The carefully crafted star headliners are the best part about the early-season WNBA matchups. The marquee matchup is between the Minnesota Lynx and the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday. That means Napheesa Collier vs. Kelsey Plum.
The two are some of the best to do it. Collier is the preeminent defender in the league, and Plum is one of the best bucket-getters in the W. They also have very different goals. Collier wants to get the Lynx back to the Finals and over the hump, while Plum arrives with her championship experience to revitalize an eight-win team. It should prove to be a good measuring stick contest for both squads.
The Lynx open as 4.5-point favorites on the road and are -218 on the moneyline on the DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at 161.5. Let’s take a look at the best bets for this contest.
Best Bets for Lynx vs. Sparks
Total Over 161.5 (-110)
It was a bit surprising to see this excellent Lynx defense concede 84 points in their season opener. It was even more surprising to see them score 99.
Guess who also scored 84 points in their season opener: the Los Angeles Sparks. Their defense is struggling without Cameron Brink, who is still sidelined, but they can certainly put up some points. Their star trio of Plum, Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson can fill the scoring column in a hurry. Minnesota’s quality string of defenders will do what they can, but in the early season, this Sparks team may catch them by surprise.
Though Minnesota has suffered some injuries in the early going, Collier is playing extraordinary at the moment. I think we’re in for a high-scoring affair here.
Minnesota Lynx -4.5
I think the Sparks will have a case for one of the most improved squads in the league this season, but don’t get me wrong, these Lynx are as tough as they come.
Minnesota’s depth and experience should win out even in what could be a high-scoring affair. I trust Collier to keep playing phenomenal ball, Courtney Williams to make big plays on both ends, and coach Cheryl Reeve to do what needs to be done. I’m backing the defending Western Conference champs in this one.
