Wednesday evening WNBA action, and we have an interconference matchup between the Minnesota Lynx and Washington Mystics to break down. The Lynx will be out for revenge as they are off a shocking 84-79 loss in game one of this home-and-home set. Minnesota was favored by 13.5 points in the contest. The Lynx are now at 13-4 on the year, while the Mystics improved to 8-7. Can Minnesota get revenge?
Lynx vs Mystics: Prediction, Preview, And Odds For June 24
Current Odds
Lynx -8.5; Over/Under 167
Minnesota Lynx Preview
Minnesota returns to the floor looking to correct what was easily their most surprising loss of the season, an 84–79 home defeat to Washington as a heavy favorite. Olivia Miles led the Lynx with 22 points and six assists, while Natasha Howard added 20 points and six rebounds. Courtney Williams scored 13, but Minnesota shot just 19 percent from three and committed 12 turnovers. The loss snapped a three‑game win streak and dropped the Lynx to 13–4. They’ll be eager to respond after letting a fourth‑quarter lead slip away.
Offensively, Minnesota still ranks among the league’s most efficient units, averaging 91.5 points per game on 49.7 percent shooting. Miles leads the team at 18.5 points per game, while Howard and Williams both sit in the mid‑teens with strong two‑point efficiency. Kayla McBride adds 14.2 points per game and remains a key perimeter threat. The Lynx shoot 38.0 percent from three and 54.4 percent on twos, giving them one of the most balanced scoring profiles in the WNBA. When they avoid turnovers, their offense becomes extremely difficult to slow down.
Defensively, Minnesota has been excellent all season, allowing just 79.6 points per game and holding opponents to 39.4 percent shooting. Their perimeter defense has been strong, limiting teams to 30.6 percent from deep. Howard anchors the interior with 7.4 rebounds per game, while Nia Coffey and Miles contribute on the glass as well. The Lynx average 37.0 rebounds per game and rarely give up second‑chance scoring. Their biggest issue in the first meeting was late‑game execution, not defensive structure. They’ll need sharper rotations and fewer fouls to avoid another upset.
For Minnesota to bounce back, they must reestablish control of pace and avoid the stagnant stretches that hurt them Sunday. Washington’s young roster thrives when games become chaotic, so the Lynx need to dictate tempo and keep possessions clean. Their shooting advantage should create separation, but they must also protect the ball and finish defensive possessions with rebounds. If Minnesota plays with urgency and discipline, they’re positioned to even the home‑and‑home series.
Washington Mystics Preview
Washington enters this rematch riding a surge of confidence after stunning Minnesota 84–79 on the road, their second straight win over a championship contender. Sonia Citron delivered 21 points and hit two big threes, while Kiki Iriafen added 17 points and seven rebounds. Cotie McMahon came off the bench with 15 points on 5‑of‑9 shooting, and Georgia Amoore contributed eight points and seven assists. Rookie center Lauren Betts also provided valuable minutes, finishing with two points, two rebounds, and steady interior defense. The Mystics improved to 8–7 and continue to exceed expectations as the youngest team in the league.
Offensively, Washington averages 82.3 points per game and shoots 44.8 percent from the field. Citron leads the team at 17.6 points per game, while Iriafen and Shakira Austin both score in the mid‑teens with strong interior efficiency. Michaela Onyenwere adds 11.8 points per game and gives Washington another reliable scoring option. The Mystics shoot just 29.0 percent from three, but they compensate with strong two‑point scoring at 51.8 percent and a high free‑throw rate. Their ball movement has improved, and they average 18.9 assists per game.
Defensively, Washington has been competitive most nights, allowing 85.5 points per game while holding opponents to 43.7 percent shooting. Their perimeter defense has been inconsistent, but they’ve improved at contesting threes and limiting clean catch‑and‑shoot looks. Austin and Iriafen anchor the interior with strong rebounding, and the Mystics average 34.8 boards per game. Betts has also helped stabilize the second unit with size and efficient finishing. Washington’s biggest challenge remains turnovers, as they give it away 15.7 times per game.
For Washington to sweep the home‑and‑home, they must stay composed and avoid long scoring droughts. Minnesota will push the pace and look to overwhelm them early, so the Mystics need to control tempo and keep the game in the half-court. Their young roster has shown impressive resilience, but they must also limit turnovers and avoid foul trouble. If Washington maintains defensive discipline and continues to get balanced scoring, they can keep this matchup competitive deep into the fourth quarter.
Lynx vs Mystics Predictions
Minnesota -8.5 fits because this is the exact type of spot where a veteran group responds with force. The Lynx were stunned at home, and teams with their profile rarely let that linger. Washington is coming off two emotional wins over contenders, and young rosters often struggle to maintain that level on short rest. Minnesota should come out sharper, more physical, and far more focused after letting the first meeting slip away. With urgency on their side, the Lynx are positioned to control this one from the opening stretch.
The Under 167 aligns with how this matchup typically settles when Minnesota dictates terms. Their defense at home has been reliable all season, and they rarely allow opponents to play freely in transition. Washington’s scoring tends to dip on the road, especially when they face disciplined half‑court pressure. Both teams also lean on longer possessions when the game tightens, which naturally suppresses pace. A more controlled rhythm favors a lower total, especially after the first meeting turned into a grind late.
The combination of Minnesota and the Under works because the projected script leans toward structure rather than chaos. The Lynx should clean up the defensive lapses that hurt them Sunday, and Washington is unlikely to replicate the same late‑game shot‑making. That usually produces a matchup where one side pulls away while the overall scoring stays contained. With Minnesota motivated and Washington facing a natural letdown spot, the spread and total complement each other cleanly.
Final Predictions: Minnesota -8.5 & Under 167
Featured Image: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
