The Lynx are hosting the Wings on Sunday. On DraftKings Sportsbook, Minnesota is favored by 6.5 points, and this game carries a total of O/U 179.5 points.
Let’s get into my pick and prediction for this contest.
Lynx vs. Wings Preview
After shockingly losing to the Sparks on Thursday, snapping a 10-game winning streak, the Lynx proved this was a rare off night for them, as they rebounded with a 98-87 win over the defending champion Aces yesterday. Minnesota’s defense held A’ja Wilson to just 16 points on 5-of-17 shooting, and on offense, Olivia Miles and Napheesa Collier were excellent, leading the way for the Lynx with 26 and 22 points, respectively.
At 26-7, Minnesota holds a three-game lead over the Valkyries for the No. 1 seed and the Lynx comfortably lead the league in net rating. They rank second in both offensive and defensive rating, and Minnesota is 5-1 since Collier returned before the All-Star break.
The Lynx are the WNBA’s unquestioned best team – they carry +100 odds to win the championship on DraftKings Sportsbook – and coming to town Sunday is a Wings team that Minnesota is 3-0 against this season, all of which came before Collier made her return. The only concern for the Lynx is that they are playing their second game in two nights for the first time this season.
Minnesota resting Collier wouldn’t be surprising, but the Lynx have handled the Wings rather easily without her this season, so Miles and company would still be the favorites on their home floor, especially given Dallas’ recent struggles.
The Wings are 2-5 in their last seven and those two wins came against lottery teams in the Fire and Sun. Dallas faced the Valkyries on Friday and Golden State had no issues winning that game, 94-76. The Wings rank just 10th in net rating since the All-Star break and they have dropped to the No. 7 seed at 19-13.
The Wings aren’t going to fall out of the playoff picture, but they need to get back to their winning ways if they want to move back up the standings, but facing the Lynx obviously isn’t an appealing get-right spot by any means.
Star guard Paige Bueckers’ play has been a concern and the main reason for Dallas’ struggles. Bueckers is averaging 20 PPG this season, but she hasn’t scored more than 17 in three straight. To make matters worse, Azzi Fudd (knee) is questionable Sunday, which would be a big loss. The No. 1 pick leads Dallas in plus/minus and the Wings got blown out by the Valkyries with Fudd inactive Friday night.
Lynx vs. Wings Pick, Best Bet
While the Lynx are playing their second game in two nights, the Wings have been bad recently and Fudd’s injury is worrisome.
Minnesota should be favored by more than 6.5 points and the Lynx should cover this number. Minnesota is 19-14 ATS and two of its three wins vs. Dallas have been by 8+ points.
