Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx Prediction: Don't Bet Against Minnesota

Tonight's Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx game will be the second time these teams have played this season. The Lynx dominated the first matchup, 86-62, which could explain why Minnesota is a heavy favorite for this game at

The Los Angeles Sparks and Minnesota Lynx are two teams on wildly different trajectories. While Minnesota is shaping up to be a legitimate contender for the championship, Los Angeles may need to get lucky to qualify for the No.8 seed.

Then again, the season is barely 25% complete. There is plenty of time for a lot of things to happen - like the Sparks possibly upsetting the Lynx tonight. Let's look at the betting odds for the Sparks vs. Lynx, along with our preview and pick for the game.

Sparks vs. Lynx Betting Odds for Friday, June 14

It has been an excellent season to bet on the Minnesota Lynx. They are 9-3 straight up this season but are doing a step better against the spread at 10-2. They were underdogs for the season's first six games, going 4-2 SU and 5-1 ATS.

They were not the betting favorite until their seventh game of the season against Phoenix. Since then (including that game), they have been the favorite in five games, going 4-1 SU and ATS. In the one game in which they were underdogs (vs. Aces, June 11), they were 7.5-point road dogs.

But they won, 100-86.

So, the Lynx have had plus moneyline odds for much of the season, making them quite the team to bet on. That will, of course, not be the case tonight. Let's take a look at the betting line for the game with odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. Head over to FanDuel and claim $200 in bonus bets with your initial winning wager.

Sparks vs. Lynx Prediction

Los Angeles Sparks Preview

Since losing to the Lynx at home on June 5, things have gone relatively well for the Sparks. They followed that loss with a win over the Dallas Wings a couple of nights later, 81-72. But then they faced a more formidable challenge the following Sunday in the Las Vegas Aces and won a tight one, 96-92.

But before fans could get too excited about the team possibly getting things turned around, they were thrashed by the Seattle Storm, 95-79. So, what went wrong?

Against Dallas, a combination of solid defense and excellent bench play led to the win. The defense wasn't as effective against the Aces, but it's always a good sign when you can get 40 points from your bench (the Vegas bench only scored 17 points).

But against the Storm, the bench logged more minutes than the starting five, outscoring them 47-32. Seattle's bench didn't do much, but the Sparks defense had no answer for Skylar Diggins-Smith, Nneka Ogwumike, and Jewell Lloyd (26-48 for 66 points).

It would seem that not playing the starting five much was a factor. But for a team with just four wins, it is fair to wonder if the starting five should be the starting five.

Bet on Los Angeles Sparks at FanDuel

Minnesota Lynx Preview

Like the Sparks, the Lynx have gone 2-1 since these teams played on June 5.

The loss came in their next game, a road game against the Phoenix Mercury a couple of nights later. Their top-ranked offense had an off-night, shooting 38.9% from the field (season average - 46.2%, best in the league).

Defensively, they were not too far off from their norm, allowing Phoenix to hit 41.4% of their shots (season average - 39.7%, best in the league). But the Mercury hit 34.6% from three-point range, well above the season average for Lynx opponents, 28%.

But in the two games since, they appear to have gotten their groove back. The Lynx dominated a good Seattle team in every facet of the game. While the Aces put up some points on the Minnesota defense, Las Vegas had no answer for a Lynx offense that shot 55.2% from the field (37-67) and 55.6% from three-point range (15-27).

Bet on Minnesota Lynx at FanDuel

Sparks vs. Lynx - My Pick

Minnesota will win this game; the only question is whether they'll cover the spread.

Overall, the Sparks' season has not been good. But they have a built-in excuse - they are essentially a brand-new starting unit. Only one of the starting five this year was in the first unit in last year's season finale. Dearica Hamby and Lexie Brown were reserves, Kia Nurse played for Seattle, and Cameron Brink is a rookie.

The Sparks are still trying to figure out what works. It takes time to figure out what works best when you have as many new parts as they do. But when they finally gel, LA will be a dangerous team. 

However, the Lynx are already a dangerous team.  Eight of their nine wins this season were by double digits; six were by 14+ points. They will cover the spread.

• My Pick: Minnesota to cover at FanDuel Sportsbook

How to Watch: Sparks vs. Lynx

• Location: Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota

• Game Time & Date: 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 14, 2024.

• Coverage: ION/WNBA League Pass