The Minnesota Lynx host the New York Liberty on Wednesday, July 30, at the Target Center in Minneapolis. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. Minnesota enters at 22-5, holding the best record in the Western Conference. New York comes in at 17-8 and sits atop the Eastern Conference standings.
This is the first time these teams have met since the Liberty beat the Lynx 67-62 in the 2024 WNBA Finals. While some players remember that series, both teams are focused on the current season. Minnesota is looking to bounce back from its first regular-season home loss. New York is trying to break a two-game losing streak after falling to the Wings and Sparks.
Lynx Preview – Looking to Stay Strong at Home
Minnesota is 14-2 at home this season and 8-4 on the road. They lead the league in scoring with 87.7 points per game and also allow the fewest points at 75.3 per game. Their +12.4 average scoring margin ranks best in the league. They’ve been efficient on both ends, shooting 45.4% from the field while holding opponents to just 41.5%.
Napheesa Collier has been the star for Minnesota. She leads the league with 23.5 points per game and adds 7.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 2.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks. In the last game against Atlanta, she shot 14-of-18 from the field and scored 32 points. Courtney Williams adds 14.1 points per game and leads the team with 6.1 assists. Kayla McBride is another key scorer at 14.0 points per game.
Defensively, Minnesota ranks first in blocks per game (5.0) and limits opponents to the fewest made field goals (27.8). They also lead the league in assists allowed, giving up just 17.9 per game. Their backcourt, led by Williams and Bridget Carleton, creates pressure with strong perimeter defense. Their ability to control pace and dominate the paint has made them tough to beat at home.
Liberty Preview – Searching for Answers on the Road
New York is 5-5 away from home and 12-3 at the Barclays Center. The Liberty have dropped two straight and held a team-only meeting after the latest loss. They’ve allowed 90 or more points in both games and are giving up more transition looks. Now they go on the road to face a Minnesota team that has won 14 of 16 home games this year.
Sabrina Ionescu leads New York with 19.3 points per game and averages 5.6 assists. She has scored at least 17 in four of her last five games. Jonquel Jones is averaging 13.8 points and 9.3 rebounds. In their last game, Jones posted 18 points on 6-of-16 shooting. Natasha Cloud added 8 assists, but also committed 5 fouls.
New York ranks second in both three-point percentage (35.4%) and three-pointers made (10.0 per game). But they’ll be without key players in this game. Breanna Stewart is out with a leg injury. Nyara Sabally and Kristi Burke are also out. Stewart’s absence leaves a gap in scoring and rebounding, as she was averaging 18.3 points and 6.5 boards per game.
Betting Prediction
Oddsmakers have the Lynx favored by 7.5 points. The total is set at 165.5. New York is 11-13-1 against the spread this season, while Minnesota is 16-12 ATS. The Liberty are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 head-to-head meetings. The Lynx are 9-1 in their last 10 games overall and are coming off a rare home loss to Atlanta.
Minnesota has the edge in scoring, defense, and health. Collier is coming off a 30+ point game, and Stewart’s absence will hurt the Liberty on both ends. Without her, New York will struggle to match up inside. Expect the Lynx to control the game early and win by double digits. The under may also be worth a look with New York missing key scorers.
Pick: Minnesota -7.5
