Lynx-Phoenix game preview
August 22, 2017 at 3:55AM
Preview: The Lynx will be trying to sweep the four-game regular-season series against their Western Conference rival. They are 3-0 against Phoenix this season, with an average margin of victory of 13.3 points. Mercury center Brittney Griner missed the last game between the teams — an 81-66 Lynx victory in St. Paul on July 16 — because of knee and ankle injuries. She has returned, but the Lynx will be without injured starters Lindsay Whalen and Rebekkah Brunson.
Players to watch: Griner, whose injuries sidelined her for eight games, returned Aug. 12 and leads the WNBA in scoring (21.5 points per game) and blocked shots (2.4). Lynx C Sylvia Fowles is fourth in scoring (19.9) and second in rebounding (10.3), but her two lowest point totals of the season — seven at New York last Sunday and six at Indiana on Aug. 6 — have come in the past six games.
Numbers: The Lynx have won nine of the past 15 meetings between the teams and are 24-11 against Phoenix at home. … Griner scored more than 30 points four times this season.
Injuries: G Whalen (hand) and F Brunson (sprained ankle) are out. Mercury F Angel Robinson (knee) is questionable.
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Royce Lewis’ blazing start to his Twins career had him atop the ranking at the end of spring. But times have changed.
