Mercury vs. Sparks WNBA prediction, odds and key players for Tuesday, September 17 (Can P

The Phoenix Mercury have already secured a playoff spot before Tuesday's game against the Los Angeles Sparks, but could still finish the season with a .500 record if they win the regular season.

Phoenix is ​​the favorite on the road in this game, but will be without several key players in Rebecca Allen, Charisma Osborne and Kahleah Copper. The loss of Copper – the team's leading scorer – is the biggest, but bookmakers still believe Phoenix can hold their own against the worst team in the WNBA.

The Sparks are also struggling with numerous injury problems, as Cameron Brink, Aaro McDonald, Layshia Clarendon and Lexie Brown will all miss this game.

Here's a look at the odds, the key players to watch, and my prediction for Tuesday's game.

Opportunities via DraftKings Sportsbook.

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Mercury Injury Report

Sparks Injury Report

Phoenix Mercury

Sophie Cunningham: With Kahleah Copper out tonight, Sophie Cunningham should play a bigger role after scoring 13 points in a win over the Sky in her last game. A solid 3-point shooter, Cunningham is averaging 8.2 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game while shooting 42.8 percent from the field and 37.7 percent from the three-point line.

Los Angeles Lakers

Rickea Jackson: Jackson is one of the more consistent rookies this season, averaging 13.4 points per game. She has scored 22 or more points in three of her last four games. Since the Olympic break (13 games), Jackson is averaging 16.3 points per game and shooting 48.5 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from the three-point line.

Since the Olympic break, the Sparks have had a net rating of -10.7, by far the worst in the WNBA.

That simply won't cut it, especially since the Mercury still have Natasha Cloud, Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi in action in this game.

Los Angeles has a great rookie scorer in Jackson, but other than her and Dearica Hamby, there are very few proven offensive players on this Los Angeles roster.

The Sparks have lost seven games in a row and nine of their last ten games.

Even if Copper is out, the Mercury should win this game pretty easily.

Selection: Mercury -2.5 (-110)

The odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

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