Copper has averaged a team-high 23.2 points in 25 games for the Mercury (13-12) this season.

Copper was joined on Team USA by two Mercury teammates: Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi. Taurasi did not play in the gold medal final, but did earn her record sixth gold medal, the most of any USA Basketball player in history. The 42-year-old is still a force with the Mercury, averaging 16.1 points before the break.

The Sky (10-14) feature rookie forward Angel Reese, who set a WNBA record with 15 straight double-doubles earlier this season. Reese ranks third on the Sky averaging 13.5 points. Chicago is led by Chennedy Carter with 16.4.

Chicago lost three of its last five before the break. The Sky lead the WNBA in offensive rebounds -- largely due to Reese -- but rank last in attempted 3-pointers and 10th in 3-point shooting.

Reese has been the subject of much Olympic chatter. She is being viewed as a pillar of the 2028 team that will compete in Los Angeles.

"I want to be an Olympian by 2028," Reese said in July. "I think I have time to just be able to continue to grow... I take pride in everything -- being able to be from the United States and being able to wear those three letters across your chest."

The Mercury started the WNBA season 3-5 before climbing above .500, and had won four of six before the Olympic break. Phoenix is 5-8 on the road, while Chicago is 4-8 at home.

Thursday will be the first of two meetings between the teams in four days. Phoenix hosts the Sky Sunday.

--Reuters--