The Washington Mystics are steering a wave of initial-season encouragement, inaugurating the 2025 WNBA season with a brave 94-90 triumph over the Atlanta Dream in their opener, followed by an electrifying 75-72 loss to the Las Vegas Aces on May 23, 2025. In spite of the distressing defeat, the Mystics’ juvenile core, escort by rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, indicated they’re ready to compete with the league’s best. Now, as they will play against the Phoenix Mercury for the first time this season, fans are excited to see if the Mystics can keep their fire scorching against a revamped Mercury team featuring Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally. 

Now, as the Mystics are gearing up for this match, let’s dive into who is going to play against each other. 

Washington Mystics vs Phoenix Mercury injury report

The Washington Mystics have been thrashed hard by injuries initially this season, but their depth and strength have kept them fierce. Unfortunately, rookie guard Georgia Amoore will not be participating in the game against the Phoenix Mercury. She was a No. 6 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, suffered a right ACL injury during practice on April 29, 2025, and underwent a successful surgery on May 16, 2025. The Mystics confirmed that she won’t be playing the entire 2025 season, a destructive blow for a player looking forward to being a cornerstone of their renovation. 

Amoore was expected to be a game-changer with her quick handles and long-range shooting, and her absence leaves a big gap in the Mystics’ backcourt.

Moreover, the Mystics’ injury statement lists Aaliyah Edwards because of a lower back contusion, though she has shifted to resume on-court activities and will be re-examined in approximately two weeks. Shakira Austin is out because of concussion protocol for tonight’s game, while Brittney Sykes was out during the Aces game but is expected to return. 

Washington Mystics vs Phoenix Mercury: Projected starters

Despite these non-appearances, the Mystics have faith in their young talent and veteran guidance. Their anticipated starting lineup against the Mercury remains the same, with the recent games, and will likely be:

• #1 – Guard – Sug Sutton: 
• #7 – Guard – Brittney Sykes: 
• #12 – Guard – Sonia Citron
• #21 – Forward – Kiki Iriafen
• #32 – Center – Stefanie Dolson

The Phoenix Mercury is also dealing with injury issues. Kahleah Cooper is suffering from a knee injury, meanwhile, Natasha Mack is going through a back injury, but their lineup remains ominous, featuring:

• #1 – Guard – Sami Whitcomb
• #4 – Guard – Monique Akoa Makani
• #8 – Forward – Alyssa Thomas
• #25 – Forward – Satou Sabally
• #33 – Forward – Kathryn Westbeld

The Mercury’s recent roster upholds a four-team trade and is expected to knock the pace and challenge the Mystics’ defense. 

Game Predictions: Can the Mystics Steal a Win on the Road?

The Mystics’ loss to the Aces was a knockout as they led 72-66 late in the game only to allow a 9-0 run, crowned by Jewell Loyd’s game-winning three-pointer. However, the execution of Citron and Iriafen was a vivid spectacle, with fans striking about their Rookie of the Year potential. One Reddit commenter noted, “Mystics rookies have zero reason to be this good already. Washington will be amazing for their development.” This toughness will be a main factor as they face a talented Mercury team. 

The Mercury, entering off a tough start to the season, is believed to win at home, with ESPN’s matchup predictor giving them a 68.7% chance of success. Their frontline partnership of Thomas and Sabally is a matchup of night terror, and their guard work, led by Whitecomb, adds dynamism. However, the Mystics’ swift Coach Sydney Johnson blends with their defensive severity, which could keep this game neck-to-neck. 

We’re forecasting a tough game, but the Mystics have a blast at an upset if Sykes comes back to form and Citron keeps her hot shooting. Iriafen’s mastery in the paint (shooting 55% from the field this season) could stunt Phoenix’s drain frontcourt without Mack. The Mystics’ new blood and the thrive for success will give them an edge, and we expect them to drag a 78-75 victory in a cliff-hanger situation, with Citron and Sykes leading the game. 

The game is going to take place in Phoenix, Mercury will have the home-court advantage, but Maytics’ tough rookies could affect the game. Can Citron and Iraifen keep their drive going on, or will Thomas and Sabally show too much? Let’s see if the Mystics can surprise the WNBA world tonight.