Fan Predictions: Storm vs. Mercury

With the opening round of the 2011 WNBA Playoffs set to tip off on Thursday night, we asked our fans for their keys to victory for each series via our Twitter and Facebook pages.

The second game on Thursday night (10 p.m. ET) brings us the 2 vs. 3 matchup in the Western Conference between the longtime rivals Seattle Storm and Phoenix Mercury (after the Fever and Liberty do battle at 8 p.m. ET). With two more games ahead on Friday, make sure to Like on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to participate.

The Seattle Storm will win their first round playoff series vs. Phoenix if___________. Rus White Sue is Sue and Dee is NOT Dee! (You can guess the flipside...) Allison L Braswell There is no if. Charlotte Kayij Diana Taurasi doesn't rip them apart! Bronte Fougere Because we are goood , have the best fans in the wnba, have great players! And the BIG 3 ! Levester Joe Green II If Sue Bird joins @twitter It's about time right?! T. Catchings just FINALLY joined in...do it Sue! Greg Joiner as long as the world doesn't end, they're okay Doreen Dankerlui LJ is in the best form possible, Katie continues her hot streak, Tanisha increases her aggressive trips to the basket, Camille and Swin make their lay ups and Sue lives up to her moniker "clutch" because we'll probably need it. Renee Mayo-Engdahl The Storm have the best defense in the league. They'll keep DT and PT in check, then unleash the beast of our starting 5! With Katie Smith and Ashley Robinson coming off the bench, we have depth Phoenix just won't be able to keep up with. Karri Meleo History repeats itself. @UptownMC @WNBA IF they tame Diana Taurassi and play the game at THEIR tempo, not the Mercury's. @uconncrazy @WNBA Seattle's point guard from #UCONN plays better than Phoenix's shooting guard from #UCONN @AcousticStorm @WNBA The @seattlestorm will win their 1st round series if they eat a good meal. I've heard Wheaties is the breakfast of champions...

The Phoenix Mercury will win their first round playoff series vs. Seattle if _________. Jarmal Henderson give Diana the ball Torino Johnson Push the tempo, take quality shots, and prevent Jackson from having big games scoring and rebounding. Two experienced playoff teams...you will see playoff intensity in this series. Should be fun. Janet Schwier Sue Bird, LJ and the rest of the Storm sit on the bench and watch them! The Storm will will the game and the series! Colin B. Titcomb ...they shut down not just Bird, Lo-Jack, and Swin, but they need to watch Katie Smith. She is a very dangerous player and a former Finals MVP. As well, the Merc need to rebound, play smart games on both ends of the floor, and create opportunities for DT and Penny. Brenda Rodriguez All land animals grow wings, fly and dance Chanel Holmes Find a way to match Seattle's half court offense. That's what kills us. and the turnovers. Tim Freerksen Penny's healthy, DT3 stays out of early foul trouble and DuPree plays Robert Burns ...Phoenix can get some scoring by people other than Taurasi and Taylor. And play decent defense. Elmer Anthony Manaois Mercury sweep. Too difficult to win game 3 on the road. Keith Strehlow They play like the 2011 WNBA Champion Minnesota Lynx. Ralph McCarthy I just hope to see the best Basket Ball game I've ever seen..But then I say that before every game. @pacerhowell317 @WNBA The @PhoenixMercury will win their first round playoff series vs. Seattle if they contain Lauren Jackson and play defense on Bird!