The Chicago Sky are gearing up for a challenging showdown as they travel to Minnesota to face the Lynx on Sunday evening at 7 PM ET, marking the first meeting between these two teams in the 2025 WNBA season. With the Lynx dominating the league standings at 16-2 and boasting a perfect 10-0 home record, this game promises to be a true test of resilience and skill for the Sky, who sit at 5-11 and are looking to build momentum after recent wins.
Last Sunday, the Sky secured their fifth win of the season by defeating the Los Angeles Sparks 92-85 on the road. Angel Reese was the standout performer, delivering a season-high 24 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists. Reese’s dominance on the court has been a beacon of hope for Chicago this season. Averaging 12.4 points, a league-leading 12.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game in 2025, Reese continues to elevate her game, earning her a spot on the 2025 WNBA All-Star team for the second consecutive year. First-year Sky head coach Tyler Marsh praised Reese's commitment and versatility, saying, “It's a testament to the work she's put in, but also of the commitment of doing a little bit of everything for us this year. [It] speaks to her willingness to do anything for the team, her competitive spirit, and obviously her talent and abilities.”
Chicago’s recent form has shown signs of improvement, with the team winning two of their last three games, both victories coming against the Sparks. Alongside Reese’s impressive averages of 19.7 points, 17.0 rebounds, and 5.0 assists over their last three games, players like Ariel Atkins, who scored 20 points against the Sparks, and Kia Nurse, who contributed 14 points, have been instrumental in the Sky’s competitive performances.
On the other side, the Minnesota Lynx are riding high, fresh off a four-game winning streak, including a convincing 82-71 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on July 5. Napheesa Collier, the 2024 WNBA MVP runner-up and current league scoring leader with a career-high 24.5 points per game, continues to spearhead Minnesota’s offense. Collier has scored 22 or more points in her last four regular-season games, showcasing her consistent elite-level play. In the recent win against the Valkyries, Collier posted 22 points and six rebounds, while teammates Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride added 15 and 12 points respectively. Williams also ranks fifth in the league with 5.9 assists per game, and McBride remains a potent three-point threat, averaging 2.7 made threes per game.
The Lynx’s depth and defensive prowess are further highlighted by the presence of Alanna Smith, who unfortunately injured her knee in the victory over the Valkyries. Smith, a key defender averaging 10.4 points per game and last season’s runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, is unlikely to play on Sunday given the back-to-back schedule and her recent injury. Minnesota has demonstrated resilience, going 1-0 with Smith inactive this season, with Jessica Shepard or Bridget Carleton ready to fill the void. However, Smith’s absence could impact the Lynx’s league-best defense, which has been a cornerstone of their success.
Despite Minnesota’s dominance and status as a 14.5-point favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook, the Chicago Sky have shown they can keep games competitive. The Sky have only lost by 15 or more points once in their last seven games and have a strong 4-1 record against the spread on the road recently. Betting trends reveal that 83% of the handle and 67% of the bets favor Chicago +14.5, indicating confidence from bettors that the Sky can cover the spread despite their underdog status.
Historically, Minnesota swept all three games against Chicago last season, underscoring the uphill battle the Sky face. However, the upcoming schedule adds intrigue, as these two teams will clash four times over the next 16 days, with Chicago hosting two of those contests. This series of games provides the Sky with multiple opportunities to challenge the Lynx and potentially turn the tide in their favor.
The matchup also highlights contrasting styles: Minnesota ranks second in the league in scoring, averaging 85.5 points per game, while Chicago struggles defensively, allowing 87.7 points per contest, the second-worst in the league. Chicago’s recent games have consistently gone over the total points line, with the last five games averaging more than 177 points combined, suggesting fans can expect a high-scoring, fast-paced game.
Adding to the Sky’s challenges, Kamilla Cardoso, their emerging second-year post player averaging 12.7 points and 6.6 rebounds, is absent as she competes for Brazil in the FIBA AmeriCup final against the United States. This absence puts additional pressure on Reese to dominate inside against Minnesota’s formidable frontcourt.
Sunday’s game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Midwest Extra and streamed live on Fubo, offering fans nationwide a chance to catch all the action. The game is set to be an exciting clash between a team at the peak of its powers and another fighting to find its rhythm and prove its mettle.
With Minnesota’s home dominance and superior record, they are favored to take the win, but the Sky’s recent form and the public’s betting support suggest a competitive matchup. The Lynx’s average margin of victory at home is 15.8 points, and they have won five of their last seven home games by at least 16 points, signaling their ability to control games decisively.
As the Lynx aim to notch their 17th win of the season, the Sky will look to Angel Reese and their supporting cast to keep the game close and build confidence for the upcoming stretch of the season. This contest is more than just a game; it’s a pivotal moment for Chicago to challenge the league’s elite and for Minnesota to assert their dominance heading into the second half of the season.
