The Minnesota Lynx (34-10) and Golden State Valkyries (23-21) meet in the WNBA Playoffs tonight. Tipoff is set for 10:00 p.m. EDT at SAP Center at San Jose in San Jose, Calif. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
The Lynx are favored by -10.5 on the spread, with the over/under set at 151.5 (-110o / -110u). The Lynx are a -550 favorite to win outright, while the Valkyries are +410 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Lynx vs. Valkyries predictions and WNBA picks.
Lynx vs. Valkyries Odds, Pick
| Lynx Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-10.5 -110 | 151 -110o / -110u | -575 |
| Valkyries Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+10.5 -110 | 151 -110o / -110u | +425 |
- Lynx vs. Valkyries Spread: Lynx -10.5 (-107), Valkyries +10.5 (-114)
- Lynx vs. Valkyries Over/Under: 151.5 (-110o / -110u)
- Lynx vs. Valkyries Moneyline: Lynx -550, Valkyries +410
- Lynx vs. Valkyries Best Bet: Napheesa Collier Over 23.5 Points +Assists -120 (bet365)
Lynx vs. Valkyries Preview
The Minnesota Lynx took care of business in Game 1 against a stout defensive team in the Valkyries. The 29-point gap may not show it, but Golden State has done a solid job of containing Lynx star Napheesa Collier.
However, the Lynx are getting market support that predicts another double-digit victory, and we should expect Collier to be heavily involved in that outcome. The Minnesota forward had a historic season, becoming the second player in WNBA history to join the 50/40/90 club.
While she has gone under her listed points+assists line in four straight games against the Valkyries, her average against them is still 23.2, right in line with her total tonight.
If she is given the extra attention she deserves, we should see her facilitate a bit more. Collier is around -160 to go over her 2.5 assists line, which she's stayed under in the last four meetings against Golden State.
Collier racking up one or two assists more than she typically does could be the difference maker here, as she has been a lock for scoring at least 20 points a game.
Lynx vs. Valkyries Prediction
Collier's points+assists line is priced accurately, but it does not fully account for her ability to facilitate in a tough matchup. The Valkyries have clearly keyed in on her defensively, but have barely been able to contain her.
Throughout the regular season, she averaged 25.6 points+assists per game. We should see her get closer to that total tonight.
Back the MVPhee.
Best Bet: Napheesa Collier Over 23.5 Points +Assists -120 (bet365)
