The Phoenix Mercury are off to a slow start in 2023, going 2-6 through their first eight games of the season.

Phoenix is down one of its top players in Skylar Diggins-Smith (maternity leave) and it also has Brittney Griner listed as dayto-day ahead of this matchup.

With Diggins-Smith out, Phoenix hasn't had enough offensive firepower to overcome the team's No. 11 ranked defense early on this season.

Now, the Mercury have a tough matchup against the WNBA's No. 1 defense in the Washington Mystics. Washington — led by Elena Delle Donne – is 5-4 so far this season.

Let's dive into the latest odds and my best bet for this Friday night matchup:

Mercury vs. Mystics odds, spread and total

Mercury vs. Mystics prediction and pick

Griner's status for this game will be key, but I still am worried about the Mercury even if she does suit up.

Phoenix ranks dead last in rebounding percentage, turnovers per game and is 11th in pace in 2023. When you play at a slow pace, you have to be efficient in other areas, and the Mercury simply haven't been.

To top it off, the team's defense has lagged behind – which should help a Mystics team that ranks 11th in offensive rating and last in 3-point percentage this season.

Washington relies heavily on Delle Donne (18.4 points per game) to lead the way for the team, and her job could be a lot easier if Griner isn't there to protect the paint.

Phoenix is a must fade if Griner (the team's leading scorer) sits, but either way I'm taking the Mystics to cover in this game.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.