The Minnesota Lynx (29-7) and Golden State Valkyries (25-9) meet in the WNBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 10:00 p.m. ET at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. The game will be broadcast live on USA.
The Lynx are favored by 2.5 points on the spread, with the over/under set at 164.5 (-106o / -114u). Minnesota is a -144 favorite to win outright, while Golden State is +118 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 |
-2.5 -118 | 164.5 -106o / -114u | -144 |
| Valkyries Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -104 | 164.5 -106o / -114u | +118 |
- Lynx vs. Valkyries Spread: Lynx -2.5 (-118), Valkyries +2.5 (-104)
- Lynx vs. Valkyries Over/Under: 164.5 (-106o / -114u)
- Lynx vs. Valkyries Moneyline: Lynx -144, Valkyries +118
- Lynx vs. Valkyries Best Bet: Lynx ML (-144)
Lynx vs. Valkyries Preview
This clash between the WNBA's two best teams could be an exciting one.
Minnesota has dominated the matchup so far this season, but both teams will enter the meeting riding winning streaks. Golden State is the hotter team right now, and whether it can leverage its momentum into its first win over the title favorites remains to be seen.
The Valkyries boast the league's most formidable defense. They're conceding just 76.7 points per game to opposing teams. That's at least 5.7 fewer points than any other team. However, recent offensive improvements have taken them to another level.
Golden State has posted 89.2 points per game during its current six-game winning streak, which is up significantly from its season average of 83.4.
Reserve guard Tiffany Hayes has been a driving force behind that success. The 36-year-old veteran has scored 13.7 points per game in less than 19.0 minutes per contest over her previous six outings, adding to her team's well-rounded offensive attack.
Her efficiency as a sparkplug off the bench, shooting 49.1% from the field during that span, will help the underdogs keep up with one of the WNBA's highest-scoring units.
The Lynx have knocked off the Las Vegas Aces twice during their current four-game winning streak and haven't shown signs of slowing down.
Only the Indiana Fever can top their scoring average (92.6) so far this season. That has only gotten easier for the Lynx with Napheesa Collier back in the mix, as their scoring average is 95.3 points per game when she plays.
Minnesota is 8-1 overall and 4-0 on the road with Collier. Securing a win won't be easy for a Golden State team that's 0-2 in head-to-head matchups with Minnesota so far this campaign.
Lynx vs. Valkyries Prediction
There's no need to overthink this one.
The Valkyries have the personnel to slow the Lynx somewhat and have held them to 84.0 points per game through two matchups, but they'll likely need significant bench contributions to match their offensive output.
Collier didn't play in either of the previous two meetings between these two teams, and her presence makes a huge difference.
Best Bet: Lynx Moneyline (-144, FanDuel)
