The Lynx are hosting the Valkyries on Thursday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Minnesota is favored by 3.5 points and this game carries a total of 164.5 points.
Let’s get into my pick and prediction for this contest.
Lynx vs. Valkyries Preview
The Lynx and Valkyries have been the best teams in the WNBA this season. Minnesota sits atop the standings at 7-2 and ranks first in net rating while Golden State is 6-3 and ranks second in net rating. The Lynx have been much more dominant, though, as their 13.8 net rating is far ahead of the Valkyries’ at 8.9.
The Lynx have done all this damage despite Naphessa Collier (ankle) – who finished second in MVP votes a year ago – being sidelined, as Olivia Miles has lived up to the hype. After being selected No.2 overall in this past WNBA draft, Miles has been the best rookie in the league this season, averaging 15.8 points and 6.3 assists per game on 50% shooting. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Miles is a -270 favorite to win Rookie of the Year.
Courtney Williams, who signed with the Lynx this offseason, also has been an outstanding fit with Minnesota, leading the team with 17.8 PPG on 50% shooting. Additionally, Natasha Howard and Kayla McBride have continued to be excellent, averaging 16.6 and 13.2 PPG, respectively. The Lynx lead the WNBA in defensive rating and they rank third in offensive rating. They have been dominant, winning five straight by double-digits.
The Valkyries are also on a win streak, winning four in a row and three of these victories have been by double-digits. Golden State ranks second in offensive and third in defensive rating. The Valkyries are led by rising star Veronica Burton and veteran Gabby Williams, who signed with Golden State this offseason.
These two players are leading the Valkyries with 14.2 PPG apiece and Burton is also averaging a career-high 6.1 assists per game. Golden State is the best team in the league at protecting the ball, ranking first in turnover rate, but this league-best Lynx defense on the other side is leading the WNBA in steals, so something has to give in this matchup. This game will be in Minnesota and despite being the top seed in the league, the Lynx are oddly just 2-2 at home this season. Meanwhile, Golden State is 2-1 on the road.
Lynx vs. Valkyries Pick, Best Bet
While both these clubs have been great this season, the Lynx simply have been better than the Valkyries. Minnesota being 2-2 at home is strange, but the last time this squad was at home, the Lynx blew out the Tempo by 28 points.
Minnesota should win its sixth in a row tonight and cover this 3.5-point spread. The Lynx are a league-best 7-2 ATS and they are covering by an average of 11.6 PPG.
