Phoenix at Chicago

The Chicago Sky made the playoffs with a very shaky record, in part created by the rash of injuries that plagued them all season. They had a couple of games late in the season where they had a healthy team, and made a run to get to the Finals. The problem is that despite a healthier lineup, they just have not had enough time together on the court to make it work against an elite team. Phoenix is noted for their strong offense, and why not? They've got Diana Turasi outside, and Britney Griner inside on both ends, and that is an extremely difficult combo to defend. This game is a complete mismatch, even on the road for the Mercury, who have stymied the Sky's offense in holding them under 40% shooting in each of the first two games. Perhaps a foreshadowing of what to expect here is the fact that including the two playoff losses to Phoenix, the Sky have gone 1-12 straight-up vs. the tougher Western Conference this season. They have no choice but to come out and play with intensity on the defensive end, but this is a team that has not gotten out of the 60s in 14 games this season, including the first two in this series. Phoenix doesn't get their due on defense, but they have held 10 of their last 17 opponents to under 70 points, not including overtime, and the Sky has yet to see 70 points in four tries against them this season. That certainly makes the total appear to be tough to take down in this one. Phoenix is 15-5-1 ATS when following a spread win in their last 21, and own a 19-7-1 mark to the UNDER in their last 27 on a pair of days rest. Chicago is just 7-20 ATS in their last 27 vs. the West, and have played five straight to the UNDER on a pair of days rest. Take Phoenix to claim the WNBA crown and back the UNDER in this one.