New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury WNBA Playoffs Game 2 Prediction & Best Bets- 09/17/2025

The New York Liberty are set to host the Phoenix Mercury in Game 2 of their first round 2025 WNBA Playoffs series on Wednesday, September 17. The reigning champions will head into the game with a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series, and would seek a series sweep at home. 

Mercury, on the other hand, already lost a golden chance of dominating the series by taking advantage of favorable home conditions in the series opener. The upcoming game presents a do-or-die chance for them to keep their season alive and force a decider back home. 

In Game 1, Natasha Cloud emerged as the top scorer with her 23 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Phoenix was led by Kahleah Copper’s 15 points, two rebounds, and one assist. 

Would the Liberty be able to dominate their upper-seeded rivals at Barclays Center or would we see the series moving to PHX Arena for a decisive Game 3? Check out predictions related to player props, total and spread here. 

Where to Watch Liberty vs Mercury Game 2

Time:  8 pm ET
Venue: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
Where to Watch: ESPN, WNBA League Pass 

Liberty vs Aces Lineups, News, Form 

New York Liberty 

The Liberty are 17-5 at home and stand second within the WNBA in assists each game at 21.8, being led by Ionescu’s 5.7 each game. Talking about their shooting splits, the reigning champions shot 45.3% from the field, 2.6% more than what Phoenix lets its opponents shoot (42.7%). Here are a few stats about the Liberty. 

• Liberty’s leading scorer Breanna Stewart has 12 20+ point performances this season. 
• There have been 14 regular-season games where Jonquel Jones has grabbed eight or more rebounds. 
• The Liberty are 13-0 when their big three of Stewart, Jones and Ionescu have started and finished a game.

Liberty Expected Starting Lineups 

Breanna Stewart*, Leonie Fiebich, Jonquel Jones, Natasha Cloud, Sabrina Ionescu

Key Bench Players: Kennedy Burke, Marine Johanes, Nyara Sabally

Injuries: Breanna Stewart is listed as Questionable with her left knee injury. However, according to head coach Sandy Brondello’s update on her MRI report, fans can expect Stewart to suit up. 

Phoenix Mercury 

The Mercury, who face elimination in Game 2, are 12-10 on the road. They stand fifth in the Western Conference in terms of points in the paint, scoring 34.3 each game. 14.0 comes from Alyssa Thomas. Their total shooting percentage of 43.3% is higher than their average of 42.2%. Here are a few stats about them. 

• Satou Sabally shot 2 of 17 in Game 1. It is the second-lowest made field goals in WNBA playoff history with at least 15 attempts.
• Kahleah Copper has hit 8 of 33 of her three pointers in the last five games overall. 
• Sami Whitcomb recorded six turnovers in the last five regular season fixtures for the Mercury. 

Mercury Expected Starting Lineups 

Alyssa Thomas (F), Satou Sabally (F), Natasha Mack (C), Kahleah Copper (G), Monique Akoa Makani (G)

Key Bench Players: Kathryn Westbeld, Kalani Brown

Injuries: None. Everything is well with Phoenix. 

New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury Total Over/Under Prediction- WNBA Best Bets 

The Liberty have recorded six wins and four defeats in the last ten games, while they have seven wins and three defeats in last ten games at home. The total is averaging 165.10 points in the previous ten games, whereas, their rivals have an average of 168.90 total points in the previous 10 games on the road. 

During the last meeting between New York and Phoenix at Barclays Center, the total was 165 points. Considering their average and previous game’s score, I expect a high-scoring game to unfold on Wednesday. 

Total: Over 158.5 for -112 at FanDuel 

Here is an overview of my selections: 

New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury Player Props Predictions- WNBA Betting Picks 

Sabrina Ionescu O 18.5 Points: Ionescu maintains a postseason average of 15.2 points per game. In the series opener, she dropped 16 points, and in the upcoming game, we can expect her to make full use of homecourt conditions and rack up over 18.5 points. 

Satou Sabally U 14.5 Points: Satou Sabally failed to perform in the first game and could only score 9 points. The Liberty are expected to restrict her under in New York in a pivotal Game 2. 

Jonquel Jones O 8.5 Rebounds: Jones, who has an average of 9.6 rebounds per game in the postseason, grabbed 12 rebounds in the opening game. I see her record over 8.5 rebounds on Wednesday. 

Main Pick:  Sabrina Ionescu O 18.5 Points for -125 at FanDuel 

New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury Playoffs Game 2 Prediction 

The New York Liberty maintain an upper hand over the Phoenix Mercury as they gear up for Wednesday-night showdown. They also boast a powerful record at home, which increases their chances of winning the upcoming game. However, Breanna Stewart’s availability will play a major role in multiplying their winning chances, and they just cannot afford to be without her for any period of time right now. 

Expecting Stewart to be available for the upcoming game, the hosts are likely to sweep the series to advance to semifinals. 

Spread/ MoneyLine Pick: Liberty -2.5 for -150 at FanDuel 

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Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.

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