Liberty vs Lynx predictions
With the New York Liberty hitting the road and looking to shake things up, all eyes naturally turn to their big guns. Sabrina Ionescu, always a spark for the Liberty, comes into this matchup averaging just under 20 points per game, so you know she’ll look to exploit any defensive lapses. Natasha Cloud, running the show from the point, has been dropping dimes steadily, and if the pace picks up, she’s got the vision to find her shooters all night. The big question mark is Breanna Stewart—she’s listed as day-to-day with that vague leg injury, but if she’s anywhere close to healthy, expect her to provide a much-needed boost on the boards and with shot creation. Imagine the Liberty firing on all cylinders with Stewart picking up steam; things could get interesting real quick.
Now on the Lynx side, you just can’t overlook what Napheesa Collier’s been doing. Fresh off that monster 32-point performance, she’s really putting her stamp on this WNBA season. You get the sense she’ll be gunning for another prolific night, combining aggressive drives with a knack for finding her shot from mid-range. Keep an eye on Courtney Williams, too—her pace setting and passing (over six assists a game!) could really open up Minnesota’s offense if New York focuses too much on Collier. And with Collier also leading on the boards, this Lynx squad knows how to control the tempo at home, especially inside the friendly confines of Target Center where their dominance is off the charts.
Thinking about how these matchups stack up, it’s hard not to lean toward the Minnesota Lynx in this one. They’ve posted an incredible 14-1 record at home, and coming in hot with that mix of inside power and backcourt creativity, they seem poised to handle whatever the Liberty throw at them. Unless Stewart gets back to full strength and Ionescu absolutely takes over, the edge looks pretty clear. So, count on Minnesota to hold serve at home, but with the Liberty’s star power, you always have to keep your eyes peeled for fireworks. What do you think—is an upset brewing, or will the Lynx stay in control?