Team News

The Lynx will play on consecutive days for the first (and only) time this season. Moreover the Lynx are playing their first away game since June 26 after losing to Dallas 92-87 on Thursday to end a six-game homestand. The Lynx had only lost once in their previous nine games. Furthermore, the Lynx’s game on Thursday marked the beginning of a stretch of four games in six days.

The Fever (5-20) will attempt to win all three games of the regular season series. Against the Lynx, Indiana has won two of their five games. In victories over the Lynx on May 10 in Indiana (82-76) and June 12 at Target Center (84-80), the Fever prevailed. On Wednesday at home, Connecticut defeated Indiana 89-81. The Fever had suffered their seventh straight defeat.

On Wednesday, Kelsey Mitchell scored 21 points, moving her up to seventh in the league in scoring (19 points per game). “Rookie F” NaLyssa Smith had 12 points and 13 rebounds. She is fifth in the league in rebounding (8.4 per game). G Wrist for Lexi Hull is doubtful.

Head to Heads:

Both teams have faced off 42 times, with Minnesota Lynx winning 29 and Indiana Fever 13 of the games. Even though these adversaries have different head-to-head records, their matches are constantly close. Their final game, which occurred on June 12, 2022, serves as unequivocal proof.

Key Players:

Scoring 19 points per game this year, guard Kelsey Mitchell leads the three Fever players averaging double digit scoring. Moreover, with 3.9 assists per game, Mitchell also leads the squad in this category. The only other Indiana players averaging more than eight points per game this season are NaLyssa Smith and Victoria Vivens.

For Lynx supporters, the dynastic run of years past may seem like a faraway memory, but this squad still has plenty of skill to go around. In her fifteenth WNBA season, veteran centre Fowles is averaging a double-double and is continuing to put up impressive numbers. Unfortunately for the Lynx, Fowles’ knee injury sustained during the team’s game last Tuesday has forced her to miss the remainder of the season. Aerial Powers, Moriah Jefferson, and Kayla McBride are also all averaging more than 12 points per game.

Prediction:

The Lynx’s loss of Fowles, their top player, has likely played a significant role in the Fever’s plans. In actuality, Fowles might not be the only significant player missing for Minnesota on Sunday. McBride has a foot issue and is officially categorized as doubtful. She participated just 21 minutes of the team’s Friday night loss and was not her usual self.

Although the Lynx are not greatly favored, it is interesting that they are moving toward becoming the underdogs. If McBride is completely ruled out, Minnesota will be missing its top two scorers.

This season, The Fever and Lynx have already met. The Fever won that game in Indiana on May 10 by a score of six points at home. Despite the Lynx’s injury problems, Indiana’s recent five games have all ended in double-digit losses, which does little to instill optimism. Tonight on home court, Minnesota should be able to get revenge for the defeat from a month ago.