Sparks vs Lynx WNBA Pick: Can Sparks Improve to 2-0? (May 18)

• The Los Angeles Sparks are coming off a win against the Golden State Valkyries.
• Meanwhile, the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Dallas Wings in their season opener.
• These squads last played on Sep. 19, 2024, with the Sparks pulling away with a 68-51 victory.

One of the games on Sunday’s WNBA slate features the Los Angeles Sparks hosting the Minnesota Lynx. Who comes out on top in our Sparks vs Lynx pick?

Sparks Coming Off Double-Digit Victory Over Expansion Valkyries

Thanks to injuries, the Sparks finished with the worst record in the association last season. However, LA acquired Kelsey Plum in a three-team trade during the offseason and she shined in her debut.

She scored a game-high 37 points to go along with six assists and five steals. The two-time WNBA champion also shot 11-for-19 from the field and 4-for-6 from beyond the arc.

Dearica Hamby posted a double-double that included 14 points and 10 rebounds. Rickea Jackson and Azura Stevens added 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Los Angeles led by 15 points, but Golden State trimmed the deficit to six points entering the fourth quarter. However, the Sparks pulled away down the stretch, outscoring the Valkyries 18-7 in the final frame.

Lynx Look To Build On Season-Opening Win Against Wings

On the other side, the Lynx are coming off a 99-84 win against the Dallas Wings. Napheesa Collier torched the Wings’ defense with 34 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Courtney Williams scored 25 points, handed out nine assists, and collected four rebounds. Jessica Shepard had 15 points, and Diamond Miller chipped in with 13 off the bench.

Dallas, who finished with the second-worst record in 2024, kept it close, as the teams battled to a 46-46 tie going into the break.

Collier ignited a 13-1 run midway through the third quarter that gave Minnesota a 13-point advantage (71-58) it would not relinquish.

Sparks vs Lynx Pick: Who Has The Edge In This Western Conference Showdown?

The Sparks enter this matchup as a five-point underdog (per BetOnline). Here are a few betting trends for both sides heading into this matchup.

• The Sparks are 1-8 straight-up (SU) in their last nine games against the Lynx.
• Los Angeles is 0-5 against the spread in its previous five home outings against Minnesota.
• The Lynx 18-7 overall in their last 25 contests.
• Minnesota is 7-2 ATS in its previous nine road matchups.

Based on what we saw in the season opener, Los Angeles looks like a different squad this season. Unfortunately, the Lynx are the superior team and they will prevail when these unbeaten teams clash on Sunday night.