Minnesota (12-1) at Washington (6-8)
- When: Jun 24 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: CareFirst Arena, Washington, DC, USA
- TV: MNMT
WNBA Preview and Prediction: Minnesota Lynx, Washington Mystics
Spread: Minnesota -9.5 | Total: 156.5
Minnesota Lynx Breakdown
Back-to-back victories without MVP candidate Napheesa Collier have kept Minnesota’s juggernaut rolling. The league leaders (12-1) already punched their Commissioner’s Cup ticket but want to stay sharp. Word from coach Cheryl Reeve is that Collier’s stiff back should loosen enough for a return Tuesday; she still tops the WNBA at 24.4 PPG.
With Collier sidelined, reserve forward Maria Kliundikova slid into the starting five and dropped a season-best 12 points and eight boards, while Kayla McBride erupted for 29 on 5-of-7 deep shooting. Even so, the Lynx coughed up 21 turnovers, Reeve’s lone complaint after a 53.6 percent shooting night. Expect a tighter handle if Collier is back in rhythm.
Washington Mystics Breakdown
Washington (6-8) scraped out a 91-88 OT win against Dallas behind its rookies. Sonia Citron (27 pts, 11 reb) drilled the go-ahead triple, and Kiki Iriafen (19-7-6-5) stuffed the box score. Those performances masked a quiet outing from leading scorer Brittney Sykes (eight points).
Coach Sydney Johnson keeps praising his freshmen for their “professionalism,” but the Mystics still sit a half-game outside the playoff line. They’ll need another near-perfect night from the youngsters to hang with Minnesota’s deep, switch-happy defense.
Prediction:
Collier’s expected return and Minnesota’s glaring talent edge suggest another comfortable Lynx win. Washington’s rookie spark is real, yet turnovers and close-out issues linger. Total of 156.5 feels a shade high if Minnesota’s defense dictates tempo.
Score Prediction: Minnesota 84, Washington 70
Best Bet: Minnesota -9.5
Total: Under 156.5
- WNBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
