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Minnesota (17-2) at Los Angeles (6-13)
- When: Jul 10 2025, 3:00 PM
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- TV: FDSN
WNBA Preview and Prediction: Minnesota Lynx vs. Los Angeles Sparks
Spread: Minnesota -6.5 | Total: 164.0
Minnesota Lynx Breakdown
The Lynx hit the West Coast looking to shake off a rare stumble. After a surprise 79-71 loss in Phoenix, Minnesota now aims to avoid consecutive defeats for the first time all season. Despite the minor setback, the Lynx (17-3) remain one of the WNBA’s most consistent and balanced squads.
Napheesa Collier, who leads the league at 23.9 PPG, saw her hot streak cool slightly on Wednesday with just 18 points, snapping a five-game run of 21+ scoring efforts. Kayla McBride, after erupting for 29 against the Sparks earlier this season, also had an off night versus Phoenix and will be motivated to rebound.
Minnesota is elite defensively, holding opponents to a league-low 74.3 PPG and just 28.8% from three-point range. That perimeter lockdown ability has been a major turnaround from last season’s defensive rankings, a direct product of Cheryl Reeve’s renewed focus on stopping the deep ball.
Having already beaten the Sparks three times this season, including an 89-75 win in L.A., the Lynx have averaged over 90 points per game in those matchups. The only question is whether they’ll be sharp on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Los Angeles Sparks Breakdown
At 6-13, the Sparks are hunting for their first two-game winning streak of the season. Their recent 89-87 victory over Indiana was fueled by Azura Stevens’ dominant double-double (21 points, 12 rebounds) and a rare show of offensive chemistry.
Stevens has quietly become the engine for L.A., posting five double-doubles this year and bringing much-needed toughness in the paint. The Sparks will need every bit of her impact against a Minnesota team that has manhandled them by double digits, in all three previous meetings.
The Sparks give up 86.9 points per game, second-worst in the league, and they’ll face a Minnesota squad averaging 84.4 per contest. If L.A. wants to keep this one close, they’ll need a near-perfect game plan and a lot of help from their young rotation, still missing consistency with Arike Ogunbowale out.
WNBA Game Prediction:
Minnesota has L.A.’s number and they’re too well-coached to let one off night snowball into a losing streak. Look for the Lynx defense to clamp down, McBride to bounce back, and Collier to reassert dominance.
Score Prediction: Minnesota 85, Los Angeles 75
Best Bet: Minnesota -6.5
Total: Under 164.0
- WNBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
