Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

In the Phoenix Mercury’s must-win game against the No. 8 seeded Los Angeles Sparks, it was announced on their Twitter that the team will be missing three of its stars.

Brittney Griner will be sidelined for the third game in a row as she stays in health and safety protocols, Shey Peddy will be out due to concussion protocols and Diana Taurasi will out with an undisclosed left toe injury.

A win for the Mercury would bounce them into the No. 10 spot ahead of the Seattle Storm and create a tighter race for the No. 8 playoff seed. Without three of their stars present to take the Sparks on the road, the Mercury are going to have to count upon their bench to bring in a very important win and any hopes of keeping their playoff dreams alive.

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