The WNBA is back, kicking off the season with an enticing three-game slate. Saturday’s 10:00 p.m. EST nightcap pits the Storm against the Mercury in a battle of playoff contenders.
Despite reaching the postseason in 2024, both of these squads underwent dramatic change this offseason. Phoenix managed to acquire Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, forming the league’s newest big three with Kaleah Copper. The Storm traded franchise mainstay Jewell Loyd to the Aces, while drafting standout rookie Dominique Malonga. Heading into tonight’s much-anticipated showdown, can Seattle superstar Skylar Diggins deliver a standout performance in primetime?
Skylar Diggins 7+ assists (-120)
Diggins, a former member of the Mercury, will hope to take down her old club tonight. The guard is a gifted scorer, averaging 16.5 points over the course of her career. However, the tenth-year pro is also one of the WNBA’s better all-around threats. Last season, she averaged 15.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 6.4 assists, the league’s fourth-best mark.
The 34-year-old’s passing is arguably the most important component of her game, constantly keeping defenses on their toes. It will be interesting to see how Diggins’ play style might change, if at all, following the departure of Loyd. The six-time All-Star was Seattle’s leading scorer last season, putting up 19.7 points per game.
More buckets should be expected from Diggins this season, now the Storm’s undisputed leader. Still, the Notre Dame alum is a pass-first point guard at heart. Extra touches without Loyd should ensure additional counting stats in every category, not just points. It helps that the Mercury have struggled mightily to defend against passes. Last season, Phoenix gave up 22.0 assists per game to opponents, second-most in the WNBA.
To be fair, this is a much different Mercury roster in 2025. Still, after a frenetic offseason of change, Phoenix will likely need some time to gel. A savvy veteran such as Diggins should have success exploiting a shaky defensive unit. Expect Seattle’s face of the franchise to rack up plenty of dimes on Saturday night.
