By Only Players Staff
Updated 7/16/24 2:17am ET
Minnesota has lost back-to-back games and hosts Atlanta in an early tip before the WNBA’s extended break. Meanwhile, Atlanta has lost seven straight games but is 5-2 ATS during that stretch.
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Automated transcript is below. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Final couple days of the WNBA regular season before the All -Star and Olympic break. Don’t think there’s any seniorities kicking in for these teams like we do see in the NBA before the All -Star break, but it’s something to note, keep in the back of your mind. We have the Minnesota Lynx coming off a blown late lead against Caitlin Clark and the Fever. They’re eight and a half at home hosting the Atlanta Dream. Atlanta has lost seven straight. Now they’ve covered five of those, but still they’ve lost seven straight, one of the worst records in the entire W.
I think it’s a good spot to bet on Minnesota. Now, I don’t expect Napheesa Collier to play. She’s going to be officially listed as questionable. Did miss Sunday’s loss to Indiana. And this is the final game. And I think they’re just going to really take it easy with her. She’s on the Olympic team. Cheryl Reeve, the coach of the Lynx, is also the head coach of the Olympic team. And I don’t think they’re going to mess around. I think they know they can handle their business. But just for context, eight and a half against an Atlanta team that really is offensively challenged.
Now, Ariel Powers did return for Sunday, so she’ll be a big sort of boost, but they’re still without Jordan Canada, and they’re still without Rhyne Howard, who’s obviously their best player. She’s still got that sprained ankle. I think the Lynx get right in this game. I don’t think much of this Atlanta team, especially offensively, but I don’t think they can defend this Minnesota offense that’s super polished and has a bunch of shooting.
Now, the only problem with the Lynx is when they miss Collier, they can’t compete with some high -powered offenses like the fever when Caitlin Clark and company are rolling. I don’t think Atlanta can do that. So I think Minnesota will smack Atlanta just like they just did to the Sparks. Lynx need this win. They’re not messing around. They’ll be all business. They’ll come in, take care of business. I like them first half a little bit as well. So I think it’s a good spot to back the Lynx, laying that big number even without Napheesa Collier
