Published Jul 12, 2:58am ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jul 12, 2:58am ET
Shutterstock
Updated Jul 12, 2:58am ET
One of Monday's WNBA matchups features the Minnesota Lynx taking on the Phoenix Mercury. Which team has the edge in our Lynx vs Mercury pick?
|
|
|---|---|
| Minnesota Lynx | -11.5 (-110) |
| Phoenix Mercury | +11.5 (-110) |
Minnesota has won two straight following a two-game slide. This includes a 90-85 victory over the New York Liberty on Saturday.
ALSO SEE: Dream vs Sparks | Odds and NBA Pick (Jul 13)
The Lynx saw their 10-point halftime lead flip to a one-point deficit entering the fourth quarter. But thanks to a 29-23 advantage in the final frame, which included four clutch free throws from Olivia Miles, the host team hung on for the win.
Kayla McBride put up a team-high 25 points and hit 5 of her 11 3-point attempts. Miles added 23 points, five rebounds, and four assists, giving Minnesota a solid one-two punch in the backcourt.
Meanwhile, the Mercury have dropped three straight after a three-game win streak. Their last outing was one they'd like to forget, as they dropped a 106-58 decision to the Las Vegas Aces.
The suspense factor faded fast in this one. Phoenix trailed by 20 points (29-9) after the first quarter, and the deficit eventually grew to as many as 54 points in the fourth quarter. The Aces' 48-point margin of victory was the third-largest in WNBA history.
Monique Akoa Makani scored 13 points on 5‑for‑13 shooting, while Lexi Held led the second unit with 11 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Beyond those two double‑digit scorers, Phoenix struggled to generate consistent offense, shooting just 35 percent overall and 7‑for‑31 from beyond the arc, numbers that defined the Mercury’s difficulties against one of the top teams in the association.
Thanks to four wins in its last six tries, Minnesota is listed as an 11.5-point favorite. Here's what you need to know for both teams ahead of this tilt.
The Lynx are 3-2 in their last five games at the Target Center. On the other side, Phoenix is 2-3 across its last five road outings, but has won three of the previous five meetings in this series. Even with that, siding with Minnesota is the wise play based on recent performances.
|
Pick
Minnesota Lynx (-11.5)
|
New Player Bonus
50% up to $1000
|
