The first Commissioner’s Cup date on the 2025 calendar brings an unbeaten Minnesota Lynx group to visit the expansion Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center on Sunday, June 1. Minnesota arrives to this Lynx vs Valkyries matchup at 6-0 after gutting out a 74-71 road triumph in Phoenix without star forward Napheesa Collier, their sixth consecutive victory built on stifling defense and late-game composure. Golden State, meanwhile, showed real progress in an 82-77 setback at New York, trimming a 28-point deficit from two nights earlier and even leading inside the final two minutes.
Lynx vs Valkyries Preview
Through six outings, Minnesota has authored one of the WNBA’s premier defensive profiles. Opponents average 76.3 points per game against the Lynx, thanks in large part to Cheryl Reeve’s relentless guards. Even with Collier sidelined in Phoenix, the Lynx forced 15 turnovers and won despite hitting just 36% of their shots. Expect the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year to return Sunday, as she still tops the league at 26.8 points per game, and her length should disrupt a Valkyries front line that has struggled early in their first season as a franchise.
The Lynx offense is deep behind Collier, making Minnesota a legitimate title contender. Kayla McBride and Alanna Smith have been dangerous from three-point range, while Courtney Williams is a gifted scorer both at the rim and from the mid-range. Against a team still finding its identity, the Lynx will be expected to put up a big number offensively.
Golden State sits at 2-3, but their effort against the defending champion Liberty hinted at upside. Salaün (18 points, 13 rebounds) gave Breanna Stewart problems with her motor, Julie Vanloo was a competent distributor, and Cecilia Zandalasini has provided them with a great three-point threat now that she is on the floor. Coach Natalie Nakase’s squad has been more competitive than several more established franchises in the league early this season and they will need every ounce of their competitive fire to pull an upset here.
Betting Insights
Minnesota is favored by 9.5 points coming into this matchup, while the total for the game has been set at 164.5. The Lynx are 2-4 against the number this season despite their 6-0 start, while the Valkyries have gone 3-2 against the spread. The Lynx have seen four of their first six games go under the total, while all five of the Valkryies’ games have stayed under their totals.
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Lynx vs Valkyries Prediction
Golden State’s growth is tangible, but the Lynx bring elite cohesion, superior depth, and the league’s most disruptive defense. Expect Collier to impose herself early against Salaün, drawing doubles that open the arc for McBride. Vanloo’s playmaking can keep the Valkyries competitive for stretches, yet Minnesota’s second unit should feast on a bench that is still sorting out roles. Minnesota wins the paint, wins the turnover battle, and cranks the tempo just enough to push the total north of 165.
Final score projection: Minnesota 88, Golden State 78
Best wager: Lynx -9.5. Lean Over 164.5, though the spread is the cleaner angle given Minnesota’s execution gap late.
