The WNBA Finals have exploded in a high-octane drama, where hosts Las Vegas Aces recorded wins in the first two games to take a 2-0 lead in the series. After clinching a narrow 3-point win in the series opener, the Aces expanded their winning margin to 13 points in Game 2 and handed their rivals a commanding 91-78 defeat.
Jackie Young led the charge for the Aces, posting 32 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. She also created history by recording the most points in a quarter of the WNBA Finals. A’ja Wilson, the Las Vegas superstar, recorded the 25th double-double of her playoffs career and eighth double-double of her finals career.
Mercury led the game in the opening quarter, but it didn’t take much time for the hosts to comeback. The series heads to Phoenix Arena in Phoenix for Game 3 on October 8.
When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 | 8 pm ET
Venue: PHX Arena, Footprint Center, Phoenix
Where to Watch: ESPN, ABC | Live Stream: WNBA League Pass
After embracing the role of underdogs in the regular season, the Mercury have been phenomenal in the playoffs. They have dominated at home in the postseason, which boosts their confidence as the series proceeds to Phoenix Arena. Apart from it, their revamped roster bolstered by Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally alongside Kahleah Copper presents challenges to the Aces, powered by Wilson.
While Copper has been leading the team in the ongoing best-of-seven series, Thomas and Sabally have been lagging behind a bit. However, as the series progresses, they are expected to deliver powerful performances in their own backyard.
Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, Natasha Mack, Kahleah Copper, Monique Akoa Makani
Key Bench Players: Sami Whitcomb, DeWanna Bonner
Injuries: None
After playing the first half of the season in shadows, the Aces finished the regular season on a powerful 16-game winning streak. Powered by A’ja Wilson’s overall dominance on the court, they have maintained the poise in the playoffs as well. Backed by the powerful gameplay of four-time MVP and Jackie Young’s explosion in Game 2, the Aces are eyeing a third WNBA title in four years. While road challenges loom but an offensive rating of 109.1 in the playoffs could exploit Phoenix’s chances of winning at home.
A’ja Wilson, Kierstan Bell, NaLyssa Smith, Chelsea Smith, Jackie Young
Key Bench Players: Jewell Loyd, Dana Evans
Injuries: No Injuries.
The Aces and Mercury have locked horns four times in the regular season. In three of their clashes, the total has gone beyond 160. In fact, even in the ongoing playoffs series, they have exceeded the mark. Both teams have displayed elite offensive prowess against each other, and hence, we can expect the upcoming game to be a high-scoring contest as well.
Considering their previous games as well as momentum, we can expect the total of Game 3 to be over 164.5.
Here’s an overview of my picks:
| Picks | Odds from FanDuel |
| Total O 164.5 Points | -108 |
| Spread: Phoenix Mercury -3.5 | -118 |
| Kahelah Copper O 17.5 Points | +102 |
| Moneyline | -172 |
Chelsea Gray to Record 6+ Assists: Chelsea Gray has recorded 10+ assists in Game 2 and seven assists in Game 1 of the 2025 WNBA Finals series. She is expected to carry the same momentum in Game 3 as well and record over 6+ assists, if not 10.
A’ja Wilson to Record 10+ Rebounds: Wilson has been leading the Aces across multiple statistical categories, including rebounding. In Game 1, she recorded 10 rebounds, and in Game 2, the number went up to 14. Her consistency makes it a safe bet.
A’ja Wilson O 24.5 Points: Wilson is averaging 25.4 points in the playoffs this season. She has been a consistent scorer, and is expected to drop another remarkable performance in Game 3.
Kahleah Copper O 17.5 Points: Copper led the Mercury with 21 and 23 points respectively in the first two games of the series. Now that action moves to Phoenix, she will make the most of home-court advantage and drop over 17.5 points in Game 3.
Main Pick: Kahelah Copper O 17.5 Points at +102 on FanDuel
Both teams have given strong competition to each other throughout the season. Three of their four regular season clashes ended with a margin of six points or less, and the winning margin of Game 1 was also three points. While the Aces recorded a commanding victory in Game 2, one cannot ignore the fact that the Mercury have showcased exceptional gameplays throughout the season.
One can expect the same kind of tussle in the upcoming games. But, the Mercury are expected to bounce back in the series and make the most of favorable conditions at home.
Spread/ Moneyline: Phoenix Mercury -3.5 at -172 on FanDuel
The Mercury are favored to win by -3.5 points in Game 3.
Total points for Game 3 between Mercury and the Aces is set at 164.5 points.
The moneyline is set at Mercury (-172) and Mercury at (+140).
WNBA 
