The WNBA has finally hit its postseason stage. The Connecticut Sun host the Minnesota Lynx to get the playoff party started on Wednesday, with tip set for 8 p.m. (ET). This is the first of a best-of-three games. Game 2 will be at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 17, while Game 3, if necessary, is September 20 in Minnesota.
2023 WNBA Playoffs Connecticut Sun vs. Minnesota Lynx (Game 1): Predictions, Parlays, and Player Props
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Minnesota Lynx at Connecticut Sun, 8 p.m. (ET), TV: ESPN2
The No. 6 seed Minnesota Lynx (19-21) travels to Uncasville (Conn.) to face the No. 3 Connecticut Sun (27-13) at the Mohegan Sun Arena. This matchup features two teams that have exceeded expectations. Tip is set for 8 p.m. (ET), with ESPN2 televising the event.
Connecticut won three of the four games this year. The Sun won the first two games (89-84, 89-68), while the Lynx won Game 3 (87-83). Connecticut took the most recent matchup, August 1, 79-69. The Sun leads the all-time series 30-26.
About Minnesota Lynx
Minnesota, which improved their win total by five last year, is back in the WNBA postseason after missing out a year ago despite losing seven of their first eight games and starting the season at 4-9. But the Lynx finished the year by winning 15 of their last 27 games as their offensive efficiency improved. They are the second team in the WNBA to make the playoffs after starting the season winless in their first six games.
Napheesa Collier leads the Lynx with 21.5 points and 8.5 boards a game. Kayla McBride is second on the team with 15.3 points and leads the club with 2.2 treys a contest. Diamond Miller is the third double-figure scorer at 12.1 a contest.
Minnesota ranks eighth in offensive rating (101.4) and 10th in defensive rating (107.5). The Lynx average 80.2 points with a shooting slash line of .435/.325/.801. The Lynx average 34.3 rebounds (8.0 offensive), 19.4 assists, and 13.4 turnovers. Defensively, Minnesota allows 85 points on 44.6% shooting from the field and 35.7% from the 3-point line. Their opponents collect 35.2 rebounds (8.7 offensive) and commit 12.7 turnovers.
About Connecticut Sun
Connecticut had its drama to start the season as they had to figure things out after trading Jonquel Jones and Jasmine Thomas in the offseason. Head coach Kurt Miller also departed to take over the Los Angeles Sparks following the conclusion of last season. The Sun then lost star Brionna Jones to a season-ending injury in June.
Still, Connecticut is in the playoffs for the seventh straight season and set a franchise record with 27 regular season victories under first-year head coach Stephanie White. The Sun is one of three WNBA teams who rank in the top 5 in offensive and defensive rating this year. They were fourth in offensive rating (103.2) and third in defensive rating (98.8).
Connecticut averages 82.7 points a game with a shooting slash line of .445/.360/.766. The Sun average 33.6 rebounds (8.6 offensive), 20.7 assists, and 12.4 turnovers. Defensively, the Sun allow 79 points while holding opponents to 43.5% from the field and 32.1% from the 3-point line. Their opponents average 33.9 boards (8.2 rebounds) and 14.8 turnovers.
DeWanna Bonner leads the way for the Sun with 17.4 points a game. Alyssa Thomas is the team’s top player overall, as she does almost everything well. Tiffany Hayes is the third player in double-figures at 12.5.
Game Info
Game Time: September 13, 2023 at 8 p.m. (ET)
Arena: Mohegan Sun Arena
TV: ESPN 2
Spread: Connecticut -9.0 (-110)
Money Line: Suns -500; Lynx +400
Over/Under: 159.5 Points (-110)
Season series Series: Connecticut won 3-1. The teams split the two games in Uncasville, CT.
Injuries:
Minnesota Lynx
Jessica Shepard – Ankle (Out)
Lindsay Allen – Thumb (Out)
Natalie Ochonwa – Personal (Out)
Connecticut
DiJonai Carrington – Foot (Questionable)
Tiffany Hayes Knee (Probable)
Bernadet Hafar – Knee (Questiobable)
Brionna Jones – Achilles (Out)
Prediction
Connecticut is the better overall team here, and the Sun are one of the best teams at home. The Sun also have a considerable advantage defensively over the Lynx. However, the Sun are just 6-4 over their last 10 games with a -0.1 differential, while the Lynx are 5-5 with a -3.9 differential.
Three of the four games between the Sun and Lynx have been decided by 10 or fewer points. Moreover, the Sun has a +5.0 scoring margin at home while the Lynx are -3.9 on the road, which is 2.1 points better than at home.
Prediction: Connecticut 83-77.
Best Bet: Minnesota Lynx (+9.0) -110
The Lynx have played better recently, and Collier has been superb all season. The Lynx are 21-18-1 ATS this year.
7-Legged Parlay +340
Connecticut Sun Over 8o.5 Points
Minnesota Lynx Over 72.5 Points
Alyssa Thomas 5+ Assists
Alyssa Thomas 5+ Rebounds
Diamond Miller 8+ Points
Napheesa Collier 20+ Points
Napheesa Collier 8+ Rebounds
Player Props
Napheesa Collier Over 22.5 Points (-125)
Kayla McBride Under 16.5 Points (-110)
DeWanna Bonner Over 5.5 Rebounds (-115) & Over 16.5 Points (-115)
