The Minnesota Lynx are heading to the desert, looking to bounce back after a heartbreaker. Fresh off a 21-point performance from rising star Olivia Miles, the Lynx (0-1) will face the Phoenix Mercury (1-1) in what promises to be an early-season showdown with plenty of intrigue.

Miles nearly willed Minnesota to victory in their opener, but the Lynx fell just short, 91-90, against the Atlanta Dream. Now, they’ll need to regroup quickly against a Mercury squad that is already finding its rhythm at home. Phoenix was a formidable 15-7 at their own arena last season, and they’ll look to use that home-court advantage to build on their 1-1 start.

Both teams are coming off strong 2025-26 campaigns. The Lynx were dominant, posting a 34-10 overall record and a 20-4 mark in Western Conference play. Their efficiency was key, shooting 47.2% from the field and an impressive 37.8% from beyond the arc. The Mercury, meanwhile, were no slouches, finishing 13-11 in the West and boasting a stingy defense that held opponents to just 80.1 points per game on 42.7% shooting.

Injury reports will play a major role in this matchup. The Mercury will be without Sami Whitcomb (knee), along with Valeriane Ayayi and Monique Akoa Makani (both out for non-injury reasons). For the Lynx, the absence of star forward Napheesa Collier (ankle) and Dorka Juhasz (foot) leaves a noticeable gap in their frontcourt. That puts even more pressure on Miles and the supporting cast to step up.

With both teams missing key pieces and looking to establish early-season momentum, this contest is shaping up to be a gritty, high-stakes battle under the Arizona sun. Whether you’re a fan of the Lynx’s sharpshooting or the Mercury’s defensive grit, this is a game you won’t want to miss.