On Tuesday, August 19, the New York Liberty (21-13) will host the Minnesota Lynx (28-5) in a WNBA regular-season match-up.
This will be the second straight meeting between the two squads. The Napheesa Collier-less Lynx beat the Breanna Stewart-less Liberty 80-86 in the latest contest.
Courtney Williams led the Lynx with 26 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds. Meanwhile, Jessica Shepard had a brilliant 17-point, 10-rebound performance in a to-and-fro game.
For the Liberty, Jonquel Jones top-scored with 17 points. Meanwhile, the Liberty missed the chance to tie the game in the last thirty seconds before the Lynx nailed 3 more free throws to put the game away.
The loss had big implications for the Liberty, who slipped from second to third rank. Meanwhile, the Lynx strengthened their unshakable grip on the 1st spot even more.
Can the Liberty avenge three straight losses against the Lynx? Check the predictions related to player props, total, and spread here.
New York Liberty
Liberty Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Natasha Cloud | PG/SG: Sabrina Ionescu | SF: Leonie Fiebich | PF: Emma Meesemann | C: Jonquel Jones
Key bench players: SG: Marinee Johannes, SG: Stephanie Talbot, PF: Isabelle Harrison.
Injuries/Updates: Breanna Stewart, Nyara Sabally, and Kennedy Burke are OUT long-term.
Minnesota Lynx
Lynx Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Courtney Williams | SG: Kayla McBride | SF: Bridget Carleton | PF: Napheesa Collier | C: Alanna Smith
Key bench players: PF: Jessica Shepard, PF: Maria Kliundikova, PG: Natisha Hiedeman, SF: DiJonai Carrington
Injuries/Updates: Napheesa Collier’s STATUS is UNCLEAR (Was DOUBTFUL last game).
The Liberty and Lynx have had all sorts of battles thus far, ranging from low-scoring to high-scoring. The first game produced 193, the second 154, and the latest one 166.
The Lynx has scored at least 83 points on occasions while limiting Liberty to 80 points or lower twice. It sums up the difference between the teams lately.
The Liberty has leaned towards the 70s in terms of scoring these days, as Sabrina Ionescu has cooled off considerably.
On the other hand, the Lynx continues to be in the mid-80s or so while building daylight. I see another slow burner here and would go for “Under”.
Total: Under 166.5 for -115 at BetMGM
Here is an overview of my selections
| Picks | BetMGM Odds |
| Total U 166.5 | -115 |
| Spread- Liberty -3.5 | -102 |
| Sabrina Ionescu O 17.5 Points | -115 |
| Money Line- Liberty | -145 |
Courtney Williams U 13.5 Points: Mid-range maestro and plucky playmaker Williams has averaged 14.2 PPG. She has scored 20 or more in two of the last four games, but I finally see her cooling off.
Sabrina Ionescu O 18.5 Points: Ionescu has been hot and cold throughout the season, currently averaging 19.2 PPG. She has scored below her average in the 9-18 range during six straight games.
I see her shaking off the funk and putting up at least 19 here.
Natasha Cloud O 0.5 3-Pointers: Cloud is not a laser long-range shooter, but she is dependable with 1.2 makes per game. She hasn’t made a triple in the last two games, but I expect her to nail one at least.
Main pick: Sabrina Ionescu O 17.5 Points for -115 at BetMGM
The Liberty hasn’t done well lately. One huge issue they are having is closing out games on defense, as evidenced by a wide-open Kayla McBride clutch three in the previous game.
The Lynx, on the other hand, run with full effort in the closing moments to seal the deal. The Lynx kept Liberty to just 2 points in the last three minutes, showcasing their will to win it all this season.
I see the change in script, though, as NY returns at home. I believe Ionescu will have a big game here to bury the Lynx, even if Collier plays.
Spread/Money Line Pick: Spread: Liberty -3.5 for -102 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
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