PREVIEW: The Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury are set to clash in a high-stakes WNBA matchup at Target Center, with both teams bringing impressive season performances to the court. Phoenix enters as the second-best team in the league with a 15-6 record, trailing Minnesota by three games, and this will be their final regular season encounter. In their most recent meeting, the Mercury secured a 79-71 victory at Footprint Center, with guard Alyssa Thomas recording 29 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. The Lynx boast MVP candidate Napheesa Collier, who averages 23.9 points and 7.7 rebounds, alongside strong supporting players like Courtney Williams, who contributes 14.1 points and 6.0 assists per game. The Mercury are averaging 84.3 points on 43.6 percent shooting, with Satou Sabally contributing 19.1 points and 7.7 rebounds, and Alyssa Thomas serving as their third double-digit scorer. They shoot an impressive 34.8 percent from beyond the arc and 78.3 percent from the free-throw line. The Lynx counter with 84.7 points per game on 45.9 percent shooting, led by Collier's performance and complemented by Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride's scoring, while shooting 34.7 percent from three-point range. The Mercury will be without several key players, including Kahleah Copper, Monique Akoa Makani, and Satou Sabally, which could impact their competitive edge. Minnesota's defensive prowess stands out, allowing just 75.3 points per game and controlling the tempo with a strong frontcourt rotation anchored by Alanna Smith's 2.2 blocks per game.