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The New York Liberty host the Minnesota Lynx on Sunday for a decisive Game 5 in the WNBA Finals. Tip-off at Barclays Center in Brooklyn is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s WNBA odds around the Lynx vs. Liberty odds, and make our expert WNBA picks and predictions.
Playoff series: Best-of-5 series tied 2-2; Lynx won regular-season series 2-1, also won Commissioner’s Cup June 25 at Barclays Center
The Lynx had their backs to the wall in Game 4 at home, but Minnesota forced the series back to Brooklyn for a decisive Game 5 with an 82-80 win to stave off elimination.
The Lynx shot 44.6% (29-of-65) from the field, while the Liberty was 43.7% (31-of-67). And both teams shot exactly 39.1% (9-of-23) from behind the 3-point line. Minnesota hit just 75% (15-of-20) from the free-throw line, while New York was perfect (9-for-9). However, the Liberty turned it over 3 more times, while the Lynx recorded 10 turnovers.
All 5 starters on both sides had 10 or more points. Jonquel Jones led the Liberty with 21 points with 8 rebounds, 4 treys and 2 blocked shots. For the Lynx, Kayla McBride stepped up with a team-best 19 points, while Napheesa Collier had 14 points and 9 rebounds with 4 assists and 4 steals.
Minnesota is aiming for its WNBA record 5th championship, while New York is trying to secure its 1st title.
Lynx at Liberty odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:43 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Lynx +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Liberty -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Lynx +5.5 (-105) | Liberty -5.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 157.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Lynx at Liberty picks and predictions
Prediction
Lynx 79, Liberty 74
Moneyline
The LYNX (+220) is a strong play in Game 5 for the chance to more than double up.
While the home team is 2-2 SU in this WNBA Finals series, the road team has won 6 of the past 10 meetings, including Minnesota’s 94-89 victory in the Commissioner’s Cup at Barclays Center.
It’s risky, but the value play is Minnesota, especially since it has shown an ability to come back from large deficits, while also showing a way to win on the road.
Against the spread
If you’re not as adventurous, the LYNX +5.5 (-105) is still a decent play catching nearly 3 buckets in this decisive Game 5.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see this game decided in the final minute, perhaps on free throws. In 3 of the 4 games in this series, we’ve seen a margin of defeat of 3 or fewer points. Look for more of the same.
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Over/Under
UNDER 157.5 (-110) is a good play in this Game 5, which is for all of the marbles. New York has never won a title, and there could be some nerves, even for a veteran team, as it tries to do what no Liberty team has done before.
The Under has cashed in 2 of the past 3 games in this series, with the winning side going for 82 or fewer points.
In a game with so much on the line, expect both sides to be tight, especially early on, before they loosen up as the game goes along.
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