It’s Western Conference WNBA action on Monday evening, as the Minnesota Lynx invade Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, to face the Seattle Storm. Minnesota enters with the Best record in the league at 20-6, and they are off a 101-93 home win over Portland. Seattle comes in off an 110-107 road loss to Indiana, dropping them to 6-21 on the year. This is the first of two straight games between these teams here in Seattle. Minnesota won the first meeting between these teams 88-68. Let’s dive in and see how this Lynx vs Storm contest plays out.
Lynx vs Storm: Prediction, Preview & Latest Odds for July 20
Current Odds
Lynx -10; Over/Under 174.5
Minnesota Lynx Team Notes
Minnesota arrives in Seattle with the league’s best record at 20‑6 after a 101‑93 win over Portland. Kayla McBride led with 24 and hit four threes, while Natasha Howard added 16 on near‑perfect shooting. Olivia Miles posted 14 with 10 assists, and Courtney Williams contributed 15 in a balanced effort. The Lynx have now won five straight and continue to score at a high level. Their offense has averaged 92.1 points over the last eight games, though their defense has slipped. Minnesota must sharpen focus in this first of two straight meetings, especially after winning the earlier matchup 88‑68.
Minnesota averages 90.8 points per game and shoots 48.4 percent from the field, including 37.7 percent from deep. McBride leads the team at 17.6 points, while Miles adds 19.1 with 5.8 assists. Howard contributes 16.5 points and 7.9 rebounds, and Williams adds 15.6 with strong mid‑range efficiency. Defensively, Minnesota allows 81.9 points per game and opponents shoot 41.9 percent. To win here, the Lynx must control tempo, defend the arc, and avoid giving Seattle clean transition looks.
Minnesota’s recent surge has been driven by an improved offensive rhythm and spacing. McBride’s shooting stretches defenses, and Miles’ playmaking often dictates pace. Howard anchors the interior and provides stability when possessions break down. However, the Lynx have allowed 90.6 points per game over their last seven, and opponents have found success attacking early. Their road record of 10‑2 shows resilience. Minnesota needs sharper defensive communication and stronger closeouts to avoid giving Seattle momentum.
The Lynx enter this matchup with confidence but must avoid complacency. Seattle has struggled, yet their offense showed life in Indiana. Minnesota must start fast, protect the ball, and avoid letting Seattle dictate pace. Their depth provides flexibility, and their shooting usually creates separation. If they defend with urgency and maintain structure, they can extend their winning streak. Execution should carry them through.
Seattle Storm Team Notes
Seattle returns home after a wild 110‑107 loss to Indiana, a game where their offense exploded but their defense couldn’t keep pace. Dominique Malonga delivered a monster performance with 28 points and 14 rebounds, while Awa Fam added 16 with four made threes. Flau’jae Johnson scored 16, and Jade Melbourne posted 15 with steady creation. Natisha Hiedeman added 15 and eight assists. Despite the scoring, Seattle dropped its fourth straight and fell to 6‑21. Their defense allowed 50 percent shooting and struggled to contain Indiana’s spacing. Seattle must regroup quickly with Minnesota in town for two straight.
Seattle averages 80.4 points per game and shoots 43.2 percent from the field, including 32.9 percent from deep. Hiedeman leads the team at 15.8 points and 4.4 assists, while Malonga adds 16.2 points and 8.5 rebounds. Johnson contributes 13.2 points, and Fam adds 11.3 with improved efficiency. Defensively, Seattle allows 85.5 points per game and opponents shoot 42.9 percent. To win here, the Storm must defend the paint, limit turnovers, and avoid giving Minnesota second‑chance chances.
Seattle’s recent struggles stem from defensive breakdowns and inconsistent rotations. Malonga continues to dominate inside, and Hiedeman’s playmaking helps stabilize possessions, but the Storm often fall behind early. Johnson’s scoring bursts provide energy, and Fam’s shooting has improved, yet Seattle’s defense has allowed 94.5 points per game during their four‑game slide. Their perimeter coverage has been vulnerable, and opponents have capitalized with high‑percentage looks. Seattle must tighten communication and rebound with urgency.
The Storm enter this matchup needing a composed performance. Minnesota won the first meeting 88‑68 and arrives with elite offensive rhythm. Seattle must slow tempo, protect possessions, and avoid giving Minnesota easy transition points. Their offense can produce runs, but they must sustain rhythm for four quarters. If they defend with purpose and maintain structure, they can challenge Minnesota’s momentum.
Lynx vs Storm Prediction
Minnesota -10 fits the matchup and the scheduling spot. The Lynx have been excellent straight‑up on the road, going 10‑2, and their overall form remains strong despite recent ATS struggles. Seattle returns home after five straight road games, a situation that often leads to sluggish starts. The Storm have dropped four in a row and continue to battle defensive issues. Minnesota’s pace, depth, and offensive consistency give them multiple paths to separation. With Seattle still searching for stability, the number leans toward the Lynx.
The Over 174.5 aligns with both defenses’ recent trends. Minnesota’s offense has been rolling, and their recent games have consistently produced high totals. Seattle’s defense has struggled during their losing streak, allowing clean looks and extended scoring runs. Both teams can push tempo, and Minnesota’s shooting usually forces opponents into faster possessions. Seattle’s offense has shown life in recent outings, which helps the total. The matchup projects long scoring stretches and limited defensive resistance.
This game supports a side‑and‑total pairing. Minnesota -10 leans on road strength, matchup advantages, and Seattle’s difficult scheduling spot. The Over 174.5 fits the pace, offensive rhythm, and defensive volatility on both sides. Minnesota should dictate tempo, and Seattle should contribute enough scoring to keep the total moving. Together, the plays complement each other and match how this matchup is likely to unfold.
Final Predictions: Minnesota -10 & Over 174.5
Photo Credit: Kevin Ng, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
