Lynx gameday

6 P.M. VS. PHOENIX • TARGET CENTER • ESPN2

Lynx update: This is a pivotal game, with the Lynx (19-10) up just two games on the Mercury in the West with five games to go. This is their last regular-season meeting with Phoenix, which leads the season series 3-1. The Lynx need a win to avoid a losing record in August (they are 5-6). Minnesota's offensive struggles continued in a loss at New York on Friday night. F Maya Moore rebounded from a scoreless first period to score a game-high 25 points with nine rebounds and three assists. C Sylvia Fowles (18 points, 10 rebounds) was the only other Lynx player in double figures.

Mercury update: The Mercury (17-12) has been unable to take advantage of Minnesota's August slump, going 5-5 in their past 10 games and picking up just one game in the standings. After losing in Washington on Friday, it will be playing its third road game in four nights. F DeWanna Bonner has averaged 19 points vs. the Lynx this season. C Brittney Griner has averaged 12 points, 11.3 rebounds and 4.6 blocks vs. the Lynx.

Kent Youngblood