Lynx Face Largest Point Spread as An Underdog in Their Playoff History

When making WNBA picks, keep in mind that Connecticut’s starters outscored Minnesota’s starters 67-40 in the series opener. Still, the game finished under the total.

Minnesota played without forward Jessica Shepard and guard Lindsay Allen in Game 1.

This is the first playoff series meeting between the Lynx and the Sun. The Sun is listed as the 9½-point favorite by the sportsbook in Game 2.

Minnesota is 1-7 in the playoffs since winning the franchise’s third WNBA title in 2017.

According to the WNBA betting lines, Connecticut is priced at -2000 to win this series with Minnesota at +1100.

Tough Start for Minnesota Rookies

Rookies Dorka Juhasz and Diamond Miller’s introduction to the WNBA playoffs as they were a combined 4-of-12 for 10 points with three assists and three turnovers.

Juhasz averaged 7.5 points and 8 rebounds against Connecticut during the regular season. Miller missed two of the four regular-season games and averaged 10 points on 6-of-21 shooting.

Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier were the only Minnesota players to score in double figures in Game 1 and they will need more help to stay alive in the postseason.

Sun Scorching Hot in Playoff Opener

The Sun connected from long range early and often in the series opener.

Connecticut was 16-of-30 from 3-point range. Tiffany Hayes, Rebecca Allen and reserve guard Tyasha Harris combined to shoot 12-of-15 from 3-point range as five Connecticut players scored in double figures while Dijonai Carrington nearly made it six double-figure scorers with nine points.

The 16 made 3-pointers set a franchise playoff record.

In the lone loss to Minnesota this season, Connecticut missed 14 of its 17 3-pointers and that is something for those who bet online to consider heading into Game 2.

Lynx vs Sun Head-To-Head

Connecticut has won 9 of the last 10 games against Minnesota with the Sun 5-1 in the last six meetings at home against the Lynx.

After five straight games between Minnesota and Connecticut went over the total, three of the last four games finished under the total.

The road team has won five of the last eight games between the teams.

Lynx vs Sun Game Information

• Game: Lynx (19-21, 0-1 in the playoffs) vs Sun (27-13, 1-0 in the playoffs)
• Location: Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT
• Day/Time: Sunday, Sept. 17, 1 p.m. ET
• Lynx vs Sun live stream: WNBA.com

Lynx vs Sun Betting Lines

Lynx vs Sun Best Bet

Don’t expect the Sun to shoot the ball the same way in Game 2 after connecting at a dizzying rate in the series opener.

After the first game in the series went under the total, look for more of the same to finish under when the teams play on Sunday. The total is currently set at 158½, 12 points behind the other game on Sunday with defending WNBA champion Las Vegas trying to eliminate No. 8 seed Chicago.

The question is whether Minnesota will cover as 9½-point underdogs. Minnesota is 14-13 against the spread this season when listed as the underdog. However, Connecticut is 17-11-1 as the favorite.

History is not on Minnesota’s side as the Lynx have lost their last six playoff games when listed as the underdog and covered against the WNBA betting lines in just one of those games.

Since making their playoff debut in 2003, this is the largest spread that Minnesota has faced as an underdog in the postseason.

Minnesota was just 10-10 outright on the road during the regular season with Connecticut 13-7 at home. Minnesota might struggle to win the game, but the Lynx could cover on Sunday.

BET THIS PICK: Minnesota Lynx +9½ (-110)