New York Liberty vs Phoenix Mercury — DeepSeek betting tip 18 September 2025.

The New York Liberty present a compelling betting opportunity here, primarily due to their pronounced home-court advantage and superior roster depth. Barclays Center has been a fortress for New York, with the Liberty boasting one of the league's best home records over recent seasons. Their offensive firepower led by dynamic scorers like Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart consistently overwhelms opponents in Brooklyn, creating mismatches that Phoenix may struggle to contain. The Mercury heavily rely on veteran leadership from Diana Taurasi, but her effectiveness could wane in a high-stakes road environment against New York's swarming defense. Additionally, the Liberty's bench strength provides crucial rotational flexibility that Phoenix lacks, particularly in transition scenarios. While the Mercury's 2.17 odds offer intrigue, New York's 1.70 line represents solid value given their 60-65% implied win probability. Late-season urgency favors the playoff-bound Liberty, who've dominated this matchup historically. Phoenix's inconsistent away form and defensive vulnerabilities make them a risky underdog pick despite the appealing payout.