The Atlanta Dream faced the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday, August 22, in a WNBA matchup featuring two teams heading in very different directions. Atlanta entered the game at 23-13, while Phoenix was 13-23 and looking to end a difficult stretch.
The game was scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Mortgage Matchup Center, with coverage available through WANF, Peachtree Sports Network, AZFamily and Victory+. Fans also had streaming options through Fubo.
Dream vs Mercury: Matchup Overview
Atlanta came into the contest in strong form, winning 10 of its previous 13 games. The Dream had also won their first two meetings with Phoenix during the 2026 season, taking an 82-80 decision on May 24 before producing a more convincing 96-82 victory on August 5.
The Dream’s recent offensive production made them one of the more dangerous teams in the league. Atlanta was averaging 91.2 points per game, good for third in the WNBA, while allowing 85.7 points per contest.
Phoenix, meanwhile, was averaging 83.9 points per game and allowing 87.5. The Mercury had lost five of their previous seven games entering the matchup.
Atlanta Dream Key Players
Allisha Gray was Atlanta’s leading scorer, averaging 19.5 points per game. Rhyne Howard provided another major scoring option with 18.1 points per contest, along with 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
Angel Reese was also a major factor for Atlanta, averaging 15.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game while shooting 43.1% from the field.
Jordin Canada supplied playmaking, averaging 11.5 points and a team-best 7.5 assists per game. Naz Hillmon, Madina Okot and Te-Hina Paopao also contributed important minutes.
Atlanta was without Brionna Jones, who was listed out with a left leg injury.
Phoenix Mercury Key Players
Kahleah Copper was the primary scoring threat for Phoenix, averaging 20.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game.
Alyssa Thomas continued to provide an all-around presence, posting 14.9 points, 8.2 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game. DeWanna Bonner and Jovana Nogic also gave the Mercury additional scoring options.
Kelsey Plum was another major storyline. After joining Phoenix during the season, Plum had averaged 17.3 points and 3.3 assists across four games with the Mercury. However, she was dealing with a leg issue and had missed the team’s previous two games.
Marta Suarez was also listed as questionable with a head injury.
Dream vs Mercury Injury Report
Atlanta’s main absence was Brionna Jones, who was ruled out because of a leg injury.
For Phoenix, Kelsey Plum was listed out with a calf injury, while Marta Suarez was questionable because of a head issue.
Plum’s availability was particularly important because her scoring ability could significantly affect Phoenix’s offensive production.
Dream vs Mercury Odds
The betting lines varied depending on the sportsbook and timing. One set of pregame numbers had Atlanta as a 9.5-point favorite, with the Dream at -303 on the moneyline and Phoenix at +240. The total was listed at 175.5 points.
Another pregame line had Atlanta favored by 7.5 points, with a -325 moneyline and Phoenix at +260. That version listed the total at 177.5.
Because betting lines can move before tipoff, fans should check their preferred sportsbook for the latest numbers.
Why Atlanta Had the Edge
The Dream entered the matchup with considerably stronger momentum. Their 23-13 record placed them among the better teams in the WNBA, while their recent run of 10 wins in 13 games showed how effectively they had been playing.
Atlanta also had a significant offensive advantage. The Dream averaged 91.2 points per game compared with Phoenix’s 83.9.
The previous meeting offered another reason for optimism. Atlanta scored 96 points against the Mercury on August 5 and controlled that game for most of the night.
Can Phoenix Keep Pace?
Phoenix’s best opportunity was to turn the game into an offensive battle. Copper remained one of the team’s most reliable scorers, while Thomas could create opportunities as both a scorer and playmaker.
The Mercury’s home-court advantage also provided a potential boost. However, Phoenix needed a more efficient performance than it had shown during its recent stretch of losses.
If Plum was unavailable, the Mercury would have to find additional offensive production to keep up with an Atlanta team averaging more than 91 points per game.
Dream vs Mercury Prediction
Atlanta entered the matchup as the stronger team based on its record, recent form and season-long offensive numbers.
The Dream had already defeated Phoenix twice this season and appeared to have the more balanced roster heading into the third meeting. Atlanta’s combination of scoring from Gray and Howard, Reese’s rebounding presence and Canada’s playmaking gave the Dream several ways to attack.
The strongest statistical case was for another high-scoring contest. Atlanta had scored at least 100 points in three of its previous five games and had not scored fewer than 91 during that stretch.
Phoenix was also capable of contributing offensively, particularly through Copper and Thomas. That combination made the over an appealing pregame angle in the available 177.5-point market.
The matchup ultimately centered on whether Phoenix could slow Atlanta’s high-powered offense and generate enough points of its own to remain competitive.
How to Watch Dream vs Mercury
The Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury game was scheduled for Saturday, August 22, at 10 p.m. ET.
- Teams: Atlanta Dream vs Phoenix Mercury
- Venue: Mortgage Matchup Center
- Tipoff: 10 p.m. ET
- TV: WANF, Peachtree Sports Network, AZFamily and Victory+
- Streaming: Fubo
Final Takeaway
Dream vs Mercury was an important contrast between an Atlanta team building strong momentum and a Phoenix squad trying to reverse a difficult run. Atlanta’s superior record, recent form and scoring numbers made the Dream the clear favorite heading into the matchup.
With Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard and Angel Reese leading Atlanta and Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas carrying the main load for Phoenix, the game featured plenty of offensive firepower.
For fans searching for Dream vs Mercury results, odds, predictions, injury news and how to watch information, the August 22 matchup provided another significant chapter in the teams’ 2026 WNBA seasons.
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