WNBA Minnesota Lynx vs Los Angeles Sparks Preview and Prediction

Date/Time: 08-21-2018 22:30 EDT

Spread: Los Angeles Sparks -3.5

Total: +156

The two squads that met in last year’s finals are clashing in the opening round this season after faring much worse and finishing in the lower playoff places, as the defending champions and 7^th Minnesota Lynx are visiting the 6^th Los Angeles Sparks, with both teams looking to turn the tables in the playoffs after a disappointing season.

The Lynx had an 18-16 record (13-21 ATS) in the regular season and finished in the seventh place of the league. In their latest matchup they ended a 3-game losing skid with a home victory against the Mystics, 88-83. The Sparks had a 19-15 record (16-18 ATS) in the regular season and finished in the sixth place of the league. They are 1-4 in their last 5 games and in their latest matchup they got defeated by the Sun on the road, 86-89.

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Minnesota are led in scoring by Maya Moore with 18 ppg. She also adds 5.1 rebounds per game, while Sylvia Fowles follows with 17.7 ppg and leading the team in rebounding with 11.9 per game. Seimone Augustus adds 10.8 ppg. Los Angeles are led in scoring by Candace Parker with 17.9 ppg. She also adds 4.7 assists and leading the team in rebounding with 8.2 per game, while Nneka Ogwumike follows with 15.5 ppg and 6.8 boards per game. Chelsea Gray adds 14.9 ppg and leading the team in assists made with 5.1 per game.

In their four meetings in the regular season, the Sparks led the Lynx 3-1 wins and had a perfect 2-0 at home, winning with 79-57 and 77-69 score. Sparks have a 11-6 home record so far, while Lynx are 9-8 on the road. Those two squads score exactly 78.9 ppg offensively, while Sparks lead the league defensively, allowing 77 ppg to Lynx’s second-best of 78.3. Both teams have almost the same accuracy both from the field (45.2% and 45.1%) and from behind the arc (34.7% and 34.6%). Lynx grab more boards (35.3 to 31.3) and dish more dimes (19.6 to 18.3), while the Sparks commit fewer turnovers per game (12.1 to 14.2). Both teams performed below expectations in the regular season but Sparks have the home court advantage where they have been perfect against the Lynx, so expect them to win one way or another tonight.

Minnesota Lynx vs Los Angeles Sparks Prediction: Los Angeles Sparks -3.5 (-108)