Excitement vs. excellence. Those words describe this Minnesota Lynx vs. Dallas Wings matchup rather well.
Dallas has been revitalized with the addition of Paige Bueckers following a nine-win season. While that hasn’t translated to wins yet, hope in this team is evident. Bueckers isn’t the only new addition to generate excitement; reigning MIP and first team All-Defense rep DiJonai Carrington seems like a good fit in the Wings’ starting unit.
For Minnesota, it’s business as usual. With an MVP-level talent in Napheesa Collier, a deep roster and a tremendous defense, Minnesota is the favorite to win the Western Conference yet again. It’s no surprise for a team so accustomed to winning. Already off to a 2-0 start, the Lynx are looking to keep the good times rolling on Wednesday.
The Lynx are 11-point favorites at home and are at -600 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at 168.5. Let’s take a look at the best bets for this contest.
Prediction for Lynx vs. Wings
The surprise in this young season is not that the Lynx are 2-0, but how they’ve done it. Minnesota had a 96.5 defensive rating this past season, second in the W. That’s up to 102.4 in the early going. It’s also scoring 94 points per game through its first two. Lynx games have been unusually free-flowing and high-scoring, but they’re winning regardless. It’s especially surprising given the absence of Kayla McBride for Minny.
Perhaps this is the new norm. Phee has no ceiling on her talents, Courtney Williams is always a bucket and the league is becoming more spaced out. One thing is for sure: the Dallas Wings are in for a world of hurt in this one.
Pick for Lynx vs. Wings
Minnesota Lynx -11
Though this is a hefty spread, Minnesota is rolling in the early going, and Dallas has a lot to figure out. Yes, Paige Bueckers is talented, but the adjustment period to the physicality of the W is tough on everyone. The physical brand of hoops that the Lynx play is going to be brutal for the rookie phenom. On top of that, Wings mainstay Arike Ogunbowale is in a slump to start the season. I’m not counting on a slump-busting performance with Courtney Williams in her face and Phee roaming the paint.
Dallas is also thoroughly unequipped to handle the force of Napheesa Collier. Scoring 28 points per game in the early going, none of the Wings’ bigs can handle her blend of physicality, size and shotmaking ability. If you’re a Dallas frontcourt player, expect plenty of bruises to accompany your frustration.
