Minnesota Lynx (-3.5, -110)
Seattle Storm (+3.5, -110)
Total: 160.5
What else is there really left to say about Minnesota? They are really good and they are going to be really good for a while, and don’t talk to me about them getting old. It is worth noting that other than the Liberty, the Lynx schedule has been soft so far, with victories over Chicago, Connecticut, Dallas and San Antonio; not exactly the league’s elite. Sylvia Fowles has been spectacular and is the undisputed MVP of the first chunk of the season, while Maya Moore hasn’t even played up to her standards, a terrifying truth for the rest of the league. One of the best teams in the league on defense and rebounding, the Lynx are a true juggernaut.
Winners of four straight, Seattle is a team growing in confidence with every game. With victories over Indiana (twice), New York and Washington, the Storm have taken advantage of a very favorable schedule travel wise, as tonight will mark their fifth straight home game. Jewell Loyd is having a breakout year, tossing in 21.4 points per game on 55.2% shooting, but there is no doubt that she can contribute a lot of that success to Sue Bird who is handing out eight assists per game. Breanna Stewart has struggled to find her touch on offensive, but the unexpected deadeye shooting from Sami Whitcomb has provided more than enough firepower on offensive. A name only the true WNBA fan would know prior to this season, Whitcomb has gone 9-of-12 over the last two games from deep, making this Seattle team almost impossible to stop at times.
I’ve liked Seattle since the pre-season and think they have a chance to win tonight, but I also don’t want to try and get cute by predicting the first Lynx loss. My gut says Seattle, and maybe that is what I should go with, but my mind says Minnesota and the over.