Title contender faces last year's finalist. Prediction for the Minnesota Lynx vs Phoenix Mercury matchup
Minnesota Lynx
Phoenix Mercury
As part of the WNBA regular season, the Minnesota Lynx will clash with the Phoenix Mercury. The showdown is set for the night of Tuesday, July 14, with tip-off at 03:00 Central European Time. Here’s my take on who will emerge victorious in this matchup.
H2H and statistical facts
- The Lynx have won their last two games.
- The Mercury are currently on a three-game losing streak.
- Phoenix has not won in Minneapolis in regulation since 2021.
Minnesota is once again proving themselves as one of the leading contenders for the championship title. Cheryl Reeve’s squad has been at the top of the standings all season long, and there’s little doubt about their playoff credentials.
In recent weeks, Minnesota has showcased high-quality basketball on both ends of the court. The team’s rotation works seamlessly, with seasoned leaders consistently getting support from emerging young talents. Their defensive efficiency is especially impressive, ranking among the league’s best in points allowed.
In their last outing, the Lynx secured a crucial victory over the New York Liberty, 90-85. Kayla McBride was one of the key figures, racking up 25 points—including 14 in the final quarter. This win once again underlined Minnesota’s ability to step up when it matters most.
The Lynx are traditionally rock-solid on their home court. They play at a high tempo, dominate the boards, and rarely let opponents dictate the pace. If the hosts maintain their trademark defensive discipline, they’ll remain favorites regardless of the opposition’s strength.
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Phoenix, meanwhile, is having a respectable season and sits among the teams vying for a direct playoff berth. But the standings are so tight that there’s no room for complacency: every win can dramatically improve their position, while a losing streak could send them tumbling down the table.
This season, the Mercury have focused on a balanced brand of basketball. They don’t rely on a single star, instead spreading the offensive load evenly. However, inconsistency remains their Achilles’ heel.
Their recent results bear this out. Leading up to the Minnesota game, Phoenix alternated between strong performances and setbacks, struggling particularly against teams that bring relentless defensive pressure. It’s exactly these kinds of opponents that most often disrupt Mercury’s usual freedom in half-court offense.
That said, the visitors should not be underestimated. The Mercury boast a veteran roster capable of making life difficult for any opponent. If they can keep their three-point shooting percentage high and minimize turnovers, this game could stay thrilling right down to the final buzzer.
What’s the bet?
Minnesota enters this matchup in a more stable position. Home-court advantage, solid defensive play, and strong results against tough opponents make the Lynx favorites for this clash. Phoenix’s experience and offensive firepower could pose problems, but the visitors will need an almost flawless performance to claim victory. I’m backing the guests with a +16.5 point spread.
