Lynx vs. Liberty Odds
| Lynx Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+5.5 -112 | 165.5 -107o/-111u | +220 |
| Liberty Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-5.5 -108 | 165.5 -107o/-111u | -270 |
Last week Minnesota beat New York in the Commissioner’s Cup, 94-89 at UBS Arena in Queens, NY. This time around the Liberty will be back in their proper home at Barclay’s, and there won’t be an extra $500,000 on the line. After winning the cup, legendary Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve said, “You got to talk about us now, you’ve got no choice.” So let’s talk about the Lynx.
Minnesota Lynx
There are many talented offenses in the top rankings of the league right now, but only a couple elite defenses. The 14-4 Lynx are currently the only team ranked in the top three for both defensive and offensive rating. In their most recent game, they held the Chicago Sky to just 62 points. Their defense is rated first overall in opponent points per 100 possessions. That said, Chicago is rated 10th in offensive rating, while the New York liberty top the charts.
Napheesa Collier is an obvious star, but Minnesota’s always opts for a well-balanced offense which can make player props trickier to bet. That said, Collier had recorded a double double in two straight games and 11 of her last 19. However, she will have to contend with both Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart down low which could hamper her ability to score and get boards.
Bridget Carleton also popped off for the Lynx in both games vs the Liberty this season (scoring 14 then 23), and has averaged 12.2 points per game in her last ten played. No reason to think she can't do it again. I'll take Carleton over 11.5 points (DraftKings) and if you're feeling spicier, her prop to score 15 or more points is +265 (FanDuel.)
New York Liberty
In the Commissioner’s Cup game last week, New York welcomed back both Courtney Vandersloot (personal) and Betnijah Laney (knee). Laney was one of four starters that scored in double digits, while Vandersloot notched four points and four assists while working under a minutes restriction. As a team, they struggled with turnovers notching 20 total, which resulted in 27 Lynx points. Minnesota also outscored New York 20-6 in fast break points.
Still, New York was able to space the floor and shot 41% from deep this time around, which is impressive given Minnesota’s perimeter prowess (allowing opponents to shoot only 28.4% from the deep.) To win this one, New York needs to cut down on turnovers (against the team ranked second in steals) and step up their own perimeter defense.
Furthermore, Jonquel Jones has struggled to score not once, but twice already vs the Lynx this season. She was held scoreless most of both games and combined for just seven points and six assists in those games. So, I’ll take Jones to go under her points and assists prop set at 18.5 (FanDuel.)
Lynx vs. Liberty
Betting Pick & Prediction
The Lynx boast a league best 13-5 ATS record overall and are a perfect 5-0 ATS as road dogs. New York is 1-9 ATS at home. The Liberty may be able to pull out the home win, but the Lynx won’t let it come easy so I’ll take the points.
