The first WNBA game tonight will unofficially tip off the WNBA season as the Washington Mystics visit the Minnesota Lynx in a preseason opener. The two teams are trending in opposite directions from where they previously were.
The Mystics are one of the championship hopefuls, while the Lynx are going to have some growing pains. While it is unclear what the minutes’ distribution will be for each team and for their veterans, here is a breakdown of what people should know about Mystics vs Lynx betting.
Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx Odds
There are no game odds for this preseason matchup, but those clamoring for Mystics vs Lynx betting can see their championship WNBA odds.
Moneyline: The Mystics are third among WNBA teams set with a moneyline of +1300, while the Lynx are a longshot at +3200.
Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx Matchup Information
Washington Mystics vs Minnesota Lynx
Location of the game: Target Center, Minneapolis, MN.
Date & Time: Friday, May 5. 8 p.m. ET.
How to watch: WNBA League Pass
Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx Analysis
Washington Mystics Performance Recap and Analysis
The Washington Mystics will be celebrating 25 years as a franchise and look to get back to the WNBA Finals. The Mystics’ only championship came in 2019, and a healthy Elena Delle Donne gives them great odds to get back there.
The Mystics have a unicorn of sorts in Delle Donne, who is 6 foot 5 and enters her 10th season. She is a wing who can shoot but is also big enough to score over smaller players in the post. She also has guard skills as a passer and handles.
There is plenty of talent around her with guard Jazmine Jones, who is in her fourth season, veteran Kristi Toliver who is entering her 14th season, and another guard in Natasha Cloud and Ariel Atkins. The frontcourt is rather thin, but eighth-year center Amanda Zahui B and second-year post-Shakira Austin return. The team also added Emily Engster, a top 5 pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft to compete for minutes and learn from Tianna Hawkins, who is in her 10th season.
Key Injuries
There are no injuries to report at this time.
Betting Trends to Know
With this being the first game of the preseason, there are no betting trends available.
Minnesota Lynx Performance Recap and Analysis
The Minnesota Lynx were the dynasty through the 2010s, winning four WNBA championships from 2011-17. But the past few years have seen the end of a couple of fantastic careers with center Sylvia Fowles last year. In 2018 two core players – Lindsay Whalen and Rebekkah Brunson – ended their tenure, and Seimone Augustus followed a year later.
The big WNBA news of the offseason was who the Lynx would take in the draft with the second overall pick. They opted for Diamond Miller, a versatile wing out of Maryland. They also added Maia Hirsch, a center out of France, with the 12th pick, Dorka Juhasz, a forward out of Connecticut, with the 16th pick, a top defender in Brea Beal out of South Carolina with the 24th pick and physical wing Taylor Soule out of Virginia Tech.
Only two starters return from last season, with Aerial Powers and Kayla McBride, who combined for 27.7 points per game, back. Veteran forward Damiris Dantas started 15 games last season but averaged 5.1 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. There are going to be minutes to compete for among the Lynx rookies.
Key Injuries
There are no injuries to report at this time.
Betting Trends to Know
With this being the first game of the preseason, there are no betting trends available.
Washington Mystics vs Minnesota Lynx Betting Picks
Unfortunately, there are no odds to pick from, but those looking at Mystics vs Lynx betting should side with Washington. It has the better compilation of veterans, some of whom will have to play because of the roster size.
Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx Score Prediction
It should be entertaining to see how the Lynx build up a new core and get a first look at the talent they have brought in.
- WNBA Pick: Mystics 77, Lynx 68
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter and sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks.