The Minnesota Lynx (29-7, 19-2 in the Western Conference) will try to notch their 30th win of the season when they play the Golden State Valkyries (25-9, 10-6) on Wednesday at 10 p.m. EDT in San Francisco.
Recent performance
The Valkyries have gone 10-6 against Western Conference opponents and rank eighth in the conference, averaging 30.8 points per game in the paint, led by Gabby Williams (6.1 rebounds per game). Minnesota has been dominant in the West, posting a 19-2 record and ranking seventh in defensive rebounds with 25.2 per game, driven by Napheesa Collier’s 5.9 rebounds per game.
Three‑point shooting
Golden State makes 10.8 three‑pointers per game, 1.7 more than the 9.1 per game Minnesota allows. The Lynx, in turn, average 9.3 made threes per game, 1.5 more than the 7.8 per game the Valkyries concede.
Head‑to‑head history
This will be the third meeting between the two clubs this season. Minnesota won the June 20 matchup 81-75, with Nia Coffey scoring 22 points. The Valkyries’ top scorer in that game was Cecilia Zandalasini with 23 points.
Key players
For the Valkyries, Veronica Burton is shooting 42.8% and averaging 12.4 points, while Williams has contributed 13.3 points over her last ten games. The Lynx rely on Olivia Miles, who is averaging 19.9 points and 6.1 assists, and Kayla McBride, who also averages 19.9 points in her recent ten‑game stretch.
Last ten games
Golden State is 8-2 in its last ten contests, posting 86.8 points, 31.0 rebounds, 21.2 assists, 8.9 steals and 2.9 blocks per game while shooting 45.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 78.0 points.
Minnesota is 9-1 in its last ten, scoring 96.3 points, 33.1 rebounds, 22.9 assists, 9.8 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Opponents have averaged 87.7 points.
Injuries
The Valkyries will be without Iliana Rupert for the season due to pregnancy and Kiah Stokes is day‑to‑day after a concussion. The Lynx are missing forward Emma Cechova for the season with a knee injury.
What’s at stake
Both teams are looking to improve their seeding as the regular season winds down. A win for Minnesota would solidify its position near the top of the Western Conference, while Golden State hopes to climb the standings and secure a favorable playoff path.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
