The Minnesota Lynx head to Phoenix on Monday night looking to continue one of the best starts in the WNBA. Minnesota enters the game at 6-2 and has won four straight contests, while Phoenix is trying to halt a five-game skid after opening the season with expectations of competing near the top of the league standings. Will both of those streaks continue, or will Phoenix get a much-needed win at home? Continue reading below to get my Lynx vs Mercury prediction in the betting markets on Monday night.
Our Lynx vs Mercury Pick
- Pick: Minnesota Lynx -3.5
- Confidence: 4 out of 5
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Minnesota Lynx @ Phoenix Mercury
- Date & Time: Monday, June 1, 2026, 10:00 PM ET
- Venue: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, Arizona
- Broadcast: Peacock
Key Storylines
- Minnesota enters the game with a 6-2 record and a four-game winning streak.
- Phoenix has fallen to 2-7 and has dropped five straight games.
- The Lynx defeated the Mercury 88-84 earlier this season in Phoenix.
- Minnesota has been one of the better defensive teams in the league despite significant roster turnover and despite the absence of MVP candidate Napheesa Collier for the first few weeks of the season.
- Phoenix continues searching for offensive consistency around its veteran core.
Key Players
Phoenix Mercury
- Alyssa Thomas remains the engine of the Mercury offense. She continues to fill the box score in every category and is one of the league’s premier facilitators. Her rebounding and playmaking are critical against Minnesota’s physical frontcourt.
- Kahleah Copper is Phoenix’s primary scoring threat. The perennial All-Star is averaging over 18 points per game to lead the Mercury. Phoenix needs her scoring efficiency to improve if it hopes to reverse its current slide.
- DeWanna Bonner provides veteran leadership and scoring depth. Her ability to create offense and stretch defenses remains important for a team searching for consistency.
Minnesota Lynx
- Courtney Williams has stepped into a larger offensive role and is averaging 16.3 points per game. Her shot creation and perimeter scoring have been major reasons for Minnesota’s strong start.
- Natasha Howard anchors the defense and controls the glass. She has emerged as Minnesota’s most important interior presence and frequently draws the toughest frontcourt assignments. She is also leading the Lynx in scoring at 17.3 points per game early in the year.
- Olivia Miles has quickly become one of the most impactful rookies in the league. Her court vision, passing ability, and poise have given Minnesota another playmaker capable of controlling the pace of games.
Stat Comparison
| Category | Minnesota Lynx | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 88.4 | 83.7 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 79.1 | 85.3 |
| Team Field Goal % | 50% | 42% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 37.6 | 32.0 |
| Assists Per Game | 21.1 | 17.7 |
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- Past meetings this season: Minnesota leads 1-0 after an 88-84 victory on May 12.
- The Lynx are 7-1 against the spread so far this season.
- The Mercury are 3-6 against the spread early this year.
Lynx vs Mercury Model Projection
- Score Projection: Minnesota Lynx 87 – Phoenix Mercury 81
- Win Probability: Minnesota Lynx 63%, Phoenix Mercury 37%
Minnesota enters this game with advantages in recent form, defensive efficiency, and overall team chemistry. The Lynx have adapted well despite offseason roster changes and have received excellent contributions from Courtney Williams, Natasha Howard, and rookie Olivia Miles. Their defense has consistently limited opponents, which is especially important against a Phoenix team that has struggled to generate efficient offense during its losing streak. My best bet for this Western Conference matchup is for the Lynx to cover the spread on the road.


