What Happened
The Phoenix Mercury are set to face the Dallas Wings in a WNBA matchup on June 11, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET. This game is particularly notable as both teams are welcoming back key players from injuries. Alyssa Thomas, a veteran guard for the Mercury, is returning after a five-game absence due to a calf injury, while Paige Bueckers, the rookie sensation for the Wings, is back after missing four games due to a concussion and illness. The game is part of the Commissioner’s Cup, an in-season tournament, and marks the first meeting between these two teams in the current season.
The Mercury, currently holding a record of 6-4, are looking to bounce back from a recent loss to the Seattle Storm, while the Wings are struggling with a 1-9 record. The matchup is expected to be competitive, especially with the return of both star players, although there are questions about how effectively they will perform given their recent injuries.
Key Details
- Game Date and Time: June 11, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET
- Location: PHX Arena, Phoenix, AZ
- Current Records:
- Phoenix Mercury: 6-4
- Dallas Wings: 1-9
- Key Players Returning:
- Alyssa Thomas (Mercury): Averaging 15.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.6 assists in her first five games.
- Paige Bueckers (Wings): Averaging 15.7 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in her last three games before injury.
- Betting Odds:
- Spread: Dallas +5, Phoenix -5
- Moneyline: Dallas +175, Phoenix -210
- Over/Under: 167 points
- Injury Updates:
- Mercury: Alyssa Thomas (Probable), Natasha Mack (Probable), Megan McConnell (Out), Kahleah Copper (Out)
- Wings: Teaira McCowan (Out), Tyasha Harris (Out)
Multiple Perspectives
Opinions on the impact of the returning players vary. Some analysts suggest that Alyssa Thomas may not play her usual minutes due to her recent injury, which could limit her effectiveness. Jason Logan, a senior betting analyst, predicts that Thomas might not reach her typical output, particularly if the game becomes one-sided. He notes that the Wings have a poor defensive rating, which could allow the Mercury to dominate, potentially leading to Thomas being rested in the second half.
Conversely, the return of Paige Bueckers is seen as a significant boost for the Wings. Dallas head coach Chris Koclanes confirmed that Bueckers would not be under a minutes restriction, suggesting confidence in her ability to contribute immediately. Analysts expect her to have a substantial impact on the Wings’ offensive performance, which has struggled in her absence.
Context & Background
The WNBA’s Commissioner’s Cup serves as an in-season tournament aimed at increasing competitiveness and fan engagement. The Mercury have had a mixed start to the season but are looking to leverage their home-court advantage against a struggling Wings team. The return of key players like Thomas and Bueckers is crucial not only for their respective teams’ performance but also for the narrative of the season as both players are considered pivotal to their teams’ success.
The game is also significant in the context of the Wings’ season. With a poor record, they are in desperate need of a win to build momentum and confidence. The Mercury, on the other hand, are aiming to solidify their position in the playoff race with a strong performance against a lower-ranked opponent.
What We Don’t Know Yet
While both teams are optimistic about the returns of their star players, uncertainties remain regarding their performance levels. Alyssa Thomas’s ability to play a full game without restrictions is still in question, as is her overall impact following her injury. Similarly, while Paige Bueckers is cleared to play, it is unclear how quickly she will regain her pre-injury form after missing several games.
Additionally, the overall dynamics of the game could shift based on the performance of other players on both teams, particularly given the injuries affecting both rosters. The outcome of this game could have implications for both teams’ trajectories as they navigate the remainder of the season.
In summary, the matchup between the Mercury and the Wings presents a compelling narrative of recovery and potential resurgence, with both teams looking to capitalize on the return of their star players in a critical early-season contest.
