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Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx Prediction, Odds & Best Bets: The playoff push is here
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Last Updated:
Read Time: 4 minutes
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As we enter the last week of the regular season in the WNBA, the playoff picture is getting clearer. The Minnesota Lynx (18-19) have secured a spot in the playoffs, currently sitting in the 5th seed.
They’re just 1 game ahead of the Washington Mystics with 3 games remaining heading into today. Minnesota will take on the Phoenix Mercury tonight, the Chicago Sky on Friday and finish their season in Indiana vs the Fever.
Phoenix is the worst team in the league and have been eliminated from playoff contention. They will have the best chance at the #1 pick going into this year's draft.
Now although they are eliminated, it doesn’t mean that they can’t play spoiler. It will be tough for them as they have played the Lynx 3 times this season, losing the last 2 matchups by double digits.
The Mercury will also be missing key players, per Underdog Sports. Diana Taurasi, who has a toe injury, and Sophie Cunningham will be out with a jaw injury. Both players are core member of the offense.
These last 3 games for the Lynx should be in their favor. They will be facing 3 teams all with losing records and only the Sky fighting to stay in the playoffs. They are currently the 8th seed by tie breaker vs the Los Angeles Sparks.
Napheesa Collier will be the center of the offense as usual. Kayla McBride and Dorka Juhasz have really been stepping up lately, so I expect them to continue this play.
Look for Diamond Miller to also play a role. She was benched in the second half of the last game, so she should have a chip on her shoulder. Miller also leads the team this year in the 3 games vs the Mercury, averaging 16 points in 25 minutes per game.
This is a good spot for Minnesota to catch some momentum. They’re coming off a comeback OT win against the Atlanta Dream even though are just 5-5 in their last 10 games and 8-11 at home.
Betting Odds
Spread
- Phoenix Mercury +7.5 (-105)
- Minnesota Lynx -7.5 (-114)
Moneyline
- Phoenix Mercury +285
- Minnesota Lynx -375
Totals
- Over 159.5 (-110)
- Under 159.5 (-110)
Team Totals
Phoenix Mercury
- Over 75.5 (-120)
- Under 75.5 (-102)
Minnesota Lynx
- Over 83.5 (-112)
- Under 83.5 (-108)
Odds courtesy of BetUS
Game Information
- Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN
- Date: Sunday, September 3, 2023
- Tip-off: 7PM EST
- TV: NBA TV, AZFamily, BSN
Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx Prediction and Picks
Pick: Minnesota Lynx -7.5 (-114)
Minnesota has a lot to play for here. As of right now, the difference between 5th and 6th seed means having to play the Sun or the Wings. I think the Lynx would rather the Wings.
I’m expecting a team effort from the Lynx. Phoenix has held Collier under her points in all 3 games this season. They will need Diamond Miller to continue her success vs the Mercury as well as Kayla McBride hitting 3’s.
The Lynx are a better team offensively all around from scoring to rebounding. They will need to shoot better today and down these last few games. The better they play these next few games, the better momentum they have for the playoffs.
With the playoffs on the line, the seeding also close and the Mercury injured – give me the Lynx to win this game and cover this spread. The number isn’t out of hand in my opinion as they should win this game by double digits.
Player Prop: Napheesa Collier O7.5 Rebounds (-113)
Collier is coming off a 17 rebound game vs the Dream in an OT game. She did clear her line in regulation as well. She is coming off back-to-back games with double digit rebounds.
Phoenix will likely start Sug Sutton and Michaela Onyenwere in place of Taurasi and Cunningham. Both players shoot around 40% and Sutton has only started 8 games this season. This could give Collier more rebounding opportunities.
The Mercury also rank last in the league in rebounding. As tall as Brittney Griner is, she doesn’t rebound as much as you’d think, averaging just 6.6 per game.
Although this game will be a team effort, Napheesa should feast today. Play her for a double-double as well if you can!
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Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids. Follow NZ on X @_NZeee for more sports betting content.
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