Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the WNBA match.
The season series is level with both sides having won away, and bookmakers give the Lynx a slight edge. But the absence of their star player could prove decisive.
Atlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream are battling for second place in the East. Their last three outings brought two defeats (to the Seattle Storm and the Las Vegas Aces) and a win over the Golden State Valkyries. Against the Aces they led by 10 in the fourth quarter but let it slip away. On the boards, the Dream lead the league in defensive rebounding percentage. Rhyne Howard continues to deliver points (19 against the Aces), while Allisha Gray and Brittney Griner keep the offence ticking, but the absence of Jordin Canada (hip injury) is being felt.
Minnesota Lynx
The Minnesota Lynx are the league’s top regular-season side (28-6), but they face this game without Napheesa Collier (23.5 points, 7.5 rebounds), who will miss a sixth straight game. Even without her they managed back-to-back wins over the New York Liberty before losing the third meeting (75:85). The Lynx boast the best efficiency in the league — 112.2 points per 100 possessions — and also the top defence (98.5). The weakness is perimeter shooting without Collier: just 6/22 from three in their last game. Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman are working hard to maintain standards, but the bench lacks quality depth.
Atlanta Dream vs Minnesota Lynx Prediction
The head-to-head this season has shown both teams can win on the road. But the current circumstances favour the Atlanta Dream. The Minnesota Lynx are without their leader, while the Dream dominate the boards and can punish poor perimeter shooting. Expect them to fight hard with aggressive defence and a high tempo.
