WNBA Friday: O'Sullivan picks Mercury at Liberty, Sky at Storm, as Bird, Stewart, Loyd seek revenge. . . again

Seattle O’Sullivan so far: 92-77-1

Phoenix Mercury at New York Liberty, 8 pm Eastern

The Pick: New York +7.5 (-108)

Phoenix is undefeated since the Olympic break and beat the brakes off New York on Wednesday, 106-79. Sami Whitcomb is still out for the Liberty. But this is where I’m gonna zag instead of zig. New York will be a home dog here, and while Phoenix is on a roll, it seems likely they take their foot off the gas a bit tonight (to continue the brakes/gas conceit). Also, Brittney Griner is questionable tonight with an ankle sprain that forced her to leave Wednesday’s game late. The Liberty are hanging on to that #8 spot in the standings, so every game is crucial for them. I think that's enough to get a close game tonight.

Chicago Sky at Seattle Storm, 10 pm Eastern

The Pick: Seattle (-265), Seattle -6.5 (-105)

For a team so close to the top of the WNBA standings, Seattle’s had a lot of “revenge games” lately. Here’s another one: Chicago beat them on August 15 in a tight one, 87-85 in overtime. I think the Storm will want to demonstrate that was an aberration. The Sky haven’t covered in their last five games, and they turn the ball over (15.3 per game) more than any team in the WNBA save the Liberty. Seattle wants that top-seed, so every game counts now. Make the Seattle moneyline your meal, lay the points for dessert.