The WNBA Finals shift to Minnesota for Game 3 on Wednesday night, with the series tied 1-1 following the New York Liberty’s 80-66 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 2.
After a heartbreaking overtime loss in the series opener, the Liberty bounced back, led by Breanna Stewart’s dynamic performance and a strong finish to stave off another Lynx comeback.
Ahead of Game 3, DraftKings Sportsbook released the latest odds for the WNBA Finals:
Game 3 Odds on DraftKings Sportsbook
Spread
New York Liberty: -2.5 (-112)
Minnesota Lynx: +2.5 (-108)
Total Points
Over: 160.5 (-110)
Under: 160.5 (-110)
Moneyline
New York Liberty: -148
Minnesota Lynx: +124
The Liberty enter Game 3 as slight favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook, aiming to build on their improved defensive effort from Game 2. New York’s defense was able to contain Minnesota’s offense down the stretch, while the Lynx will look to start stronger on their home court and avoid playing from behind.
Led by Napheesa Collier, Minnesota’s deep scoring approach — with perimeter shooting being a huge element — will be key to reclaiming the series lead. When shots aren’t falling and their offense becomes stagnant, that’s when problems tend to arise. That cannot happen in Game 3 as the margin for error is so thin.
Player Props for Game 3 on DraftKings Sportsbook
Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty)
Points: O 22.5 (+100) / U 22.5 (-130)
Rebounds: O 9.5 (-105) / U 9.5 (-125)
Stewart bounced back from a tough Game 1 to lead New York in Game 2, posting 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a WNBA Finals-record seven steals. Her all-around play was crucial in helping the Liberty secure the win and even the series.
Reflecting on the loss in Game 1, Stewart said, “The moment the game ended Thursday, I was looking forward to Sunday.” She added, “I can’t strive to be the best, to be great, but then be afraid to fail… I’m happy I took the shots. Throughout this entire process, my team has my back every step of the way.”
Stewart’s defensive intensity helped contain Collier, who was forced into seven turnovers. With Stewart’s points prop set at 22.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook, her history of stepping up in high-stakes games makes the over a strong consideration, particularly given her ability to impact multiple facets of the game.
However, aside from a 34-point outing against the Las Vegas Aces in Game 2 of the WNBA semifinals, Stewart has not reached the 23-point mark in any other performance. She also only has two double-figure rebounding outings this postseason.
Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx)
Points: O 20.5 (-115) / U 20.5 (-115)
Rebounds: O 9.5 (+114) / U 9.5 (-145)
Collier remains a vital piece for Minnesota, but she had a mixed outing in Game 2, finishing with 16 points, eight rebounds and seven turnovers. Collier emphasized the importance of stronger starts for the Lynx moving forward, stating, “First of all, I think we need to start better. Our starts have been really bad the past couple of games and just execute down the stretch. We had a lot of turnovers in those last couple of minutes, didn’t get stops on the other end.”
Collier will be looking to assert herself more offensively in Game 3, and DraftKings Sportsbook bettors could find value in the over on her 20.5 points prop if Minnesota can execute the coaching staff’s game plan more effectively from the opening tip. She did only score 16 in Game 2, but had four consecutive games with 21 or more points, averaging 25.8 points during that span. Regardless, Collier’s ability to contribute on both ends will be crucial if the Lynx hope to regain control of the series, but scoring at a high volume is a must.
Sabrina Ionescu (New York Liberty)
Points: O 18.5 (+100) / U 18.5 (-130)
Threes: O 2.5 (-135) / U 2.5 (+100)
Assists: O 5.5 (+120) / U 5.5 (-154)
Ionescu played a critical role as a facilitator in Game 2 with five assists, even as her scoring took a backseat, she still scored 15 points. She addressed her adaptability, stating, “People want to talk about the fact that I took one shot in the second half, or whatever it was. I think when you go back, and for me personally to go back and look at that game, that’s what makes me not one-dimensional. It’s the fact that I can pass, I can cut, I can move without the ball.”
Ionescu’s versatility and ability to adapt to Minnesota’s defensive schemes make her a key figure for New York’s offense. However, she hasn’t finished with over five assists since the WNBA semifinals despite her vision and playmaking being instrumental in the Liberty’s ball movement.
With her points line set at 18.5 on DraftKings Sportsbook, the over could be enticing since she scored 19 in Game 1 and closed out the Las Vegas Aces with a 22-point outing, but it’s becoming hard to gauge. She went from 26 field goal attempts in Game 1 to only nine in Game 2. There is an opportunity with the over for her made threes at 2.5.
Key Matchup Focus: Defensive Adjustments
New York’s ability to adjust defensively was a decisive factor in Game 2, as they held the Lynx scoreless over the final 3:40, closing the game on a 12-0 run. The Liberty will aim to maintain this intensity, with Stewart leading the charge on defense. “She was all over the floor, just wreaking havoc on everything,” Liberty guard Courtney Vandersloot said of Stewart’s performance.
The Lynx, on the other hand, must improve their offensive execution, not only to close out the game but especially early to avoid another slow start. Collier echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for better openings, stating, “We have to start better.”
Looking Ahead to Game 3
With the series tied, Game 3 at Target Center will play a pivotal role in determining which team gains the upper hand. The Lynx will look to leverage home-court advantage to regain control, while the Liberty aim to replicate their Game 2 success to take control of the series.
A win for either side brings them one step closer to the championship, setting up a must-watch matchup on Wednesday night.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
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