Tip-off: 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PT local)
Venue: SAP Center, San Jose, California (Capacity: ~17,500)
Broadcast: ESPN / ESPN+
Weather Forecast (San Jose, CA – Sept. 17, 2025)
- Temperature: ~78°F (26°C) at tip-off, cooling into the upper 60s overnight
- Conditions: Clear skies, light coastal breeze (5–8 mph)
- Impact: No weather concerns; indoor arena ensures perfect playing conditions.
Injury Report
- Minnesota Lynx: No major injuries reported. Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, and Jessica Shepard all available.
- Golden State Valkyries:
- Kayla Thornton (knee) – OUT since July.
- Tiffany Hayes (knee) – OUT.
- Depth rotation thinner, forcing heavier minutes for Veronica Burton and Cecilia Zandalasini.
Key Player Matchups
- Napheesa Collier (Lynx) vs. Temi Fagbenle (Valkyries)
- Collier scored 20 points in Game 1 and has topped 19 in all five meetings this season.
- Kayla McBride (Lynx) vs. Valkyries Wings
- McBride added 17 points in Game 1; her perimeter shooting stretches Golden State’s defense.
- Veronica Burton (Valkyries) vs. Natisha Hiedeman (Lynx)
- Burton had 14 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals in Game 1 but struggled with fouls.
- Hiedeman countered with a playoff career-high 18 points.
- Bench Depth
- Minnesota’s depth (Shepard, Williams) overwhelmed Golden State in Game 1. Valkyries need production from Jeanne Salaun and Kaila Charles to stay competitive.
Recent Team Form
Minnesota Lynx (34–10, #1 seed West)
- Last 5: W–W–L–W–W
- Game 1: Defeated Valkyries 101–72, dominating after the first quarter.
- Strength: Balanced scoring, elite rebounding, playoff experience.
Golden State Valkyries (23–21, #8 seed West)
- Last 5: L–W–L–L–L
- Game 1: Lost 101–72; started strong but collapsed after early lead.
- Strength: Defense (league-best 76.9 PPG allowed in regular season), but fouls and turnovers hurt them in Game 1.
Series History
- 2025 Season: Minnesota is 5–0 vs. Golden State (regular season + playoffs).
- Playoff Series: Lynx lead 1–0 in this best-of-three.
- Historical Note: This is Golden State’s inaugural WNBA playoff series.
Betting Trends
- Minnesota Lynx:
- 5–0 SU vs. Golden State in 2025.
- 4–1 ATS in last 5 overall.
- Overs hit in 3 of last 5 games.
- Golden State Valkyries:
- 1–4 ATS in last 5 overall.
- 2–6 ATS in last 8 home games.
- Unders hit in 4 of last 6 games.
- Head-to-Head:
- Minnesota has covered in 4 of 5 meetings this season.
- Average margin of victory: +15.2 points for Lynx.
Historical Betting Results
- Minnesota: Profitable ATS as double-digit favorites; playoff-tested roster consistently covers against lower seeds.
- Golden State: Struggles ATS as underdogs of 8+ points; defensive identity hasn’t translated against Minnesota’s balanced attack.
- Playoff Trends: No #8 seed has ever upset a #1 seed in WNBA history; Minnesota is heavily favored to advance.
GAME ODDS
Minnesota Lynx – 10.5
Golden State Valkyries 151.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, September 16, 2025
