On Tuesday night, the Minnesota Lynx will host the Chicago Sky at the Target Center in Minneapolis, marking a pivotal moment as both teams return from the WNBA All-Star break. The Lynx, boasting a stellar 20-4 record, are eager to maintain their dominance atop the league standings, while the Sky, struggling with a 7-15 record, look to turn their season around. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 PM CT (8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT), and fans can catch the game live on FanDuel Sports Network - North, ESPN 3, or stream it via the WNBA app, though some restrictions may apply.
The Lynx enter this matchup riding high after closing the first half of the season with back-to-back wins over the Sky and the Phoenix Mercury, the latter a 79-66 victory on July 16. Their recent form has been impressive, winning eight of their last ten games and three of the four contests against Chicago this season. Minnesota’s home court has been a fortress, as the Lynx remain undefeated at 12-0 in Minneapolis.
At the heart of Minnesota’s success is Napheesa Collier, who has been nothing short of sensational. Collier’s All-Star Game performance was historic, setting a record with 36 points and elevating her MVP candidacy. This season, she averages 23.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and leads her team with 1.8 steals per game, shooting an efficient 51.7% from the field. Her offensive prowess and defensive tenacity make her a constant threat on both ends of the court.
Supporting Collier is veteran sharpshooter Kayla McBride, who contributes an average of 14.3 points per game and recently led the Lynx with 18 points against the Mercury. Coach Cheryl Reeve praises McBride’s leadership and versatility, stating, "Obviously, the leadership. What she's been through in her career, so many situations. We count on her heavily in moments in the game when it gets tough or when we start moving players around. She's the one who helps us get people organized." McBride’s ability to hit timely three-pointers and organize the team’s offense is a key component of Minnesota’s balanced attack.
Defensively, the Lynx lead the WNBA by allowing just 75.0 points per game, while offensively they rank second with 84.7 points per contest. Their field goal percentage stands at an impressive 45.8%, the best in the league, underscoring their efficiency on offense. Minnesota also ranks fourth in made three-pointers per game, averaging 9.3 per contest at a 35.1% clip from beyond the arc.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky face a daunting challenge as they seek to improve their dismal 3-9 road record. The Sky have struggled offensively, holding the league’s lowest scoring average at 78.0 points per game and shooting 42.1% from the field, which ranks ninth in the league. Defensively, Chicago has allowed 86.3 points per game, ranking tenth, a stark contrast to Minnesota’s stingy defense.
The Sky’s offense revolves around All-Star forward Angel Reese, who averages 14 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Reese’s multifaceted game challenges defenses with her deceptive moves and scoring ability. Rookie Hailey Van Lith remarked on Reese’s skill, saying, "She's very deceptive with her eyes. She makes it look like she's about to swing it or reverse -- then she attacks." Alongside Reese, Ariel Atkins contributes 13.9 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.9 steals per game, while Kamilla Cardoso adds 12.1 points and 7.2 rebounds, anchoring the Sky’s frontcourt. Rachel Banham has also been a consistent scorer, averaging 11.9 points over the last ten games.
However, Chicago’s season has been hampered by injuries, notably the loss of guard Courtney Vandersloot to an ACL injury, sidelining her for the remainder of the season. This absence has affected the Sky’s playmaking and leadership on the floor. Conversely, the Lynx are also missing guard Karlie Samuelson due to a foot injury, out for the season.
The rivalry between these two teams has been intense this year, with four meetings so far. Minnesota won the first encounter 80-75 at home on July 6, but the Sky bounced back with an 87-81 victory in Chicago on July 12. The Lynx then reclaimed dominance with a 91-78 win in the rematch two days later. The Lynx’s balanced offense and superior defense have often tipped the scales in their favor, but the Sky’s resilience and talent, especially from Reese, keep the contests fiercely competitive.
Statistically, the Lynx have a slight edge in rebounding, averaging 34.1 per game (8th in the league), while Chicago leads with 36.6 rebounds per game, ranking third. This battle on the boards could play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Minnesota’s ability to convert rebounds into fast-break points and maintain defensive pressure has been a hallmark of their success.
Looking at recent form, the Lynx have been dominant, posting an 8-2 record over their last ten games, averaging 86.5 points, 34.1 rebounds, 24.2 assists, 8.5 steals, and 5.3 blocks per contest while shooting 44.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged just 76.8 points in those games. The Sky, meanwhile, have gone 4-6, averaging 80.2 points, 38.5 rebounds, 19.1 assists, 5.8 steals, and 4.7 blocks per game, but their opponents have scored 84.2 points on average, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
As the Lynx aim for their fifth consecutive home win, the Sky will be desperate to break their road woes and improve their record against teams with winning percentages above .500, where they currently stand at 1-11. The Lynx’s home dominance and balanced scoring attack make them favorites, but the Sky’s tenacity and individual talent, especially from Reese and Atkins, ensure this game will be hard-fought.
Fans tuning in can expect an intense battle that showcases the best of WNBA basketball: strategic defense, sharpshooting from beyond the arc, and dynamic individual performances. Whether the Lynx can maintain their perfect home record or the Sky can pull off an upset remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — this matchup is a highlight of the WNBA calendar and promises thrilling action at the Target Center.
