The Game

Here we are again.

The Lynx are playing the Sparks in a single elimination playoff game on Tuesday night. It’s win or go home.

While the Lynx and Sparks may have expected to see each other in the playoffs, neither squad probably envisioned it happening this early—in a matchup between the No. 6 and No. 7 seeds.

The Lynx finished the regular season with a record of 18-16 while the Sparks finished 19-15. Both L.A. and Minnesota have championship aspirations, and while they didn’t finish where they expected in the standings, they are two veteran teams that could make noise in later rounds.

Minnesota and Los Angeles have the most intense rivalry in the WNBA, having met in back-to-back finals. The players don’t like each other very much, the fans will be excited and the eyes of the WNBA will be on the court. This isn’t one to miss.

What: Lynx at Sparks
When: Tuesday, August 21, 9:30 p.m. CT
Where: STAPLES Center
Watch: ESPN 2
Listen: Bob 106.1 FM

Beat Them On The Boards

 The Lynx are a very good defensive rebounding team. One of their strengths this entire season has been denying their opponents second-chance opportunities. Continuing that trend will be critical on Tuesday night.

In order to win tough games, teams need to execute their strengths and key in on their opponent’s weaknesses. The Sparks are one of the worst rebounding teams in the league. The Lynx need to not only try to win the rebounding battle but absolutely crush the Sparks on the boards.

In a game that should be a low-scoring slug-fest, Minnesota absolutely cannot afford to give the Sparks more possessions. That means limiting turnovers (which has been an issue against the Sparks) and grabbing boards. There isn’t much room for error here—rebounding is one of Minnesota’s strengths, they need to play to it.

Mirror Image

The Lynx and the Sparks have very similar games. Tuesday night’s matchup will be a contest between two of the league’s best defenses, but neither squad is very good on offense compared to the rest of the league.

In their four matchups this season, the Lynx have only scored more than 80 points once—in a July 5 win at Target Center. The Sparks have not broken 80 points against the Lynx all season. A final score in the 70s is probably what most are expecting, but if the Lynx can score 80 they’ll have a good chance of winning.

Minnesota has the track record to trust in its defense, but there’s a point at which scoring becomes key. They don’t have to have their best offensive night of the year, but the Lynx certainly need to produce on that end of the floor. The key tonight will be getting both Sylvia Fowles and Maya Moore going, in the previous four matchups this year its always been one or the other. The Sparks have some excellent one-on-one defenders, but Moore and Fowles are playing some of their best ball of the year so they certainly have a chance to go out there and put up points.

Projected Starting Lineups

Lynx: PG – Wright, SG – Augustus, SF – Zandalasini, PF – Moore, C – Fowles

Storm: PG – Gray, SG – Williams, SF – Beard, PF – Ogwumike, C – Parker

Injury Report

Lynx: Rebekkah Brunson (concussion) is questionable, and Danielle Robinson (ankle) is out.

Storm: Nneka Ogwumike (illness) is probable.