Now, this is going to be a star-studded affair. The Minnesota Lynx are 4-0, and Napheesa Collier is already -130 to win MVP. Nneka Ogwumike has been crushing so far for the Seattle Storm and is eighth in MVP odds. It projects to be an All-Star duo in the frontcourt.
The Minnesota Lynx are more than just the excellence of Phee. Courtney Williams has stepped up in a significant way on both ends of the floor. Alanna Smith continues to build year after year as a versatile defender who is shooting the cover off the ball. Jessica Shepard fills in nicely as the third frontcourt piece. And Kayla McBride, their veteran All-Star in the backcourt, is probable to make her season debut on Tuesday.
The Seattle Storm boast an impressive group as well. Nneka, of course, is the leader with her 20-point and 10-rebound average on the season. Skylar Diggins-Smith is still getting it done in the backcourt as she approaches her 35th birthday. Gabby Williams is one of the breakout defensive players in the league and has upped her game offensively. And, as if Seattle needed more defensive talent, Ezi Magbegor is still controlling the paint after a first-team All-Defense nod this past season.
The Lynx are 6.5-point favorites at home and are at -285 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The total is set at 158. Let’s take a look at the best bets for this contest.
Prediction for Lynx vs. Storm
It isn’t easy to pick against the Lynx at the moment. But if anyone can give them a proper test, a Nneka-Ezi frontcourt can do it.
I’m not one to limit Napheesa Collier, but I’d have difficulty believing she can stay this close to 30 PPG. Perhaps Kayla McBride hits the ground running and lessens the burden immediately, but there will likely be a slight adjustment period. The dominant defensive frontcourt of the Storm can make life as hard as possible on Phee while Gabby Williams tests McBride’s conditioning. I’m predicting a game much closer than the 6.5-point spread, but ultimately, a victory for the Lynx. There’s just too much clutch play on this team.
Pick for Lynx vs. Storm
Seattle Storm +6.5 (-110)
If this Storm defense can stop Collier from dropping another 30-bomb, they have a good shot in this one.
Nneka is playing out of her mind on both ends, Ezi and Gabby continue to produce excellent defensive results, and Skylar is a more than capable Robin to Nneka’s Batman. They match up well with Minnesota’s stars and should make this entertaining. I’m not confident enough to hit the +230 moneyline, but it’s worth exploring if McBride is unexpectedly ruled out.
Napheesa Collier 25+ Points (+110)
I get why our oddsmakers fear this Seattle defensive frontcourt. I do too. But right now, Phee has an air of inevitability.
The MVP favorite is going to get hers one way or another. I’d expect Nneka and Ezi to make life hard on her, but you can do only so much. MVPhee might be loading.
