The 2-1 Chicago Sky travel to Target Center to face the 2-1 Minnesota Lynx on Sunday, May 17 in what should be a physical, low-scoring affair.
Natasha Howard has enjoyed a resurgence in her return to Minnesota, and my Sky vs. Lynx predictions call for the veteran to make her presence known in the paint.
Read more in my WNBA picks to find out why I’m backing Howard at home against the Sky.
Sky vs Lynx prediction
Sky vs Lynx best bet: Natasha Howard Over 7.5 rebounds (+120)
The Chicago Sky sport the lowest rebound percentage in the WNBA at a paltry 46%, and the visiting team has surrendered the third-most rebounds per game (35.3).
With Napheesa Collier sidelined and Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith in Dallas, Natasha Howard has emerged as the Minnesota Lynx’s top rebounder at seven per tilt.
Among players with at least 25 minutes per game, Howard ranks 14th in total rebound percentage (12.8) and second in offensive rebound percentage (17.9).
Howard’s rebound line comes in at 7.5 for +120 odds, and I like the value in this stellar matchup.
COVERS INTEL: Natasha Howard has recorded four offensive rebounds in three games this season, tied for Kiki Iriafen for most in the WNBA.
Sky vs Lynx same-game parlay
Howard’s 28.1 Usage Rate is her highest in five seasons, and she’s averaging 15.3 points per game. The veteran finished with 26 and 14 in her last two, and her penchant for rebounding, particularly on the offensive glass, should lead to second-chance scoring opportunities.
The Sky and Lynx are two of the most three-point averse teams in the W, and the lack of long-range shooting should lead to a lower-scoring affair. The Sky sport the second-lowest pace and second-best defensive rating, and over the last two games, both teams rank in the Top 7 in fewest points allowed.
Sky vs Lynx SGP
- Natasha Howard Over 7.5 rebounds
- Natasha Howard Over 14.5 points
- Under 169
Sky vs Lynx first basket scorer: Kamilla Cardoso (+325)
Natasha Howard has lost three straight tips, and Kamilla Cardoso has won three straight. Cardoso has a five-inch height advantage that should result in the Sky getting the first possession again.
In each of Chicago’s first three games, Cardoso has attempted the first shot. She was fouled in the opener, blocked in the second game and missed a layup in her most recent outing. I’ll take Cardoso to finally connect on an opening bucket tonight after three close calls.
- Best bet: 3-2, +0.64 units
- SGP: 0-5, -5.0 units
- First basket: 0-5, -5.0 units
Sky vs Lynx odds
- Spread: Sky +4.5 | Lynx -4.5
- Moneyline: Sky +180 | Lynx -220
- Over/Under: Over 169 | Under 169
Sky vs Lynx trend
Minnesota has been the underdog in all three of its games this season, and the Lynx are 3-0 ATS. Find more WNBA betting trends.
How to watch Sky vs Lynx
| Location | Target Center, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date | Sunday, May 17, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | The U, Victory+ |
Sky vs Lynx latest injuries
Sky: Text.
Lynx: Text.
Find our latest WNBA injury reports.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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