Published Jun 14, 10:15am ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jun 14, 10:15am ET
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Updated Jun 14, 10:15am ET
One of Monday's WNBA matchups features the Minnesota Lynx hosting the Portland Fire. Who has the edge in our Lynx vs Fire pick?
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| Minnesota Lynx | -13 (-115) |
| Portland Fire | +13 (-105) |
Minnesota entered this weekend's action riding an eight-game win streak. Unfortunately, the stretch ended with a 100-97 defeat at the hands of the Las Vegas Aces on Saturday.
ALSO SEE: Wings vs Aces | Odds and NBA Pick (Jun 15)
Minnesota was down by two points late in the fourth quarter before Olivia Miles hit her third 3-pointer of the game, giving the Lynx a 97-96 advantage. But A'ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray each made two free throws in the final 20 seconds to help the reigning champs come away with the win.
Four players reached double figures, led by rookie Olivia Miles. She scored a game-high 29 points on 11-for-20 shooting overall and 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. Natasha Howard poured in 22 points and snagged nine rebounds.
The Lynx had two chances to tie the game in the final moments, but missed both attempts. Minnesota now heads home looking to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time this season.
Following a 6-4 start, the Fire have dropped four of their last five games. The good news is they recently ended a four-game skid with an 84-83 victory over the Dallas Wings on Saturday.
It did not look good for Portland as it trailed 83-81 with 19 seconds left to play. But the expansion did not quit. Carla Leite answered with a game-tying layup seven seconds later before Emily Engstler knocked down the second of two free throws to seal the win for the home team.
All five starters were in double figures. Bridget Carleton scored a team-high 20 points, collected four rebounds, and shot 6-for-10 from deep. Megan Gustafson finished with 16 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
The Fire's defense was superb, limiting the Wings to 39 percent shooting overall and 25 percent from long range. They will need a similar effort to upend a Minnesota team that enters this matchup boasting the league's top-rated offense and defense.
Coming off its first loss in nine tries, Minnesota enters this battle as a huge 13-point favorite. Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.
The Lynx excel at both ends of the floor, and they have won eight of their last nine games. Meanwhile, Portland is ranked 10th in offensive efficiency and 14th in defensive rating. Combined with the fact that the Fire have dropped four of their last five outings, the edge goes to Minnesota in this Western Conference showdown.
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Pick
Minnesota Lynx
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