Lynx Renew Chase for WNBA Title as Regular Season Resumes

The WNBA returns Thursday from the Summer Olympic break, with the Washington Mystics visiting the Minnesota Lynx at 8 p.m. ET.

This marks the second of four regular season meetings, with the teams also scheduled to play Saturday in Washington, D.C.

• Minnesota is an 8.5-point favorite and -455 on the moneyline, with Washington +8.5 and +350. Meanwhile, the projected total is 155.5.

What can bettors expect? Read on as we break down both teams and assess the Mystics vs Lynx WNBA odds in our game preview.

Mystics vs Lynx Betting Trends

The Washington Mystics are among the WNBA’s most profitable teams from a betting perspective, going 16-8-1 against the spread for a cover rate of 64%.

• That includes 8-2 over their last 10 games. As for the Over/Under, the Mystics are 14-11.

The Minnesota Lynx, meanwhile, are 15-11 ATS, though they’ve failed to cover in six of their last seven. Their record against the Over/Under is 11-14-1.

It’s important to remember these betting trends when assessing the Mystics vs Lynx WNBA odds.

Bound to Improve

There’s nowhere to go but up for the Mystics, co-owners of the WNBA’s worst record at 6-19. The Mystics dropped four of five prior to the Olympic break, including a 74-67 loss to Minnesota on July 6.

Center Shakira Austin (hip) and guards Brittney Sykes (ankle) and Karlie Samuelson (hand) are all expected back following lengthy absences.

However, another key member of the Mystics’ rotation remains sidelined in DiDi Richards. The third-year guard hasn’t played since July 14 because of a knee injury.

• The Mystics are 6-7 since their woeful 0-12 start, though they’re still unlikely to hit their projected win total (12.5). They’ll need to go at least 7-8 over the final 15 games to beat expectations.

Much of Washington’s issues stem not just from injuries, but also the absence of Elena Delle Donne. The two-time MVP is uncertain of her future in the WNBA after dealing with repeated back issues.

She also sat out an entire season over concerns about COVID-19.

Guard Ariel Atkins has stepped up to become Washington’s top scorer, averaging 15.8 and a career-high 3.6 assists.

ESPN ranks the top 25 WNBA players heading into the second half of the 2024 WNBA season:

1. A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas)
2. Breanna Stewart (New York)
3. Napheess Collier (Minnesota)
4. Alyssa Thomas (Connecticut)
5. Jonquel Jones (New York)
6. Jackie Young (Las Vegas)
7. Sabrina… pic.twitter.com/HUtD7cpY94

— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) August 14, 2024

Title Chase is On

The Lynx (17-8) have separated themselves as contenders, fashioning the third-best record in the WNBA behind New York (21-4) and Connecticut (18-6).

The playoffs are a formality for the Commissioners Cup champions, with a run to the finals a distinct possibility.

• Oddsmakers are bullish on the Lynx, pricing their title odds at +800. Only two-time defending champion Las Vegas (+145) and New York (+160) are bigger favorites, though the odds can always shift.

The Lynx are relatively healthy, as they had the Olympic break to heal up. Forward Napheesa Collier, the team’s top scorer (20 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 2.2 SPG), recovered from left foot soreness to help lead the United States to a gold medal in Paris.

She was among the frontrunners for the 2024 WNBA MVP award, though Aces forward A’ja Wilson has started to run away with the race.

The Lynx have already surpassed their projected win total of 16.5 and are two wins shy of matching last year’s mark. They haven’t won a playoff series since 2021, though that’s another benchmark ready to fall.

The Lynx, co-owners of the best winning percentage (.680) in the Western Conference, are poised for a deep run this postseason.

The only mark against them of late is their record ATS (1-6 over last seven games). Be sure to keep that in mind when analyzing the Mystics vs Lynx WNBA odds.

Handicapping the Game

Despite its struggles, fueled by the lack of a 2024 WNBA stat leader, Washington has been a profitable pick for bettors.

• The Mystics are 16-8-1 ATS, including 8-4-1 away from home. They’ve covered in eight of their last 10 games, including as 9-point underdogs to Minnesota on July 6.

Austin should help significantly. The third-year center is averaging 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds, though she hasn’t played since May 31.

Her return gives Washington a defensive-minded presence in the paint against Collier, who didn’t play in the teams’ last meeting because of a foot injury.

For WNBA picks, betting analysis and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

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• WNBA Preview: Fever Hope To Build Off Massive Win
  
• Lynx Favored to Beat Dream Despite Missing Collier
  
• Can The Aces Close Out The First Half With a Win?
  

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