The Minnesota Lynx have their sights set on another WNBA Finals trip, and that journey continues on Sunday against the Golden State Valkyries.
Golden State has been one of the year’s best stories, becoming the first expansion team to reach the postseason in its debut season, but my Valkyries vs. Lynx predictions expect Minnesota’s veteran core to have the last laugh in Game 1.
Take a closer look at my WNBA picks for this September 14 matchup, as two talented squads are set to collide at Target Center.
Valkyries vs Lynx predictions
My Valkyries vs Lynx best bet: Kayla McBride Over 13.5 points (-106 at FanDuel)
Content to play a supporting role during the regular season, Kayla McBride has shown she can flip a switch when the stakes are highest, and I see her knocking down some big shots to settle the nerves here in Game 1.
After all, she did the same thing in the first round of the 2024 playoffs. McBride poured in 20 points in the postseason opener against the Phoenix Mercury last year, and followed it up with 15 points in Game 2.
In fact, she went past this number in seven of her 12 outings as the Minnesota Lynx fell one game short of another championship.
This O/U line is more of a reflection of the McBride that we’ve seen over the past four months, where she averaged a tidy 14.2 points per game. However, I expect her to step up in a bigger way alongside Napheesa Collier in this series.
McBride made her 3-pointers at a 40% clip during the regular season, and that’s the key for this prop. With all the focus on Collier’s athleticism in the paint, it’s reasonable to think that the Golden State Valkyries will fall asleep on the perimeter at times, and McBride won’t need a second invitation to do damage.
Valkyries vs Lynx same-game parlay (SGP)
Kayla McBride Over 13.5 points
Valkyries +12.5
Veronica Burton Over 17.5 points + assists
This is new territory for the Valkyries, but they’ve shown grittiness all season, and this spread feels too high.
Minnesota was 4-0 against Golden State during the regular season, but only one of those victories came by 13+ points.
Given that the Valkyries were 27-16-1 ATS this year, the line is an overreaction to the Lynx’s 72-53 win when these teams met on Thursday.
Veronica Burton has gradually taken on a bigger share of the offense for the visitors this year, and she’ll have every opportunity to impact Game 1 as a scorer and playmaker.
Burton finished the regular season with averages of 11.9 ppg and 6.0 assists per game, and she’s nailed this combo Over in nine of her past 11 contests.
Valkyries vs Lynx odds
Valkyries vs Lynx live odds
Valkyries vs Lynx opening odds
- Spread: Golden State +13.5 (-110) | Minnesota -13.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Golden State +675 | Minnesota -1100
- Over/Under: Over 149.5 (-110) | Under 149.5 (-110)
Valkyries vs Lynx trend
The Under was a winning ticket in 28 of the Valkyries’ 44 games this season. Find more WNBA betting trends for Valkyries vs. Lynx.
How to watch Valkyries vs Lynx
| Location | Target Center, Minneapolis, MN |
| Date | Sunday, September 14, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 1:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Valkyries vs Lynx latest injuries
Valkyries: Kayla Thornton F (Out), Tiffany Hayes G (Out).
Lynx: DiJonai Carrington G (Out).
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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