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The Money Line: WNBA odds, predictions for Friday, July 14

By Blake DuDonis

Chicago guard Courtney Vandersloot surveys the court. Photo by Abe Booker, III
Chicago guard Courtney Vandersloot surveys the court. Photo by Abe Booker, III /
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ST. PAUL, MN – SEPTEMBER 30: Sylvia Fowles and Brittney Griner
ST. PAUL, MN – SEPTEMBER 30: Sylvia Fowles and Brittney Griner /

Minnesota Lynx (-7.5, -110)
Phoenix Mercury (+7.5, -110)
Total: 167

Are the Lynx’s playoff hopes in trouble? Is it time to blow it up and build through the draft? Should the starting five consider retirement?

Okay okay, I’m obviously joking but I don’t think I’ve been more surprised by a result thus far this season than I was when the Lynx fell to Chicago.  The biggest surprise wasn’t necessarily that they lost, but taking a 24-point loss on the chin for the second-worst team in the league was shocking.

The game featured Maya Moore failing to hit a shot from the field,  the team recording just 24 rebounds and committing 20 turnovers. If it’s fine by everyone else, I’m just going to pretend that didn’t happen. The Lynx are still the cream of the crop and until any of those things I jokingly suggested in the opening sentence happen, I’m not coming off of those beliefs.

The Mercury are really coming on strong, winning four straight games and now find themselves just 1.5 games out of second place. During the win streak, Phoenix is averaging 87.5 PPG, handing out 20 APG, have a 52.6 rebounding percentage an offensive rating of 111.8. Brittney Griner has continued to be firmly in the middle of MVP talks, averaging 26 PPG and 10.8 RPG during the streak, both tops in the league while Diana Taurasi has scored 17 PPG and making over four three-pointers a game. Owning an impressive 5-2 record on the road, the Mercury are a team to be reckoned with.

This is a tough game to choose, especially with the spread the way it is. I expect Minnesota to win this thing, but giving the Mercury 7.5 points at home? I think I’m going to have to take that, so give me Phoenix and the over. 

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