Phoenix Mercury (19-21, 10-10 Western Conference) vs. Minnesota Lynx (30-10, 14-6 Western Conference)
Minneapolis; Wednesday, 9:30 p.m. EDT
BETMGM SPORTS BETTING: LINE Lynx -8.5; over/under is 160.5
WNBA PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND: Lynx lead series 1-0
IN BRIEF: The Minnesota Lynx host the Phoenix Mercury in the first round of the WNBA playoffs with a 1-0 series lead. The Lynx won the last game 102-95 on Sept. 22 behind 38 points from Napheesa Collier, while Natasha Cloud scored 33 points for the Mercury.
The Lynx’s record in the Western Conference is 14-6. Minnesota ranks second in the WNBA, allowing 75.6 points per game and shooting 41.0 percent from the field.
The Mercury are 10-10 in the Western Conference. Phoenix is giving up 84.8 points to its opponents while being outscored by 3.3 points per game.
Minnesota’s average of 9.5 three-pointers made per game this season is just 0.1 more shots than Phoenix’s 9.4 shots per game. Phoenix is averaging 8.5 three-pointers made per game this season, which is 1.7 more shots than Minnesota’s 6.8 shots.
TOP PERFORMERS: Collier is averaging 20.4 points per game with 9.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists for the Lynx.
Brittney Griner is averaging 17.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks for the Mercury.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lynx: 8-2, averaging 81.0 points, 33.3 rebounds, 22.5 assists, 7.2 steals and 3.6 blocks per game on a 44.7% shooting percentage. Their opponents are averaging 77.5 points per game.
Mercury: 3-7, averaging 78.4 points, 31.3 rebounds, 20.6 assists, 6.6 steals and 4.2 blocks per game on a 43.1% shooting percentage. Their opponents are averaging 88.0 points.
INJURIES: Lynx: None listed.
Mercury: Charisma Osborne: out (leg), Rebecca Allen: out (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Skrive Data and the data of Sports radar.
