Time: 7:00 PM ET
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Broadcast: NBA TV
Team Form & Storylines
Minnesota Lynx (28-5)
Streak: Won 6 straight
Last 10: 9-1
Key Absence: Napheesa Collier (ankle)
Season Series: Leads 3–0 vs. Liberty
Recent Wins vs. NY:
Aug 10 @ NY: 83–71
Aug 16 vs. NY: 86–80
Despite missing MVP candidate Napheesa Collier, Minnesota has surged behind Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Alanna Smith, who’ve stepped up in scoring and leadership. The Lynx lead the league in offensive and defensive rating, and their net rating is unmatched. Cheryl Reeve’s squad is closing in on the No. 1 seed and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
New York Liberty (21-13)
Streak: Lost 3 of last 4
Last 10: 4-6
Key Absences: Breanna Stewart (knee), Nyara Sabally (knee)
Home Record: 13–4
The Liberty are still adjusting to life without Breanna Stewart, who’s sidelined with a bone bruise. Sabrina Ionescu has struggled recently, shooting just 32.9% over her last six games. Jonquel Jones and Emma Meesseman have taken on more scoring load, but New York’s fourth-quarter execution has faltered. They’ll need a bounce-back performance to avoid a season sweep.
Head-to-Head & Key Matchups
| Player | Team | Stat Focus |
| Courtney Williams | Lynx | 26 pts in last game vs NY |
| Kayla McBride | Lynx | 18 pts @ NY on Aug 10 |
| Sabrina Ionescu | Liberty | Averaging 19.2 pts, but cold streak continues |
| Jonquel Jones | Liberty | 17 pts last game, but quiet 4th quarter |
| Emma Meesseman | Liberty | Under 13.5 pts vs Lynx in 2 of 3 games |
Advanced Metrics
Lynx:
Offensive Rating: 1st
Defensive Rating: 1st
Net Rating: +14.9
Pace: 10th
Liberty:
Offensive Rating: 3rd
Defensive Rating: 6th
Net Rating: +4.2
Pace: 1st
This game is a clash of styles: Minnesota’s efficient half-court execution vs. New York’s fast-paced offense. Whichever team controls tempo will likely control the scoreboard.
GAME ODDS
Minnesota Lynx – 1.5
New York Liberty 167.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, August 18, 2025
