Inexperience in this role, shaky defense and Phoenix's inside edge make Chicago a fade. 
The Sky are laying mid-size points in this single elimination, first-round playoff game. They are playing in the postseason for the first time in three years. Phoenix is the more experienced playoff team especially in this format. The Sky are 6-0 in playoff single elimination games. They have won a single elimination, first round playoff game each of the past three years winning by at least nine points each time. 
Chicago improved defensively, but still has a long ways to go. The Mercury are the superior defensive team giving up nearly seven points fewer per game than the Sky. 
Phoenix has a strong inside advantage with All-Stars Brittney Griner and DeWanna Bonner especially with Chicago's top rebounder, Jantel Lavender, out with an injury. 
The Mercury have enjoyed outstanding point spread success against Eastern Conference clubs covering nine of the last 11. They also are 6-2 ATS in their last eight road contests.