Lynx vs. Phoenix: Teams find themselves in similar position early in the season

Two struggling teams in need of a win collide

Preview: It's been a while since both teams entered a game against each other with a losing record. To be exact: June 10, 2010. But both teams are 2-3 after great preseason expectations — Minnesota coming off its fourth title and Phoenix coming off a playoff season with DeWanna Bonner back after missing last season (pregnancy) and new point guard Briann January (acquired in a trade with Indiana). And yet the Lynx lost two out of three on their road trip and Phoenix's home loss to Washington on Wednesday was the Mercury's third in a row.

Players to watch: Lynx C Sylvia Fowles is 15th in the league in scoring (16.6) and first in rebounding (12.8). F Maya Moore is scoring 15.8 points per game, but is shooting just 38.5 percent overall and 32 percent on three-pointers. Phoenix C Brittney Griner is fourth in scoring (20.8) and third in blocks (2.8). G Diana Taurasi averaged 20.3 points, shot 46.1 percent overall and 52.4 percent on three-pointers in the Mercury's first three games. In their past two? Just 10.0 points, 36.8 percent shooting and 25 percent on three-pointers.

Numbers: Minnesota has won the past eight games between the two teams.

Injuries: None for either team.

Kent Youngblood