The Minnesota Lynx storm into Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday night to face the Indiana Fever in a 7:30 PM EDT showdown, airing on ION and streaming on 93.5/107.5 The Fan. Tickets start as low as $10, making it a steal for fans in Indianapolis. The Lynx, with a dominant 28-6 record, are 6.5-point road favorites, with the over/under set at 167.5 points. The Fever, sitting at 19-16, are pushing for a playoff spot and coming off a gritty 88-79 win over Seattle. This is the first half of a home-and-home series, with the teams meeting again Sunday in Minnesota, and it’s set to be a high-energy clash.
Position-by-Position Breakdown
Point Guard – Courtney Williams steers the Lynx with her steady hand, averaging 5.8 assists and keeping their offense in sync. Odyssey Sims runs the show for Indiana, a veteran sparkplug who brings quickness and playmaking off the bench or as a starter.
Shooting Guard – Kayla McBride is Minnesota’s sharpshooting star, averaging 15.6 points and hitting 39.2% from three, ready to stretch Indiana’s defense. Kelsey Mitchell counters for the Fever, a scoring machine with 17.9 points per game who can light it up in a hurry.
Small Forward – Napheesa Collier, Minnesota’s MVP candidate, dominates with 23.5 points and 7.5 rebounds, though she’s questionable with an ankle injury. Lexie Hull gives Indiana energy and hustle, averaging 8.4 points, but she’ll have her hands full if Collier plays.
Power Forward – Alanna Smith provides the Lynx with spacing and grit, chipping in 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds. Natasha Howard anchors the Fever’s frontcourt, fresh off a 16-point, 12-rebound performance in the Commissioner’s Cup win over Minnesota.
Center – Dorka Juhász rounds out Minnesota’s lineup with solid rebounding and interior defense. Aliyah Boston holds it down for Indiana, averaging 14.2 points and 8.9 rebounds, ready to battle in the paint.
Game Outlook
The Lynx are the WNBA’s top team, leading the league in defense (73.6 PPG allowed) and ranking third in offense (83.4 PPG). Indiana’s no slouch, sitting sixth in scoring (82.8 PPG) but struggling defensively (10th, 83.7 PPG allowed). The Fever pulled off a 74-59 upset over Minnesota in the Commissioner’s Cup final on July 1, despite missing Caitlin Clark, with Howard earning MVP honors. Minnesota won their last regular-season meeting, 90-80, on August 24, 2024, led by Collier’s 31 points. Both teams play at a top-five pace, so expect a fast-paced, high-scoring game. If Collier suits up, the Lynx have the edge, but Indiana’s home crowd and balanced attack could keep it close.
Best Bets
- Minnesota Lynx -6.5 – The Lynx’s elite defense and depth make them a strong pick to cover on the road, especially if Collier returns.
- Over 167.5 Total Points – Both teams’ fast pace and top-six offenses point to a game that could clear this total with ease.
- Kelsey Mitchell Over 18.5 Points – Mitchell’s been a consistent scorer, hitting this mark in 14 of her last 20 games, and will need to shine for Indiana to compete.
Final Score Prediction
Minnesota Lynx 89 – Indiana Fever 81
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