It’s a battle for Top-3 on the regular season table this Friday. Both Phoenix Mercury and Atlanta Dream have notched 16 wins so far. But Nate Tibbetts’ team sits slightly higher in the standings, thanks to one fewer loss than the Dream. However, Phoenix has struggled recently with just one win in its last five games, and Atlanta comes in with stronger momentum, winning three of their last five.

When these two teams last met, the Dream walked away with an impressive 11-point victory. Allisha Gray steamrolled Mercury with 28 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds. Now will the higher-ranked Mercury bounce back, or will the surging Dream continue their climb? Before tip-off, let’s break down the injury report and the projected starting lineups for both teams.

Phoenix Mercury vs Atlanta Dream: Where to watch

Date: Friday, August 1, 2025

Time: 04:30 PM PST/ 07:30 PM EST

Venue: Gateway Center, College Park, GA

For fans planning to watch from the comfort of their homes, there are plenty of viewing options available. The game will be broadcast on ION for those with cable access. Prefer streaming? You can catch all the action live on WNBA League Pass, Fubo, SlingTV, or YouTube TV.

Phoenix Mercury vs Atlanta Dream Injury Report

While Phoenix Mercury look set for a smooth sail, the Dream are missing just the crucial pieces.

Phoenix Mercury

Currently, no player from the Phoenix Mercury is injured.

Atlanta Dream

• Jordin Canada: GTD (Game Time Decision)
• Brittney Griner: GTD (Game Time Decision)
• Rhyne Howard: OUT (Knee)

Jordin Canada was a late addition to the Dream’s injury report due to an illness. She was replaced by Te-Hina Paopao in the starting lineup against Dallas. Her next chance to return will be Friday’s game against the Phoenix Mercury, though her status remains uncertain and will be determined closer to tip-off. She is a vital part of the team, averaging 11.6 points and 5.4 assists per game. The decision of Brittney Griner playing on Friday is also doubtful due to a neck injury.

As for Rhyne Howard, she has been sidelined since suffering a left knee injury on July 11 during a matchup against the Indiana Fever. Howard landed awkwardly while fighting for a rebound and, although she briefly returned in the second half, the Dream later announced she would be out for the rest of July. The injury also forced her to miss the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, despite earning a spot as a reserve. She has yet to make her return to the court. While her expected return date is set to be August 1, no confirmation has been given by the Atlanta Dream.

Predicted Starting Lineup

Phoenix Mercury

• Alyssa Thomas
• Natasha Mack
• Satou Sabally
• Kahleah Copper
• Monique Akoa Makani

Atlanta Dream

• Brionna Jones
• Naz Hillmon
• Allisha Gray
• Maya Caldwell
• Te-Hina Paopao

Phoenix Mercury vs Atlanta Dream Prediction: Who will emerge victorious?

This game holds significant weight for both teams as they look to climb the leaderboard. Statistically, the Dream and Mercury are evenly matched. The Mercury are averaging 83.8 points per game, while the Dream closely trail at 83.6. Their numbers in rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals are also nearly identical. However, the Dream comes into this matchup riding a win streak, though their momentum could be disrupted.

Their center, Brittney Griner, may miss Friday’s game, and with Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard also sidelined, the team’s depth will be put to the test. Despite their recent form, these absences could prove costly. On the other side, the Mercury have hit a rough patch, losing six of their last ten games. Their latest defeat to the Indiana Fever was particularly painful.

After building a 10-point lead in the first quarter against the Fever, their offense faltered and they ultimately lost by six. Once considered a team on the rise, Phoenix now risks slipping further down the standings if this trend continues. In their previous meeting, Atlanta dominated the Mercury, outscoring them in every quarter. DeWanna Bonner led Phoenix with 18 points, but her solo effort couldn’t match the combined threat of Allisha Gray and Brittney Griner, who powered the Dream to a comfortable win.

Despite the Dream’s current injury woes, they are still the favorites heading into this matchup. ESPN analytics give Atlanta a 68.5% chance of winning, compared to just 31.5% for Phoenix. The final outcome, however, will be decided on the court this Friday.