The Minnesota Lynx head to Gateway Center Arena on Thursday night to face the Atlanta Dream in a 7:30 PM EDT clash that’s got playoff seeding written all over it. You can catch the action on FanDuel Sports Network – North or stream it on the WNBA app, with tickets starting as low as $15. The Lynx, boasting a 24-9 record, are locked in as the No. 2 seed in the West and come in as 4.5-point road favorites with an over/under of 164.5 points. The Dream, sitting at 15-19, are fighting for the No. 7 seed and need a win to bolster their postseason hopes. With both teams splitting their two meetings this season, this one’s shaping up to be a thriller.
Position-by-Position Breakdown
Point Guard – Courtney Williams runs the show for Minnesota, averaging 5.8 assists and bringing veteran poise to keep the offense humming. Jordin Canada leads Atlanta with her quickness and defensive tenacity, though she’ll need to outsmart Williams to disrupt the Lynx’s flow.
Shooting Guard – Kayla McBride is a sharpshooting threat for the Lynx, dropping 15.6 points per game and stretching defenses with her 39.2% three-point shooting. Allisha Gray counters for the Dream, a two-way star averaging 19.7 points who can match McBride’s scoring punch.
Small Forward – Napheesa Collier, the Lynx’s MVP candidate, is a do-it-all force with 24.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, dominating on both ends. Rhyne Howard gives Atlanta a dynamic wing, averaging 16.8 points, but she’ll need to step up defensively to slow Collier.
Power Forward – Alanna Smith provides Minnesota with spacing and hustle, chipping in 11.2 points and 5.4 rebounds. Naz Hillmon anchors the Dream’s frontcourt, coming off a career-high 21 points against Dallas and looking to control the boards.
Center – Dorka Juhász rounds out the Lynx’s lineup with her rebounding and interior defense, a key piece in their top-ranked defense (73.6 PPG allowed). Tina Charles, Atlanta’s veteran center, leads the team with 16.1 points and 8.3 rebounds, ready to battle in the paint.
Game Outlook
The Lynx are firing on all cylinders, ranking third in offense (83.4 PPG) and first in defense (73.6 PPG allowed), with a 46.5% field goal percentage that’s tough to match. The Dream, meanwhile, are second in scoring (83.5 PPG) but struggle defensively, ranking ninth in field goal percentage allowed (42.1%). Minnesota won their last meeting 96-92 on June 27, led by Collier’s 26 points, but Atlanta bounced back with a 90-86 upset on July 27, powered by Brittney Griner’s season-high 22 points. Both teams play at a slow pace, ranking in the bottom four, so expect a grind-it-out battle where Minnesota’s defensive edge could tip the scales. If Atlanta’s guards catch fire, they could keep it close, but the Lynx’s depth and road toughness make them the team to beat.
Best Bets
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- Minnesota Lynx -4.5 – The Lynx’s top-ranked defense and Collier’s dominance make them a solid pick to cover on the road, especially after splitting the season series.
- Under 164.5 Total Points – With both teams in the bottom four for pace and Minnesota’s stingy defense, this game could stay under the total.
- Napheesa Collier Over 23.5 Points – Collier’s cleared this mark in 16 of 23 games this season and should feast against Atlanta’s ninth-ranked defense.
Final Score Prediction
Minnesota Lynx 85 – Atlanta Dream 79
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