Chicago Sky Triumphs Over Minnesota Lynx in Close Contest
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Target Center
Chicago Sky 86, Minnesota Lynx 79, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Chicago Sky vs Minnesota Lynx?
Chicago Sky beat Minnesota Lynx 86-79 at Target Center on May 17, 2026.
Who was favored in Chicago Sky vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -245 (about 71% implied). The underdog won.
The Chicago Sky secured a hard-fought victory against the Minnesota Lynx, winning 86-79 at the Target Center on May 17, 2026. This matchup was particularly intriguing as it featured two teams with contrasting recent performances; the Lynx entered the game with a home record of 2-2 and a recent form of 6-4 over their last ten games, while the Sky boasted a better away record of 3-1, although they had struggled overall with a record of 3-7 in their last ten outings.
The Lynx were riding a two-game winning streak, having defeated the Dallas Wings 90-86 and the Phoenix Mercury 88-84 in their last two games. They averaged 82.8 points scored while allowing 80.0 points in those ten games. However, their performance at home had been less dominant, with a home record of 3-2. In contrast, the Sky had lost their most recent game against the Phoenix Mercury 83-91, which marked the end of a brief two-game winning streak. Their overall scoring average in the last ten games was 81.0 points, but they allowed an average of 85.6 points, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Lynx had won the series 2-1 against the Sky in the previous season, with the most recent game prior to this one resulting in a decisive 91-68 victory for Minnesota on July 23, 2025. However, this time, the Sky managed to turn the tables. The Sky's victory also marked an important moment in their season, as they were looking to build momentum after a challenging stretch.
Injuries played a significant role in the game, impacting both teams. The Lynx were without Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, while the Sky were missing Skylar Diggins, DiJonai Carrington, and Rickea Jackson. These absences undoubtedly affected the strategies and rotations for both teams, particularly for the Sky, who had to adjust their lineup without key players.
Before the game, the betting odds from DraftKings favored the Lynx, with a spread of -5.5 and a moneyline of -245. The total points line was set at 166.5, indicating expectations for a competitive scoring affair. As it turned out, the game lived up to those expectations, with both teams putting on a spirited performance.
The conditions in the arena were conducive to an exciting game, with fans in attendance creating a vibrant atmosphere. As the game progressed, the fourth quarter became particularly intense. Key moments included a critical three-pointer from Courtney Williams that put the Sky ahead 81-76, followed by a series of free throws that helped maintain their lead. The Lynx fought hard to close the gap, but ultimately fell short.
Viewers should have noted the late-game execution from both teams, particularly how the Sky managed to capitalize on their scoring opportunities while the Lynx struggled to convert in critical moments. The Sky's ability to maintain composure under pressure was a defining factor in their victory, showcasing their resilience and determination.
In conclusion, the Chicago Sky's 86-79 win over the Minnesota Lynx not only highlights their ability to bounce back after recent struggles but also sets the stage for an intriguing remainder of the season. Both teams will need to address their respective challenges moving forward, particularly in terms of injury management and defensive consistency.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -5.5 | 166.5 o -110 / u -110 | Chicago Sky +200 · Minnesota Lynx -245 |
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Skylar DigginsOutKneeChicago Sky
- DiJonai CarringtonOutFootChicago Sky
- Rickea JacksonOutKneeChicago Sky
Leaders
- PointsKayla McBride20Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsNatasha Howard7Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsNatasha Howard9Minnesota Lynx
- PointsGabriela Jaquez20Chicago Sky
- AssistsNatasha Cloud7Chicago Sky
- ReboundsKamilla Cardoso12Chicago Sky
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 6-4Streak W282.8 scored · 80 allowed per game3-2 at home
- W90-86at Dallas WingsMay 15
- W88-84at Phoenix MercuryMay 13
- L90-91vs Atlanta DreamMay 10
- W73-66vs Toronto TempoMay 2
- W88-79vs NIGERIAApr 28
- W77-66at Washington MysticsApr 25
- L81-86at Phoenix MercurySep 29
- L76-84at Phoenix MercurySep 27
- L83-89vs Phoenix MercurySep 23
- W82-69vs Phoenix MercurySep 21
Chicago Sky
Last 10: 3-7Streak L181 scored · 85.6 allowed per game2-5 away
- L83-91at Phoenix MercuryMay 16
- W69-63at Golden State ValkyriesMay 14
- W98-83at Portland FireMay 10
- L78-87vs Atlanta DreamApr 29
- L104-108at Phoenix MercuryApr 25
- L86-91vs New York LibertySep 12
- L61-92at Las Vegas AcesSep 10
- L66-80at Las Vegas AcesSep 8
- L77-97at Indiana FeverSep 5
- W88-64vs Connecticut SunSep 4
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Chicago Sky | Minnesota Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-67 | 32-73 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 6-20 | 7-22 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 32 |
| Free throws | 20-25 | 8-12 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 39 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 9 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 30 | 27 |
| Assists | 17 | 20 |
| Steals | 7 | 10 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 15 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 15 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 12 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 40 | 40 |
| Fouls | 16 | 21 |
| Largest lead | 11 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 6 | 6 |
| Time in front | 56 | 35 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter51-42Gabriela Jaquez makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter52-42Gabriela Jaquez makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter52-44Natasha Howard makes 1-foot layup (Maya Caldwell assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-44Rachel Banham makes 20-foot step back jumpshot (Kamilla Cardoso assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-46Natasha Howard makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Antonia Delaere assists)
- 3rd Quarter55-46Gabriela Jaquez makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter57-46Rachel Banham makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (Jacy Sheldon assists)
- 3rd Quarter57-48Courtney Williams makes 12-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter57-51Courtney Williams makes 25-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter58-51Aicha Coulibaly makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-51Aicha Coulibaly makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter60-51Sydney Taylor makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-51Sydney Taylor makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-53Courtney Williams makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter59-55Kayla McBride makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter61-55Rachel Banham makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter61-56Natasha Howard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter61-58Natasha Howard makes 1-foot layup (Kayla McBride assists)
- 4th Quarter63-58Aicha Coulibaly makes 1-foot layup (Kamilla Cardoso assists)
- 4th Quarter63-61Kayla McBride makes 23-foot three point jumper (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter63-63Kayla McBride makes 1-foot layup (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter66-63Natasha Cloud makes 23-foot three point jumper (Aicha Coulibaly assists)
- 4th Quarter66-66Maya Caldwell makes 22-foot three point jumper (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter68-66Kamilla Cardoso makes driving layup (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter70-66Gabriela Jaquez makes layup (Kamilla Cardoso assists)
- 4th Quarter71-66Jacy Sheldon makes technical free throw
- 4th Quarter74-66Rachel Banham makes 29-foot three point jumper (Jacy Sheldon assists)
- 4th Quarter74-69Olivia Miles makes 23-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter76-69Jacy Sheldon makes two point shot (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter76-70Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-71Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-71Natasha Cloud makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter78-74Courtney Williams makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter78-76Natasha Howard makes 1-foot running jump shot (Nia Coffey assists)
- 4th Quarter81-76Gabriela Jaquez makes 25-foot three point jumper (Natasha Cloud assists)
- 4th Quarter81-78Olivia Miles makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter82-78Rachel Banham makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-79Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter83-79Gabriela Jaquez makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-79Gabriela Jaquez makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Chicago Sky.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance10001
- OfficialsMaj Forsberg, Tiara Cruse, Clare Simmons
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- Sky's Skylar Diggins (knee) to miss remainder of season
WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Lynx Defeat Sky in WNBA ShowdownMay 29, 2026
- Lynx Defeat Sky 85-75 in WNBA ShowdownMay 23, 2026