings with a 17-6 record and enters the game on a two-game winning streak. Phoenix sits at 8-16 on the season and looks to snap a three-game losing skid. In market context, the Lynx are listed as with the total set at 169.5.
By the numbers: Minnesota has won both prior meetings against Phoenix this season by an average margin of 19.0 points, claiming an 88-84 victory on May 12 and a 111-77 win on June 1. The Lynx average 90.0 points per game while allowing 80.9, compared to the Mercury averaging 82.6 points scored and 86.6 allowed.
What to watch: Following Monday's contest, both clubs continue their regular-season schedules heading into the mid-July stretch. Minnesota looks to maintain its hold on the top spot in the league standings while Phoenix attempts to climb back toward postseason contention.