Lynx vs Sparks Picks
| Lynx Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-4.5 -112 | 157 -1120/-109u | -225 |
| Sparks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+4.5 -108 | 157 -112o/-109u | +184 |
The WNBA is back in action after a day off with a light one-game slate.
The Minnesota Lynx (15-6) will visit Crypto.com Arena to face the Los Angeles Sparks (5-16) at 10 p.m. ET on WNBA League Pass.
So, where does the betting value lie? Let's dive into the Lynx vs Sparks odds and make a WNBA pick and prediction in our betting preview for Tuesday, July 9.
Minnesota Lynx
On the surface, it would definitely seem as if the Lynx have the immediate advantage. However, they step into this matchup without Napheesa Collier, who's out indefinitely while dealing with aggravated plantar fasciitis in her left foot.
With their star out, the primary focus becomes Kayla McBride, especially after a low-key 17-point performance on 50% shooting in their last win over the Mystics.
But the Lynx can't sleep on the Sparks, as their defense will likely shift to locking down McBride to keep her contained as much as possible.
Fellow guard Courtney Williams will need to be prepared to give McBride some offensive relief if she gets caught up in the Sparks' defensive web. She'll also need to facilitate so the supporting cast can get involved without relying too much on any one player.
Los Angeles Sparks
Don't let the record fool you — the Sparks are not a team to sleep on.
They pushed the Mercury to their limit in a close call that ended in a loss for L.A., but even before then, they managed to pull off an overtime upset against the defending champs in the Aces.
After those games, it's clear the Sparks aren't afraid to take down the toughest teams on their plate.
As they still try to adjust to the absence of Cameron Brink, Sparks forward Dearica Hamby has been the leading lady keeping the team afloat. Her stats have seen an uptick in the past couple of matchups, and I don't see that dying down against the Lynx.
However, defense will be the name of the game for the Sparks. To have a chance against this Lynx team, they have to lock in to contain Minnesota's offense and prevent the game from getting away too early — a goal that seems attainable based on their recent showings.
Lynx vs Sparks
Betting Pick & Prediction
The Lynx are 7-3 against the spread on the road, and I see them racking up another win behind a solid showing from McBride.
This could be the night when McBride gets more settled into being the go-to player for the Lynx. She should rise to the occasion, so I'll take the over on her points.
