Minnesota Lynx (-7.5, -103)
Los Angeles Sparks
Total: 153.3, -105
WHAT DO YOU MEAN CANDACE PARKER ISN’T GOING TO PLAY?
Needed to get that out. Thanks. News broke that Parker will not travel with the Sparks due to a minor back injury which stinks because she was very salty about having to watch the Lynx hang their banner on opening night and pissed off Candace Parker is the best Candace Parker to watch play. That said, you would be foolish to assume this will be an easy win for the Lynx simply due to Parker’s absence. Nneka Ogwumike is borderline unstoppable (63.6 true shooting percentage last season), Chelsea Gray transformed from decent role player for two seasons to WNBA All-Star seemingly overnight, and Alana Beard is still out here guarding you so close you wonder how she isn’t in your jersey with you. I don’t need to give any advanced analytics to prove this so just take my word: the Sparks are really, really good.
You know who else is really, really good? The Minnesota Lynx. Four titles in seven years, the Lynx have become a dynasty led by a team of ageless wonders. Reigning WNBA MVP Sylvia Fowles, Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen and Rebekkah Brunson have all played at least 10 years in the league and have been a dominating force. Oh yeah, and there’s that other player: Maya Moore. Just like their opponent today, the Lynx are in the upper portion of every statistical category (except, surprisingly, turnover percentage where they have the fourth worst mark). The absence of Parker certainly bodes well for Minnesota, as does the home court advantage.
I really would have liked to grab this when the line was at 5 as I think L.A. could still win this game. I’m going to take Minnesota but am not sold on it to be honest. I’ll also halfheartedly take the under.