Valkyries vs. Lynx Prediction, Odds, Best Prop Bets for WNBA Playoffs Game 1

The Lynx are double-digit favorites in Game 1.

Can Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier lead her team back to the Finals? / Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The No. 1-seeded Minnesota Lynx open the WNBA postseason on Sunday afternoon, as they host the Golden State Valkyries at 1 p.m. EST.

These teams played in the final game of the regular season, with the Lynx dominating Golden State to force this matchup in the first round.

MVP candidate Napheesa Collier will look to lead the Lynx back to the WNBA Finals, where they lost to the New York Liberty in the 2024 season.

Oddsmakers at the best betting sites have set the Lynx as sizable favorites in Game 1, and they’re expected to cruise through the first round to set up a potential matchup with the Liberty in Round 2. 

Here’s a breakdown of the odds, my favorite prop bet and a prediction for Game 1 on Sunday. 

Valkyries vs. Lynx Odds, Spread and Total

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Spread

• Valkyries +13 (-112)
• Lynx -13 (-108)

Moneyline

• Valkyries: +650
• Lynx: -1000

Total

• 148.5 (Over -108/Under -112)

Valkyries vs. Lynx How to Watch

• Date: Sunday, Sept. 14
• Time: 1:00 p.m. EST
• Venue: Target Center
• How to Watch (TV): ESPN
• Series: Tied 0-0

Valkyries vs. Lynx Injury Reports

Valkyries Injury Report

• Tiffany Hayes – out
• Kayla Thornton – out

Lynx Injury Report

• DiJonai Carrington – probable

Valkyries vs. Lynx Best WNBA Prop Bets

Lynx Best WNBA Prop Bet

• Veronica Burton OVER 5.5 Assists (+110)

Burton finished the regular season averaging 6.0 assists per game, and she put up seven dimes against the Lynx in the regular-season finale despite the Valkyries scoring just 53 total points.

I like this prop for the Golden State guard, as she’s put up six or more dimes in eight of her last 10 games, averaging 9.1 assists per game during that stretch. 

At plus money, this prop is worth a look with the Valkyries likely to score more than 53 points in this Game 1 matchup. 

Valkyries vs. Lynx Prediction and Pick

Even though I’m betting an OVER on Burton’s assist prop, I do think the UNDER is the play for Sunday’s matchup. 

Golden State and Minnesota combined for just 125 points in their regular-season finale, and the Valkyries are down two key veteran scorers in Tiffany Hayes and Kayla Thornton (out for the season) in this matchup. 

These teams finished the regular season No. 1 (Minnesota) and No. 3 (Golden State) in defensive rating while the Valkyries allowed the fewest points per game in the league. Minnesota was second in that statistic.

Plus, Golden State loves to slow games down, ranking dead last in the WNBA in pace. The Lynx will likely play a similar style, as they're 10th in pace this season.

In their previous meetings, these teams combined for 125, 150, 153 and 161 points. In a playoff setting where the defensive intensity is turned up a notch, I’ll bet the UNDER in Game 1. 

Pick: UNDER 148.5 (-108 at DraftKings)

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Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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