The Phoenix Mercury return home Thursday looking to bounce back when they host the Indiana Fever in the third and final meeting between the two teams this season. Phoenix lost Tuesday’s game to the Chicago Sky but has won three of its last four games.
The Mercury enter the night hoping to complete the season series on a high note despite carrying an 8-14 record. Much of the team’s success continues to revolve around veteran forward Alyssa Thomas.
Thomas has once again proven that she is one of the WNBA’s best all-around players. Through 20 games, the six-time All-Star is averaging 14.2 points, a league-leading 8.3 assists and 6.9 rebounds. She returned from her one-game suspension to play in the Mercury’s last two contests against the Seattle Storm and Chicago Sky after missing the game against the Toronto Tempo.
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There was some concern during Tuesday’s loss when Thomas briefly exited after appearing to injure her foot. She eventually returned to finish the game, and head coach Nate Tibbetts later explained that it appeared she had either hit or been stepped on her big toe.
Phoenix listed her as probable for Thursday because of the foot injury, leading to uncertainty over her status for the rematch with Indiana.
Before tip off, however, Mercury fans received encouraging news. The team released its final injury report, with Thomas not listed on it. Her presence gives Phoenix its best player for one of its biggest games before the All-Star break.
Indiana, meanwhile, will be without Caitlin Clark, who is sitting out the second game of a back-to-back as she continues to manage the back injury she aggravated during the previous meeting between the Fever and Mercury.
