The Phoenix Mercury will face the Las Vegas Aces in their 2026 WNBA season opener, a rematch of the 2025 WNBA Finals.
Not only have the Aces retained their championship core from last season, but they have also improved with the additions of Chennedy Carter and Brianna Turner. With three WNBA Finals wins in the last four years, the Aces have seemingly adopted a don’t fix what isn’t broke approach this summer.
The Mercury retained five of their top six scorers from last season. However, their leading scorer, Satou Sabally, departed the team this summer, signing with the New York Liberty in free agency.
Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces Injury Reports May 9
Aces injury report
The Aces have a fairly clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Mercury. Their only concern is Dana Evans, who will miss the game with a leg injury.
Mercury injury report
The Phoenix Mercury will be without Sami Whitcomb (knee), Monique Akoa Makani and Valeriane Ayayi for Saturday’s matchup.
Mercury vs. Aces predicted starting lineups and depth charts, May 9
Aces starting lineup and depth chart
The Las Vegas Aces are expected to start Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, Stephanie Talbot, NaLyssa Smith and A’ja Wilson.
| Starters | 2nd | 3rd |
| Jackie Young | Jewell Loyd | |
| Chelsea Gray | Chennedy Carter | |
| Stephanie Talbot | Brianna Turner | |
| NaLyssa Smith | Kierstan Bell | Janiah Barker |
| A’ja Wilson | Cheyenne Parker-Tyus |
Mercury predicted starting lineup and depth chart
The Phoenix Mercury are expected to start Kahleah Copper, Sha Carter, Natasha Mack, Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner.
| Starters | 2nd | 3rd |
| Kahleah Copper | ||
| Sha Carter | ||
| Natasha Mack | Shay Ciezki | Anneli Maley |
| Alyssa Thomas | Jovana Nogic | |
| DeWanna Bonner | Kyara Linkens |
Where to watch the Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces (May 9)
The Mercury-Aces matchup scheduled for Saturday will tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will be held at the T-Mobile Arena. Fans can catch the action live on ABC, Disney+ and Fubo.
The bookmakers have the Aces as heavy favorites to win Saturday’s game.
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