The Minnesota Lynx head to Crypto.com Arena on Thursday afternoon to play the Los Angeles Sparks. This is the fourth meeting of the season between these teams, with Minnesota winning the first three by an average of 17.7 points. The game tips off at 3:00PM ET as part of the WNBA’s Kids Day promotion.
Minnesota is 17-3 and sits first in the Western Conference. Los Angeles is 6-13 and trying to win back-to-back games for the first time this season. In their last meeting on June 21, the Lynx won 82-66 at home.
Lynx Preview – Looking to Bounce Back from a Rare Loss
Minnesota had a five-game winning streak snapped on Wednesday in Phoenix, falling 79-71. The Lynx are 6-3 on the road and lead the league in defense, allowing just 74.3 points per game. They are also second in scoring, averaging 83.3 points per game.
Napheesa Collier leads the WNBA in scoring at 23.9 points per game. She scored 18 points in the loss to Phoenix, ending a five-game run of 21+ point outings. Kayla McBride scored just six points Wednesday, but had 29 in the last game against the Sparks on June 21.
Minnesota ranks first in field goal percentage (45.7%), three-point percentage (34.9%), and assists (23.0 per game). Their defense has improved over the past year and they now hold teams to just 28.8% from three-point range, which is the best in the league.
Sparks Preview – Hoping to Build Momentum
Los Angeles beat Indiana 89-87 last Saturday, snapping a six-loss streak. The Sparks are just 1-7 at home and have one of the worst defenses in the league, giving up 86.9 points per game. Their offense is scoring 81.3 points per game, which ranks near league average.
Azura Stevens had 21 points and 12 rebounds in the win over Indiana. It was her fifth double-double of the season and she has scored at least 10 points in seven straight games. She leads the Sparks in rebounding and will be key again against Minnesota’s strong frontcourt.
Kelsey Plum scored 20 points in the last game and has been one of their most consistent scorers. The Sparks will need more from their bench, as their starters have been logging heavy minutes. Los Angeles has struggled against Minnesota, losing all three games this season by double digits.
Betting Prediction
Minnesota is favored by 6.5 points and the total is set at 163.5. The Lynx are 7-3 against the spread in their last 10 meetings with the Sparks. They’ve won the three matchups this season by 14, 23, and 17 points.
Los Angeles gives up the second-most points in the league, and Minnesota scores over 90 points per game in this matchup. Even on a back-to-back, Minnesota should cover the spread. Predicted final score: Minnesota 85, Los Angeles 74.
Pick: Minnesota -6.5
