Could Brittney Griner Return To Action Tonight?
Lynx vs Mercury Preview: Minnesota Will Hold Their Own
The Minnesota Lynx will look to continue their hot start with a road game against the Phoenix Mercury in another WNBA Commissioner’s Cup matchup.
The Lynx are one of the more surprising teams in the WNBA, beginning the season 7-2. They’re led by Napheesa Collier, who has averaged a double-double with 21.8 points and 11 rebounds per game.
On the other hand, the Mercury have been playing without their superstar, Brittney Griner. However, she’s been upgraded to questionable for tonight’s game. She’s making progress.
- Despite her status, the Mercury is still +5.5, with the total at 162.5 for tonight’s showdown.
Read about our Lynx vs Mercury preview for tonight’s exciting matchup.
🏀 Lynx vs Mercury 🏀
Day/Time:
Records: Lynx (7-2)/Mercury (4-6)
Location: Footprint Center
Streaming: ION
Lynx vs Mercury Preview & Trends
The Minnesota Lynx have exceeded all expectations through their first nine games of the season. Not only are the Lynx 7-2 overall, but they’ve won eight of nine games against the spread this year.
They’ve also hit the Over in one more game than the Under this season.
On the other hand, the Mercury are more average, winning four of their first ten games. They’ve also won against the spread in five of ten games while hitting the Under in six of ten.
The Lynx went head-to-head against the Mercury to close out May and added a 95-71 victory as 6.5-point favorites. The Over 164.5 also cashed in that game.
Minnesota Ownership Could Create TV Home For Lynx
Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez are interested in adding a TV home for local Minnesota teams, including the Lynx.
With the sport’s popularity growing and the Lynx off to a red-hot start, there’s no better time to discuss potentially adding a local market for the Lynx with Minnesota at the top of the WNBA standings in the Western Conference.
Could Brittney Griner Return Tonight?
Brittney Griner was caught back in practice with the Mercury after a toe fracture kept her out of the lineup to begin the season. That could help the Phoenix Mercury standings.
The six-time All-Star would hugely help the Mercury. But the Mercury are also expected to return Rebecca Allen, who was also on the injured list.
Allen had been under concussion protocol and has missed the last five games. She had averaged nearly six points per game and could also return tonight.
If the WNBA betting odds move in Phoenix’s favor, it’s likely because at least one of these two will take the court.
There’s No Stopping The Lynx
While the Mercury could get some reinforcements tonight, it’s hard to imagine Griner and Allen making a massive impact in their first games back.
After all, the Mercury are -5.7 in net points per game and have scored just 93.3 points per 100 possessions, which is 9th in the WNBA.
While the Mercury have shot 33.3% from downtown, it’s ultimately one of the few areas where the Mercury have been a consistent success.
That said, Phoenix has added 27.7 defensive rebounds per game. They’re also 5th in defensive rebounding rate but have still struggled to earn a high rate of turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Lynx have dominated the stat sheet all season. Minnesota ranks No. 1 in opponent points per 100 possessions and has shot a league-leading 46.2% from the field. While the Mercury are great from downtown, the Lynx have been better.
Minnesota has shot 38.6% from 3-points and 50.8% from two. It leads the WNBA in points per scoring attempt and effective field goal percentage.
In addition, the Lynx have held teams to a 39.5% field goal percentage and have allowed just .79 points per play. The Lynx have become one of the best defensive teams in the WNBA. It’s been quite the turnaround.
Last season, Minnesota was one of the worst defensive teams, allowing .93 points per play. The Lynx also watched teams shoot a 50.9% effective field goal percentage last year. But they’ve gone from 11th in the WNBA in opponent effective field goal percentage to first through the first nine games.
While it’s a small sample size, the Lynx truly looks like one of the best teams in the WNBA, and we don’t see that changing.
- Let’s take the Minnesota Lynx at -5.5 (-110) for our Lynx vs Mercury preview.
For WNBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
