The Minnesota Lynx (15-2) and Golden State Valkyries (9-7) will meet in the WNBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Lynx are 9.5-point favorites over the Valkyries on the spread (Lynx -9.5), with the over/under set at 155.5 total points. Minnesota is a -500 favorite to win outright, while Golden State is +375 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Valkyries vs. Lynx predictions and WNBA picks for Saturday, July 5.
Valkyries vs. Lynx Prediction, Picks
My Lynx vs. Valkyries best bet is Veronica Burton Under 13.5 Points + Assists, with the best odds currently available at BetMGM. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live WNBA odds page.
Pick: Veronica Burton Under 13.5 Points + Assists (-135)
Valkyries vs. Lynx Odds
| Valkyries Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9.5 -110 | 155.5 -110o / -110u | +375 |
| Lynx Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9.5 -110 | 155.5 -110o / -110u | -500 |
- Valkyries vs. Lynx Spread: Lynx -9.5
- Valkyries vs. Lynx Over/Under: 155.5 total points
- Valkyries vs. Lynx Moneyline: Sparks +375, Lynx -500
- Valkyries vs. Lynx Best Bet: Veronica Burton Under 13.5 Points + Assists (-135)
Valkyries vs. Lynx Preview, Best Bets
The Minnesota Lynx come into this matchup boasting the league's best record, and their hot start has been spurred by their excellent play on the defensive end of the floor.
They lead the league in defensive rating by a sizable margin and have held their opposition to just 40.4 percent from the field. Their suffocating defense is amplified by their slow pace on the offensive end of the floor.
This combination will minimize the Valkyries' possession, and the overall lack of shooting volume should significantly impact Golden State's Veronica Burton.
Burton has been a key piece to the Valkyries' offense in both the scoring and assist departments. However, she has not been particularly efficient from the field, shooting just 33 percent on the season.
She's averaged less than three made field goal attempts per game this season, with about one of those coming from downtown.
Although we should expect a below-average performance, given her reduced shot volume, and the fact that the Lynx backcourt has been stout defensively.
The Lynx rank first in points allowed to and third in assists allowed to guards. That ranking also suggests some adjustments to contain Burton as she touched the Lynx in their first meeting back in June.
Burton racked up 21 points and three assists in that matchup.
It's clear she's due to regress in this meeting, and that combined with the toughest matchup in the league should lead to her staying under her points + assists total tonight.
Best Bet: Veronica Burton Under 13.5 Points + Assists (-135)
