Chicago @ Minnesota picks

All-Star Weekend is over, and the Lynx should be equipped for a second-half surge. They played 10 games in 20 days before the break, losing three times. That grueling stretch wore them out, but their schedule will be less busy the rest of the way. Yet, four Lynx players were the center of attraction at All-Star Weekend. Some fatigue tonight would still make sense. Chicago played Minnesota tough in two games last week. That should continue amid Lynx exhaustion tonight.

The WNBA owes Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman a great thanks. The Lynx duo's 72-hour live stream from All-Star Weekend showed a side of the WNBA that is too often overlooked, and clearly every single player in Indianapolis enjoyed their chaotic energy. There should be an obvious comedown from that. Williams must be exhausted, no matter how many advantages professional athletes have in recovery. A lack of focus tonight would be natural. Being "on" for 72 hours has to be followed by some "off" time.