The Atlanta Dream and Minnesota Lynx meet Saturday in WNBA action at the Target Center. Here’s a Lynx vs. Dream Prediction. This article will include a Lynx vs. Dream Pick.
Atlanta Dream Betting Preview
The Dream surprised last season with 30 wins under coach Karl Smesko and now hopes to take that next step with their first playoff series win since 2018.
The Dream were an all-star-studded team and they returned most of their core led by Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada, and Brionna Jones. The Dream then went ahead and made a move for Angel Reese. While social media loves to make fun of Reese, she’s a force in the paint and an elite rebounder, and her offensive game isn’t as bad as some lead you to believe. Now, a recent injury to Jones does hurt the front court depth and the Dream will need her to get to where they’re trying to go. However, the Dream should push for a top-four seed and a deep playoff run this season.
Minnesota Lynx Betting Preview
The Lynx have missed the playoffs once since 2011 and Cheryl Reeve is back for yet another season. The Lynx have won a combined 64 games in the last two seasons.
The Lynx have a ton of roster turnover from last season, which includes losing starters Bridget Carleton and Alanna Smith. Napheesa Collier is also still sidelined after surgery on both of her ankles. However, Collier, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams are still on the roster and that gives the Lynx a fighting chance. Of course the drafting of Olivia Miles gives the Lynx an explosive and highly intelligent player who can contribute right away. The coaching staff, culture and core talent make the Lynx a team you can’t ignore. There’s still going to be growing pains with this much roster turnover.
Why the Minnesota Lynx will win
- The Lynx have won each of their last eight Saturday home games.
- The Dream have lost seven of their last eight Saturday games as road favorites.
- The home team has covered the spread in seven of the Lynx’s last eight games.
- The Dream have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight Saturday games as road favorites.
Why the Atlanta Dream will win
- The Dream have won six of their last seven road games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Lynx have lost each of their last three games.
- The Dream have covered the spread in each of their last seven road games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Lynx have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven night games.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Dream’s last four road games against Western Conference opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Lynx’s last four season openers against Eastern Conference opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
Minnesota Lynx Player Facts
- Courtney Williams recorded 2+ steals in four consecutive appearances—the equal-longest active streak of any player in the league.
- Kayla McBride ranked 2nd amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per game (2.6) last season.
Atlanta Dream Player Facts
- Angel Reese ranked 1st amongst qualified players for rebounds per game (12.6) last season.
- Rhyne Howard ranked 1st amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per game (3.1) last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Minnesota Lynx ranked 1st for points per game last season (86.1).
- The Minnesota Lynx ranked 1st for point differential per game last season (+9.4).
- The Atlanta Dream ranked 1st for rebounds per game last season (36.6).
- The Atlanta Dream ranked 1st for opponent rebounds per game last season (31.4).
Lynx vs Dream Injury Report
The Dream will be without Brionna Jones due to a knee injury.
The Lynx will be without Napheesa Collier and Dorka Juhasz.
Lynx vs Dream Prediction
I was going to side with the Lynx at home and the free points because of the respect I have for this franchise. You don’t get the Lynx as hot dogs often. However, the injury to Collier is massive for a team that’s already dealing with a lot of new faces. The Dream were a playoff team last year, returned the core, and added one of the better young players in the league.
The Dream have fewer questions entering the season and this feels like a perfect statement situation where they can put the league on notice. The Dream beat the Lynx in their last two meetings as they are. I’ll side with the Dream and the small number.