The Mystics are not starting off too hot post-Olympics. Currently on a two-game losing streak.

Game Info

When: Thursday, August 19 at 10 p.m. ET

Where: Footprint Center in Phoenix, AZ

How to watch: Twitter

Injury Report

Mystics: Shavonte Zellous (Ankle, Out); Elena Delle Donne (Back, Out); Alysha Clark (Foot, Out)

Mercury: Skylar Diggins-Smith (Ankle, Doubtful); Bria Hartley (Knee, Out)

Pregame notes

It’s going to be a late night game for the Washington Mystics (don’t worry…not as late as the Olympic games) as they head to Arizona to play the Phoenix Mercury. This is the second meeting of the two teams; the first back in May where the Mystics were routed 91-70. Washington was still trying to get their feet wet back then as chemistry wasn’t exactly spot on with new players and injured players on the roster.

The biggest problem for the Mystics in the previous game as well as in their two games against the Las Vegas Aces was three-point efficiency. Washington shot 5-28 in their last meeting against the Mercury (5-27 on Tuesday night). The saying still remains that if you live by the three then you die by the three. Mystics have to get going and not let opponents force them into playing an unrecognizable game.

Tina Charles, of course, has been amazing this season but she can’t do it alone. More players have to be consistent and dependable at least until Elena Delle Donne returns to the lineup and a not likely but potential return of Emma Meesseman as well. But for now everyone must step it up or it’ll be a long season where the Mystics will be sitting at home early. Since Washington lost two in a row, they’re in ninth place which is no playoffs territory.