Liberty host Mercury in Game 2 as Stewart knee injury looms
Stewart's knee status clouds the matchup as New York hosts Phoenix in a must-win Game 2 at Barclays Center; a Fanatics promo for new users adds betting incentive.
The New York Liberty will try to close out the Phoenix Mercury in Game 2 of the WNBA first-round series at Barclays Center on Wednesday, after an overtime win in Game 1 that left Breanna Stewart's knee status uncertain.
Stewart left the floor in overtime with a knee issue, and there was no immediate update on her availability for Wednesday. The Liberty opened as four-point favorites for Game 2, but the line had moved to -2.5 at Fanatics Sportsbook, a shift that some observers attributed to concerns about Stewart's health plus the back-and-forth nature of a tight series. New York remains among the league's title contenders, but a setback in the lineup would complicate its path to a repeat championship.
Fanatics Sportsbook is promoting a promo tied to the Liberty-Mercury matchup that could attract new players ahead of Game 2. The offer provides $250 in FanCash to new users who bet $50 on the matchup. The FanCash can be used to place bets at Fanatics Sportsbook or to purchase merchandise and sporting goods on Fanatics' platform. The offer is available to new customers in a wide set of states, including Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Washington, D.C., Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Vermont, West Virginia and Wyoming.
To sign up, a new user would select the bonus offer, choose their state, fill in login details, enter the promo code, and make a deposit. The promotion requires opt-in and a qualifying wager of at least $10 on any market with odds of -500 or longer to trigger $50 in FanCash daily for five days. FanCash is issued when qualifying wagers settle, and the five-day window begins on the day the account is established. Full promo terms and FanCash terms are available in the Fanatics Sportsbook app.
The matchup at Barclays Center is expected to draw a strong crowd as the Liberty, the reigning league champions, look to defend their title on home court. The Mercury pushed the game into overtime in Game 1, underscoring how closely fought this series has been. With Stewart’s status uncertain, New York may lean on its depth and guard Sabrina Ionescu to pace the offense while trying to limit Phoenix’s scoring runs. If Stewart is unable to play, the Liberty will need others to step up in a high-leverage environment.
The schedule sets Game 3 as a potential clincher if necessary, but the immediate focus is on balancing rest and preparation for Wednesday's showdown. Barclays Center is expected to be energized, and the Liberty will aim to extend their championship pursuit by one more win against Phoenix. The Mercury, meanwhile, will look to capitalize on any opportunity to force a decisive third game and keep their playoff run alive. The result will influence how fans and bettors view New York's prospects as the postseason shortens to a best-of-three format.