by
- What: Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx
- When: Wednesday, July 26th
- Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
The stakes and energy are palpable as we gear up for the WNBA showdown between the Washington Mystics and Minnesota Lynx.
After reading our valuable WNBA betting tips and tricks, you should be eager to make your WNBA bets.
This isn’t just another game; this is the chance for the Mystics to upset the home favorites and prove that statistics are not the be-all and end-all of the game.
Game Preview
Despite having a less-than-stellar home record of 5-8, the Lynx are still the oddsmaker’s darlings for this matchup.
Their 6-4 run in the last ten games, averaging 83.7 points, and the dynamic performances of Napheesa Collier and Diamond Miller have rightfully earned them this status.
The oddsmakers have priced the Lynx as -135 favorites on the money line. The implied probability of the Lynx winning at that price is around 57%.
| Team |  |  |  |
| Mystics | +120 | +120 | +120 |
| Lynx | -135 | -135 | -135 |
This matchup feels like it’s going to be a lot closer than the oddsmakers are anticipating.
The Mystics, with their 4-6 road game record, are not a team to be easily dismissed. Their recent 84-69 victory over the Phoenix Mercury, with Natasha Cloud dropping a staggering 23 points, is a testament to their potential.
Winning at home>>>>#BallOnOurTerms | @CapitalOne pic.twitter.com/t5K20CFC5w
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) July 23, 2023
Interestingly, both teams have identical assists average of 19.4 per game in their last ten outings, indicating a well-rounded offensive strategy.
However, the Mystics have a slight edge, averaging 87.8 points while shooting 46.7% from the field. The Lynx have averaged 83.7 points with a 45.0% shooting rate.
With Brittney Sykes averaging 18.5 points in the last ten games for Washington, the Mystics could flip the script in this face-off.
The Mystics hot shooting is a reason they are fourth in the WNBA in 3-pointers made and seventh in 3-point percentage (32.9%).
I recommend betting on the Mystics to pull off the upset in this one.
They are priced at +120 on the money line, implying a 45% chance to win.
However, the game’s not just about scoring. Both teams have faced their fair share of injury woes, with the Mystics missing critical players like Shakira Austin and Elena Delle Donne and the Lynx grappling with the absence of Jessica Shepard and Tiffany Mitchell.
DIAMOND. MILLER. 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/NxP5JueZ6C
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) July 22, 2023
This could affect the teams’ performances and will definitely be a factor to consider for those placing wagers.
Did you know you can bet on the go? You can bet from any mobile device, so I recommend you check out the best betting apps here.
Total Points
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room – the total points.
| Team | | | |
| Over 160.5 Points | -115 | -110 | -115 |
| Under 160.5 Points | -105 | -110 | -105 |
The over/under for this game is set at a lofty 160.5. Looking at the Lynx’s opponents’ average of 88.3 points and the Mystics’ opponents averaging 79.1 points in their last ten games, the under is the smarter play here.
The Mystics are the third best defensive team in regards to points allowed per game.
Combine this with the injury-stricken rosters of both teams, and we might be looking at a game that’s rich in strategy but modest in points.
The Lynx rank second-worst in the WNBA with a 31% shooting percentage from behind the arc.
So here’s the bottom line for all hoops enthusiasts and betting aficionados out there. While the Lynx are favorites on their home turf, the Mystics are no pushovers.
This game might not be a high-scoring fest, but it promises to be a nail-biter, with the Mystics potentially pulling off an upset. So buckle up, folks. We’re in for quite a ride.
Before you dive into the exciting world of WNBA bets, you will want to explore our top sportsbook reviews.
