PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's WNBA Sunday Bookie Basher
(WNBA) Indiana vs. Minnesota,
Point Spread: -5.00 | -110.00 Minnesota (Home)
Result: Loss
Point Spread: -5.00 | -110.00 Minnesota (Home)
Result: Loss
Minnesota is not going to lack motivation following its worst loss of the season, 91-63, on the road to Seattle this past Friday and facing Caitlin Clark for the first time. The big question is can the Lynx cover this mid-range number knowing they aren't likely to have superstar forward Naphessa Collier for a fourth straight game due to a foot injury?
Yes because of two strong factors - defense and coaching.
The Lynx are 16-7 but they are not an elite team without Collier even though Kayla McBride has stepped up to have an All-Star season. Still, the Lynx are close to two levels better than Indiana.
The difference is defense and coaching, which offsets Clark's superstar talents. Minnesota gives up the second-fewest points per game in the WNBA and also ranks No. 1 in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense.
The Fever, by contrast, is the second-worst defensive team in the WNBA.
Minnesota also has one of the better coaches in the league, Cheryl Reeves. Indiana has the worst coach, Christie Sides.
Yes because of two strong factors - defense and coaching.
The Lynx are 16-7 but they are not an elite team without Collier even though Kayla McBride has stepped up to have an All-Star season. Still, the Lynx are close to two levels better than Indiana.
The difference is defense and coaching, which offsets Clark's superstar talents. Minnesota gives up the second-fewest points per game in the WNBA and also ranks No. 1 in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense.
The Fever, by contrast, is the second-worst defensive team in the WNBA.
Minnesota also has one of the better coaches in the league, Cheryl Reeves. Indiana has the worst coach, Christie Sides.