Returning from the All-Star break, the Lynx are hosting the Tempo on Tuesday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Minnesota is favored by 14.5 points and this game carries a total of 184.5 points.
Let’s get into my pick and prediction for this contest.
Lynx vs. Tempo Preview
What a time it is to be a Lynx fan. Minnesota has won seven straight and the team leads the WNBA with a 22-6 record. With rookie Olivia Miles having an MVP-type season, the Lynx comfortably rank first in net rating and to join forces with Miles, Napheesa Collier (ankles) just made her season debut last Wednesday vs. the Storm in the team’s final game before the All-Star break.
Collier finished runner-up in MVP voting last season, leading the Lynx with 22.9 PPG, and she looked like her superstar self in her return, posting a double-double of 24 points and 10 rebounds on 45% shooting in the 10-point road win over Seattle.
In her 22 minutes on the floor, the Lynx were a +25.5 in net rating. In the 17 minutes Collier and Miles played together, Minnesota’s net rating was an absurd +35.1. Obviously, this is just one game of data, but there’s no denying Collier is one of the best players in the league and with her healthy again, the Lynx are the clear favorites to win the championship.
Following Collier’s impressive return, Minnesota has moved to a +115 favorite to win the WNBA title on DraftKings Sportsbook after carrying odds around +400 about a month ago.
Even with Collier sidelined, the Lynx dominated the Tempo in their lone meeting with the club on May 21st, 100-72. With her now in the mix, Minnesota has a strong chance of running away with another win.
Toronto is 10-16 and ranks 11th in net rating in the franchise’s first season in the WNBA. The Tempo have lost three consecutive games and all of these losses have been by 17+ points.
Marina Mabrey is leading the team with a career-high 21 PPG and she has had some huge games this season, including tying the WNBA record for points in a game with 53. Mabrey has very much been a one-woman show for the Tempo lately, which hasn’t translated into much team success, but she might be getting some help Tuesday.
Kiki Rice (ankle) hasn’t played since June 3rd, but the rookie was a full participant in practice Sunday. Rice is listed as questionable for Tuesday, but she feels likely to play, which would be great news for Toronto. Rice is averaging 12.7 PPG on 53.3% shooting and she leads the team in plus/minus.
That being said, the Tempo are only 5-5 with Rice active and she likely will be limited in her return. Toronto could put up a better fight with Rice in the picture, but make no mistake, the Tempo winning this game over the mighty Lynx on their home floor is still a very unlikely outcome.
Lynx vs. Tempo Pick, Best Bet
The Lynx are a powerhouse with Collier back and they should easily win this game for their eighth victory in a row.
Minnesota is 16-12 ATS this season and while 14.5 points is a large line, the Lynx should cover this number.
