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The Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx matchup is one of four WNBA Playoffs games scheduled for Sunday. The two teams met four times in the regular season, with the Lynx winning the season series 3-1. This will be the first matchup of a three-game first-round series between the No. 2 Lynx and the No. 7 Mercury.
Even though Phoenix is one of the better teams in the league, it struggled to a 19-21 record on the season. It didn’t have a great finish either, going 3-7 in the final 10 games. The Mercury, though, need to put everything behind them when they go up against the exceptional Lynx, who finished 30-10, in the WNBA Playoffs.
Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx game details and odds
The Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx WNBA Playoffs game is scheduled for 5 p.m. EDT on Sunday, Sept. 22, at Target Center. The game will be broadcast only on ESPN. Fans can’t stream it on WNBA League Pass. It will be available only on demand once the game ends.
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Moneyline: Mercury (+425) vs. Lynx (-575)
Spread: Mercury (+9.5) vs. Lynx (-9.5)
Total (O/U): Mercury -110 (o158.5) vs. Lynx -110 (u158.5)
Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx preview
The two teams have met 13 times in the WNBA Playoffs. It has been a one-sided affair, with Minnesota holding a 11-2 record. If the regular season was any indication, the Lynx’s domination is expected to continue in the upcoming three-game series as well.
Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx starting lineups
As per its injury report, Phoenix will be without Rebecca Allen, who is out for the season after undergoing surgery to fix a back issue, while Charisma Osborne is questionable with a lower leg injury. Phoenix coach Nate Tibbetts should start:
PG: Kahleah Copper SG: Natasha Cloud SF: Diana Taurasi PF: Sophie Cunningham C: Brittney Griner
Phoenix’s key bench players could be Celeste Taylor, Amy Atwell, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, Monique Billings and Natasha Mack.
Minnesota’s only injury concern is Dorka Juhasz, who's probable with a foot injury. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve should start:
PG: Courtney Williams SG: Kayla McBride SF: Bridget Carleton PF: Napheesa Collier C: Alanna Smith
The Lynx’s primary bench players should be Natisha Hiedeman, Myisha Hines-Allen and Cecilia Zandalasini.
Editor’s note: These are predicted starting lineups and could change based on the availability of players who are uncertain to play.
Phoenix Mercury vs Minnesota Lynx prediction
The Lynx are heavily favored to win Game 1 of their first-round series against the Mercury. Minnesota was great the entire regular season, and that should continue in the WNBA Playoffs as well.
Expect the Lynx to cover the spread for a win. It should be a high-scoring game with the team total likely going past 158.5 points.
