Mercury vs. Lynx Prediction: Tonight’s Game 2 WNBA Semifinals Preview

After their 82-69 victory in Game 1, the Minnesota Lynx have plenty of momentum when they host the Phoenix Mercury for Game 2 at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Target Center on ESPN.

Minnesota crushed Phoenix in the second half of Sunday’s Game 1, posting a 42-22 advantage over the final two quarters. Courtney Williams finished with 23 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and five steals.

Here’s a look at the latest WNBA odds and my favorite Mercury vs. Lynx prediction for Game 2:

Mercury vs. Lynx Odds for Game 2: Spread, Total, Moneyline

• Mercury spread: +7.5
• Lynx spread: -7.5
• Total: 159.5

Mercury vs. Lynx Prediction: Game 2 on Sept. 23

Based on the initial WNBA betting lines, I like laying the points with Minnesota for my Mercury vs. Lynx prediction ahead of tonight’s Game 2.

The Lynx didn’t play well for the entire first half and still found a way to cover a 9.5-point spread on Sunday.

They have now defeated the Mercury eight times in the previous nine head-to-head meetings, which includes a 4-1 clip this year. Minnesota has covered the spread all three times when hosting Phoenix this season.

Minnesota has the best home-court advantage in the league this year, boasting a 20-2 record and a net rating of +16.8 during the regular season. The Lynx recorded the best defensive rating (94.7) at home, which was on display when they shut down the Mercury in the second half.

But the thing that makes me feel best about this pick is that the Lynx typically like to get off to fast starts. They ranked second in the league in first-half net rating during the regular season, while the Mercury were seventh in that metric.

If Minnesota comes out motivated to play ahead, I like this team’s chances of pulling away before the final buzzer. This spread has dropped two points from Game 1, so I’ll back the Lynx to win by this margin.

Prediction: Lynx -7.5