The Minnesota Lynx blew past the Golden State Valkyries 101‑72 to open their first‑round series. Golden State started out hot, leading 17‑7 in the first five minutes behind Temi Fagbenle and Veronica Burton. But Minnesota steadied quickly with Natisha Hiedeman, Jessica Shepard, and Kayla McBride reducing the gap, and by halftime the Lynx had seized control.
Napheesa Collier led all scorers with 20 points, 6 rebounds, while Hiedeman added a playoff career‑high 18 points. Minnesota dominated the boards and turned Valkyries turnovers into easy points, outscoring them 55‑33 after the first quarter. The Lynx now hold a 1‑0 lead in the best‑of‑three.
| Recommended Bets | FanDuel | BetMGM |
|---|---|---|
| Race to 10 Pts – Lynx | -190 | -175 |
| First Field Goal – Collier | +370 | +170 |
| Winning Margin – Lynx by 1‑5 | +390 | +500 |
When: Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 pm ET
Venue: SAP Center, San Jose
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: ESPN+, Disney+, Fubo
With that matchup in mind, let’s break down the key betting angles and player props for Game 2.
The Lynx enter Game 2 as 10.5‑point favorites, a spread that reflects their control in the opener and the expectation they’ll dictate the pace again. The total sits at 151.5, pointing to a moderately paced contest with stretches of efficient scoring. Minnesota’s -550 money line price shows their heavy favorite status, while Golden State will need a hot start to keep things competitive.
One interesting early‑game angle is Veronica Burton to score the first field goal at +400. Burton’s quick first step and willingness to attack early make her a live option to cash this prop before the Lynx defense settles in. If she strikes first, it could give the Valkyries a brief spark before Minnesota’s depth takes over.
| Bet Type | Line / Selection | BetMGM Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Total | O 151.5 | -110 |
| Spread | Lynx -10.5 | -105 |
| First FG for GSV | Veronica Burton | +400 |
| Money Line | Minnesota Lynx | -550 |
Napheesa Collier O 20 Points – Collier remains the heartbeat of Minnesota’s offense, and her scoring floor is as reliable as it gets in the WNBA. She’s cleared the 20‑point mark in the majority of recent outings, thriving both in the post and with her mid‑range game. Against a Valkyries defense that struggles to contain versatile forwards, Collier’s combination of size, skill, and usage rate makes this prop a steady, high‑confidence play despite the shorter odds.
Kayla McBride O 15 Points – McBride’s shooting touch has been sharp, and she benefits greatly from the defensive attention Collier commands inside. With clean looks from beyond the arc and the ability to attack closeouts, she’s well‑positioned to surpass the 15‑point threshold. The plus‑money price at FanDuel adds extra appeal, making this the standout value pick of the group. If McBride finds her rhythm early, she could cash this over well before the fourth quarter.
Veronica Burton O 10 Points – Burton’s prop is the longshot of the bunch, but it carries interesting upside. Her aggressive drives and willingness to push the pace can create scoring chances, especially if she gets extended minutes or capitalizes on transition opportunities. While she’s not a primary scoring option, the +430 price reflects the risk, and the potential reward, for bettors willing to take a calculated swing.
Main Pick: Kayla McBride O 15 Points for +108 at FanDuel
The Lynx are favored by 10.5 points, a margin that reflects their dominance in Game 1 and overall matchup advantage. With Napheesa Collier leading the charge and Kayla McBride providing perimeter scoring, Minnesota has the tools to build and maintain a double‑digit cushion.
For Golden State, covering hinges on efficient guard play and limiting turnovers. If Veronica Burton and the backcourt can generate early offense, the Valkyries could keep it competitive into the second half. Still, Minnesota’s depth and defensive edge make them the safer pick to pull away late.
Spread/Money Line Pick: Lynx -10.5 (-110) at BetMGM
The Minnesota Lynx are favored by 10.5 points to win the game.
The total points line is set at 151.5 for the Lynx vs Valkyries game.
The moneyline is set at Lynx (-550) and Valkyries (+400).
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