Lynx vs. Liberty
Target Center, 7 p.m.
NBA TV, Fox Sports North, BOB 106.1

The Lynx are finally home! Minnesota hasn’t played a game at Target Center since a June 1 loss to the Mercury. Their return could not come at a more pivotal time—they host the Liberty on Saturday night in a game that could set the tone for the rest of their season.

Coach Cheryl Reeve spoke at practice on Wednesday about her rotation. Things have been in flux over the last few games, and Reeve is tired of it. She’ll probably be playing eight players meaningful minutes, with Danielle Robinson and Tanisha Wright at the backup guard spots. The backup big spot is still somewhat up for grabs, but it will probably be filled by either Lynetta Kizer or Temi Fagbenle, depending on what Reeve decides the Lynx need. The rest of the roster will be playing odd minutes to spell rotation players.

Reeve also said she plans on moving away from playing Maya Moore at the power forward position and returning her to her natural small forward spot. This means that Cecilia Zandalasini will likely see a reduction in minutes, but the Lynx coaching staff has liked what they’ve seen from the young Italian, so she’ll remain Moore’s primary backup and find a way to see the floor.

The Lynx treated their week-long break as a mini training camp and are attempting to work out some of the kinks that have held them back so far in the season. Reeve is certain that her team knows what it takes to win, and she’s challenging her veterans to step up and carry the Lynx.

“We’re ride or die so to speak, let the chips fall where they may,” she said.

The Liberty are a different team today than the one the Lynx beat last month in New York. Kia Vaughn has returned to the Liberty, and first-round pick Kia Nurse has unlocked another level to her game. Despite coming off the bench, Nurse is the second-leading scorer for the Liberty (behind Tina Charles) with 13.1 points per game. Look for Tanisha Wright and Danielle Robinson to play her tough on defense.

The Lynx’s performance on the boards was key in their victory over New York in May, and they will try to replicate that feat on Saturday. This is definitely a game to watch—Lynx players and coaches aren’t shying away from the contest’s importance in determining the direction the rest of their season takes. The Lynx have been given a chance to rest up and try to find cures for a few of their ills, now we all get to see if their solutions worked.

Starting Lineups:

Lynx: PG—Whalen, SG—Augustus, SF—Moore, PF—Brunson, C—Fowles

Liberty: PG—Hartley, SG—Zellous, SF—Coleman, PF—Charles, C— Vaughn

Injuries:

Lynx: Seimone Augustus (hamstring) is out.

Liberty: No injuries to report.