The 2025 WNBA Semi-Finals continue with the Minnesota Lynx hosting the Phoenix Mercury for Game 2 of the series on Tuesday, September 23. The Lynx hold a commanding 1-0 lead against their No. 4 rivals after a remarkable 82-69 comeback win in Game 1.
The series opener saw the Mercury dominating the opening half with seven points before the break. However, the hosts made a stunning comeback in the second half and restricted their counterparts to only 12 and 10 points in the third and fourth half, respectively. Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride put together 44 points, respectively. On the other hand, Phoenix came up with a limited 22 points and 18 points by Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas, respectively.
Moving ahead, the visitors would desperately aim to avoid a 2-0 hole, whereas the Lynx seek to extend their streak before action moves to PHX Arena.
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Venue: Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Where to Watch: ESPN, Fubo, WNBA League Pass
The Lynx entered the playoffs as the favorites to not only make their way through to another consecutive WNBA Finals but also clinch the championship. Gladly, they have maintained their dominance over their rivals. In the first-round series, they were the only team to advance ahead after a series sweep.
In the ongoing series as well, the Lynx recorded a gritty 82-69 comeback win over their counterparts to take an early lead in the series. Minnesota overcame a seven-point halftime deficit with a 23-10 explosion in the final period. While their starters including McBride, Williams and Napheesa Collier made key contributions, they must find depth in the bench now that DiJonai Carrington is sidelined with a left foot injury.
Napheesa Collier, Bridget Carleton, Alanna Smith, Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams
Key Bench Players: Natisha Hiedeman
Injuries: DiJonai Carrington- OUT (Left Foot)
After finishing the previous season in seventh spot, the Mercury upgraded their game, owing to their notable signings during the off-season. After a few initial hiccups, they grabbed the fourth spot in 2025 on the back of a 27-17 record. In a new era led by names such as Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally, the Mercury displayed grit throughout the regular season.
In the postseason, they were grouped against the reigning champions, New York Liberty. However, with the key contributions made by Thomas, Sabally, Sami Whitcomb, and Kahleah Copper, they managed to take them down 2-1 and advanced ahead in the semi-finals.
In Game 1, they maintained a lead throughout the first half, but failed to continue the momentum and slumped to the Lynx’s defensive effort, suffering a blowout loss.
Here are a few facts about them:
Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, Natasha Mack, Monique Akoa Makani, Kahleah Copper
Key Bench Players: DeWanna Bonner, Sami Whitcomb
Injuries: None. The Mercury enter Game 2 with a healthy roster.
The Minnesota Lynx enter Game 2 as heavy favorites to win the game at -7 spread and -350 moneyline. For the next game, we can expect the total to be under, considering how Game 1 as well as their regular season meetups went this year.
Here’s an overview of my selections:
| Picks | Odds on FanDuel |
| Total U 158.5 | -108 |
| Spread: Minnesota Lynx at -7 | -112 |
| Napheesa Collier O 21.5 Points | -130 |
| Moneyline: Minnesota Lynx | -350 |
Napheesa Collier O 21.5 Points: Napheesa Collier is averaging 20.7 points per game this postseason. While she was limited to 18 points in Game 1 against the Mercury, I expect her to smash over in Game 2 to lead the Lynx to another win.
Alyssa Thomas O 14.5 Points: Mercury powerhouse Alyssa Thomas is scoring 16.8 points on an average in the playoffs. In Game 1, she came up with 18 points, and considering what is at stake, Thomas is expected to continue the same kind of performance in the upcoming game.
Satou Sabally U 2.5 Assists: Maintaining an average of 3.0 assists per game, Sabally dished out 3 assists in Game 1 against the Lynx. However, in Game 2, she is most likely to finish under 2.5 assists.
Kahleah Copper U 3.5 Rebounds: Kahleah Copper has an average of 3.8 rebounds per game this postseason. In Game 1, she grabbed only 2 rebounds, and in the upcoming fixture, the number is going to remain under 3.5.
Main Pick: Napheesa Collier O 21.5 Points at -130 on FanDuel
There have been a total of four (three regular season and one postseason) clashes between the Minnesota Lynx and the Phoenix Mercury so far in the 2025 WNBA season. Out of those four games, Minnesota dominated their rivals thrice. Moreover, they boast a 20-2 record at home this regular season.
All these records and stats make them a formidable force against the Phoenix Mercury. Considering this, we can expect the Lynx to continue their winning streak. But, the way Satou Sabally and Co. fought against the toppers, one can expect a tight gameplay on Tuesday.
Spread/ Moneyline Pick: Minnesota Lynx at -7 for -350 on FanDuel
The Lynx are favored to win Game 2 against the Fever by 7 points.
Total points for Game 2 between the Lynx and the Mercury is set at 158.5.
The moneyline for upcoming game is set at Lynx (-350) and Mercury (+265).
Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.
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