After falling just short of a WNBA title last summer, the Lynx have come out of the gates hot. With a 12-2 record, Minnesota is currently pacing the association. However, the Western Conference’s top squad will face a stiff challenge tonight in Atlanta. The Dream are on pace for one of the best seasons in franchise history with a 10-5 record.
Will Minnesota secure another victory, or can Allisha Gray lead Atlanta to an upset win? Below, I’ve laid out my preview, prediction and best bet for Friday’s Lynx vs. Dream matchup.
Entering tonight, the Lynx are 3.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 158 points. Let’s break down which side has the edge on DraftKings Sportsbook ahead of Friday’s matchup.
Lynx vs. Dream prediction, preview
The biggest question mark heading into this one is the health of Napheesa Collier. As of Friday afternoon, the forward is probable to play due to a back injury. It’s been a season to remember for the ninth-year pro, currently leading the WNBA with 24.4 points per game. In addition, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year has recorded 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game. Without their MVP candidate active, the Lynx dropped their second game of the season on Tuesday.
Still, it’s not as if this Minnesota squad lacks star power without Collier. Last season’s runner up boasts one of the league’s deepest rosters. Veteran Kayla McBride is putting together an All-Star-caliber season, averaging 15.2 points per game. Courtney Williams (12.8 PPG) and Alanna Smith (11.1 PPG) have been solid as well. With four double-digit scorers, it’s almost impossible to slow down such a well-balanced offense. However, this group is at its best on the other end of the floor. The Lynx have held opponents to 73.6 points per game, the WNBA’s lowest mark.
Minnesota’s defense will be put to the test tonight against the Dream. Atlanta currently ranks second in the WNBA with 83.5 points per game. It all starts with Allisha Gray, one of the sport’s most dangerous scorers. In a league with more and more offensive talent, the ninth-year pro might be its most lethal shooter. Over 15 games, the two-time All-Star has posted 19.7 points on 46.7% shooting. Gray’s efficiency extends to beyond the arc, where she’s knocked down 42.9% of her three-point attempts.
Gray isn’t the only member of the Dream having success this season. New head coach Karl Smesko has introduced an offensive-friendly system, allowing Atlanta’s stars to thrive. Rhyne Howard is putting up a career-high 17.7 points per game to go with 5.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists. Offseason pickup Brionna James has chipped in as well (13.0 PPG). The defense has been anchored by another high-profile acquisition, center Brittney Griner (1.4 BLK).
Lynx vs. Dream pick
Best Bet: Lynx -3.5 (-110)
It might sound like a cliché, but defense travels. That’s especially true for the defending Western Conference champs, who have had success in this matchup. Over four games against the Lynx last season, Gray averaged just 9.5 points on 25.0% shooting. Granted, this is a much-improved Dream roster in 2025. Still, it’s not as though their opponents tonight haven’t gotten better as well. All of this is being factored in before the potential return of Napheesa Collier. Even without their leading scorer, I’d feel confident in backing Minnesota on Friday.
