The Los Angeles Sparks (10-12) and Minnesota Lynx (18-6) meet in the WNBA today. Tipoff is set for 1:00 p.m. ET at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn. The game will be broadcast live on Victory+.
The Lynx are favored by -12.5 on the spread, with the over/under set at 183.5 (-106o / -114u). The Lynx are a -800 favorite to win outright, while the Sparks are +520 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Sparks vs. Lynx predictions and WNBA picks.
Sparks vs. Lynx Odds, Pick
| Sparks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+12.5 -110 | 183.5 -106o / -114u | +520 |
| Lynx Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-12.5 -110 | 183.5 -106o / -114u | -800 |
- Sparks vs. Lynx Spread: Lynx -12.5 (-110), Sparks +12.5 (-110)
- Sparks vs. Lynx Over/Under: 183.5 (-106o / -114u)
- Sparks vs. Lynx Moneyline: Sparks +520, Lynx -800
- Sparks vs. Lynx Best Bet: Olivia Miles Over 19.5 Points (-120)
Sparks vs. Lynx Preview
The WNBA-leading Lynx continue their homestand Wednesday afternoon when they host the Sparks, who are fighting to remain in the playoff race.
Los Angeles sits two games behind the Commissioner’s Cup-winning Liberty for the final postseason spot and is navigating a period of transition after parting ways with general manager Reagan Pebley on Sunday.
They are trying to rebound from a five-year playoff drought and return to the glory days that produced three league titles under Penny Toler in 2001, 2002 and 2016.
The Sparks have won two of their last three since a three-game skid, dropping a 101-92 decision in Atlanta on Monday to begin a four-game trip.
Erica Wheeler paced the team with 20 points, while Nneka Ogwumike added 19 and Rae Burrell chipped in 18 in a balanced offensive effort.
They remain shorthanded, however. Cameron Brink has missed eight consecutive games due to a left ankle injury, while leading scorer Kelsey Plum will sit out a seventh straight contest with a lower left leg injury.
Plum has averaged 23.9 points and 6.4 assists in just 12 appearances this season.
Among active players, Ogwumike tops the Sparks with 17 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, while Dearica Hamby (14.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 1.6 SPG) and Burrell (12.5 PPG) continue to provide steady production.
Meanwhile, Minnesota has won three straight games, including the first two of its current four-game homestand. Each victory has been decided by six points or fewer, most recently a thrilling 104-100 win over Phoenix on Monday.
Kayla McBride erupted for a season-high 37 points, and rookie All-Star starter Olivia Miles poured in a career-best 33 points and eight assists in a game that featured 23 lead changes and 13 ties.
Miles became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 400 points, 100 rebounds and 100 assists, accomplishing the feat in only 22 games.
McBride and Miles also paired up for only the fifth occasion in the league’s three decades that two teammates combined for at least 70 points in regulation. Former Lynx stars Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen earned a spot on that list in 2014.
Miles has rapidly entered the MVP conversation, leading Minnesota with 19.4 points and 5.7 assists per game. McBride (17 PPG, 1.7 SPG), All-Star starter Natasha Howard (16.8 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.7 SPG) and Courtney Williams (15.5 PPG) give the team one of the league’s deepest starting lineups.
The Lynx are still awaiting the return of former MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier, who has resumed practicing following offseason ankle surgeries. She has been ruled out for this game but is expected to make her season debut soon.
Even without Collier, Minnesota is the betting favorite to win the WNBA championship.
These teams met on June 17 in Los Angeles, with the Lynx earning a 99-83 win. Miles scored a then-career-high 31 points, including 24 before halftime, while Plum missed the game because of the same injury that will keep her sidelined now.
Brink is listed as questionable.
Sparks vs. Lynx Prediction
Sometimes the obvious play is the right one.
Olivia Miles’ scoring prop still appears a bit short.
Action PRO projects Miles for 21.44 points, creating a 10.6% edge against her posted total of 19.5.
The rookie has scored at least 20 points in five of her last six games, averaging 22.3 points during that stretch.
Just as encouraging, the production has been supported by increased opportunity rather than unsustainable shooting.
Miles is averaging 16.2 field goal attempts per game over her last six outings, including 5.5 attempts from beyond the arc. She’s also converted 38 of her last 46 free throws (82.6%), showing she’s creating offense at every level.
Los Angeles had no answer for Miles in the first meeting, when she poured in 31 points on 12-of-15 shooting despite playing only 26 minutes.
With Plum again unavailable and Minnesota continuing to lean on its dynamic rookie to initiate the offense, another 20-point performance is well within reach.
Best Bet: Olivia Miles Over 19.5 Points (-120, FanDuel)
