The Minnesota Lynx visit the Washington Mystics on Tuesday, June 24 at CareFirst Arena. Tipoff is set for 8:00PM ET. Minnesota enters the game at 12-1, the best record in the league, while Washington is 6-8 and trying to stay in the playoff hunt.
This is the first meeting between the teams in 2025, but they played four times last season. Minnesota won three of those matchups, including a 78-71 road win on September 8. The Lynx have already clinched a spot in the Commissioner’s Cup Final and are looking to stay sharp with one week to go. Washington is just half a game out of the eighth playoff spot and needs wins to stay in the mix.
MIN Preview – Hoping to Keep Rolling With or Without Collier
The Lynx are off to a strong start this season and have won five games in a row. Their only loss came back on May 26. They’ve gone 5-1 on the road and are a perfect 7-0 at home. Minnesota is averaging 84.8 points per game, fourth in the league, while holding teams to 81.1 points.
Star forward Napheesa Collier is averaging 24.4 points per game but has missed the last game and a half with a back issue. The team expects her to return Tuesday. In her place, Maria Kliundikova has stepped up with a season-high 12 points and eight rebounds in her second career start. The Lynx also got 29 points from Kayla McBride in their last game, as she hit 5-of-7 from deep and helped carry the offense.
Minnesota is shooting 47.1% from the field, second in the league. They lead the WNBA in field goals made per game (31.0) and rank second in assists (23.8). They also turn the ball over just 13.8 times per game, one of the lowest in the league. Their defense ranks top-three in field goal defense, three-point defense, and assists allowed. If Collier is fully healthy, the Lynx have one of the most complete starting lineups in the league.
WAS Preview – Rookies Lead the Charge in Must-Win Stretch
The Mystics are coming off a 91-88 overtime win against Dallas. They trailed in the fourth quarter but got big shots from rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Citron finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds and hit the go-ahead three-pointer with 12 seconds left. Iriafen added 19 points, seven rebounds, and six assists while also swiping five steals.
Washington has relied heavily on its younger players this season. Veteran guard Brittney Sykes was limited to eight points in the win over Dallas, but rookie guard Samara Sutton added 15 points on perfect shooting. The Mystics are getting strong production from first-year players and rank sixth in rebounds and fourth in free throw percentage.
Washington is 4-3 at home and 2-5 on the road. Their defense allows 81.1 points per game, which ranks seventh. They give up the most assists in the league and are near the bottom in blocks and steals. Still, their offense has improved, especially late in games. They rank third in fourth-quarter scoring and have shown they can close games well at home.
Betting Prediction
Minnesota is a 5.5-point favorite with the total set at 157.5. The Lynx have covered the spread in four of their last five games. They rank among the best teams in shooting, assists, and defense. If Collier returns as expected, they should have an edge in both talent and depth.
Washington has momentum from the win over Dallas and has played better at home. But the Mystics are young and still have trouble on the defensive end. The Lynx are more balanced and efficient, especially in transition. Minnesota should win and cover the spread. Projected score: Minnesota 86, Washington 76.
Pick: Minnesota -5.5
