Lynx vs. Mystics WNBA prediction, odds and key players to watch on Sunday, September 8 (

The Washington Mystics are playing their best basketball of the 2024 season and have won two games in a row, keeping them in the race for 8th place in the standings.

Washington swept the Phoenix Mercury off the field on Thursday night, but on Sunday the Washingtonians face a more difficult task – at home against the Minnesota Lynx.

Minnesota goes into this duel with the second-best record in the W-League, having won nine of its last ten games.

The Lynx beat the up-and-coming Indiana Fever on Friday, extending their lead on the back of strong shooting performances from Courtney Williams and Bridget Carleton.

Washington could take over 8th place with a win and losses by Atlanta and Chicago and possibly bring Shakira Austin (questionable) back into the lineup on Sunday.

Let's break down the latest odds, players to watch, and my prediction for Sunday's game.

Opportunities via DraftKings Sportsbook.

Spread

Money line

In total

Lynx injury report

Mystics Injury Report

Minnesota Lynx

Courtney Williams: After scoring 22 points in the win over Chicago, Williams made 3 of 4 shots from beyond the three-point line — including some crucial ones in the fourth quarter — and scored 15 points in Friday's win over Indiana. This season, the veteran guard is averaging 11.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game while hitting 43.5 percent of his shots from the field and 35.5 percent from the three-point line.

Washington Mystics:

Britney Sykes: Last weekend, Sykes battled a spate of injuries against the Connecticut Sun, but she returned to play two games this week and scored 14 points in Thursday's win over Phoenix. This season, Sykes is averaging 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game in just 12 games.

Washington has been one of the best teams in the WNBA against the spread this season, finishing 21-11-1 overall, 19-11-1 as an underdog and 10-6 at home.

All of these numbers are important heading into this afternoon's matchup with Minnesota, which has a 12-5 record against the spread on the road and a 13-10 ATS record as a favorite.

Minnesota has the No. 2 net rating over its last 10 games, and there's a reason it has its sights set on the No. 2 seed this season. The Lynx rank in the top five in the league in offense, defense and net rating, and have an MVP candidate on their roster in Napheesa Collier.

Still, I don't think I can outdo Washington here.

Not only have the Mystics been great (by their standards) in their last 10 games, going 5-5, but they've also secured a playoff shot, meaning they've got something at stake on Sunday — and potentially getting Austin back from injury.

The Lynx need this game to keep themselves in the 2nd, but they needed a good shooting performance on Friday to keep the Fever at bay. Washington has been chipper lately, and if Austin returns, it could be undervalued as a 7.5-point underdog.

Selection: Mystic +7.5 (-105)

The odds are updated regularly and are subject to change.

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