Phoenix Mercury vs. Minnesota Lynx Prediction: Lynx Will Bounce Back After Loss to Aces

Things have gone downhill quickly for the Phoenix Mercury after a solid 3-1 start to the 2024 WNBA season—and it will not get easier anytime soon. Phoenix will try to bring their three-game losing streak to an end in the final stop of a three-game road trip in Minneapolis against the Minnesota Lynx.

But Minnesota is coming off its first home loss of the season, an 80-66 defeat at the hands of the defending champs, the Las Vegas Aces.

The Lynx opened as 6.5-point favorites, but the line has since moved to seven points. However, Phoenix is not a team Minnesota can afford to take lightly. The Mercury have four wins ATS this season; they were underdogs in three and won two outright.

Let's look at the betting odds for the Mercury vs. Lynx, along with our preview and pick for the game.

Mercury vs. Lynx Betting Odds for Friday, May 31

It has been a season of ups and downs for Phoenix so far.

They opened the season with a loss to the defending champs (Las Vegas Aces). They followed it up with three consecutive wins, including a road win against the Aces. But then they dropped a home game to Dallas, got demolished by the Sun in Connecticut, and lost a close one to the Liberty in New York.

Now, they'll try to get back on track at the final stop of a grueling road trip against a team that has dominated them in the past (56-29, all-time). Minnesota was 3-1 against Phoenix last season and has won nine of the last ten meetings between the two. The Mercury last won in Minnesota during the 2021 season (May 14).

Here's the betting line for tonight's Mercury vs. Lynx game with odds from DraftKings Sportsbook. Head over to DraftKings to place your bets and claim a No Sweat First Bet up to $1,500.

Mercury vs. Lynx Prediction

Phoenix Mercury Preview

Some downtime would have been great for the Mercury after the Connecticut Sun destroyed them Tuesday night, 70-47. Instead, they had to head to New York on Wednesday to face a tough Liberty team. While they played well overall on the tail end of a back-to-back, they lost their third game in a row, 81-78.

Against New York, Phoenix overcame a dreadful first quarter (33-20) to go into the half down by three, 47-44.  They closed to within one (60-59) heading into the fourth and led by three, 74-71, late in the final period. But then the Liberty went on a 9-0 run to take control of the game and secure a win.

To beat Minnesota, Phoenix will need to play much better defense than it did against Dallas recently (allowed 109 points) and be more productive on offense than it was against Connecticut (47).

It is way too early in the year for a must-win game, but Phoenix doesn’t want to fall into too big of a hole. If they can be in contention when Britney Grinner returns from her toe injury, the Mercury could become a force down the stretch.

Rumor has it she could return in late June. If it looks more like her return will get pushed to July, waiting until after the Summer Olympics break may be the better move.

Bet on Phoenix Mercury at DraftKings 

Minnesota Lynx Preview

The Lynx had a chance at a statement win Wednesday night when they took on the defending champs. But, instead, the Aces took care of business and beat the Lynx in Minneapolis.

After heading into halftime down nine, the Lynx got within two late in the third (56-54), but Las Vegas pushed the lead back out to six heading into the fourth. The game was within reach, but the Lynx couldn’t buy a shot in the final period. The Aces dominated the fourth and won handily, 80-66.

Minnesota had gotten off to a 4-1 start, but only one win head a winning record last season (New York Liberty (32-8). Wednesday’s game against the Aces was their chance to prove they have what it takes to become a contender this season. They’ll get another shot at the Aces on June 11 in Vegas.

However, they can still prove they have the makings of a contender by bouncing back from the loss to Vegas and getting back on the right side of the scoreboard with a win.

Bet on Minnesota Lynx at DraftKings 

Mercury vs. Lynx - My Pick

Phoenix has the potential to become a good team and could even make the playoffs, but they need to get Britney Griner back. Until then, they need to continue building chemistry so the offense can click when Griner returns.

But it will not click against Minnesota, and the Lynx offense will look to get back on track against poor Phoenix defense after recording a season-low 66 points against the Aces.

• My Pick: Minnesota Lynx +7 (-110) at DraftKings

How to Watch Mercury vs. Lynx

• Location: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN

• Game Time & Date: 9:30 p.m. ET on Friday, May 31, 2024

• TV Network: Ion

• Streaming: WNBA League Pass