Lynx Defeat Sparks 96-87 in WNBA Showdown
Wednesday, July 15, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Target Center
Minnesota Lynx 96, Los Angeles Sparks 87, 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 Los Angeles Sparks vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx beat Los Angeles Sparks 96-87 at Target Center on July 15, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Sparks vs Minnesota Lynx?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -600 (about 86% implied). The favorite won.
The Minnesota Lynx secured a solid victory against the Los Angeles Sparks, finishing the game with a score of 96-87. This win further solidifies the Lynx's dominance over the Sparks in their recent encounters, as they have now won five consecutive matchups against them, including three this season.
The Lynx entered the game with a strong home record of 19-6, showcasing their prowess at the Target Center. In their last ten games, they achieved a record of 7-3, with a current winning streak of three games. Their recent scoring average has been impressive, with 87.7 points per game while allowing 84.9 points. In their last five games, they have averaged 91.0 points scored and 90.8 points allowed, indicating a competitive edge on both ends of the court. The Lynx's last game before this matchup was a victory against the Phoenix Mercury, where they won 104-100.
On the other hand, the Sparks are struggling with a record of 10-13 and have only managed to win four of their last ten games, currently on a one-game losing streak. Their average scoring during this stretch is 89.8 points, but they have been allowing an average of 97.4 points, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities. In their last five games, they scored an average of 90.2 points while allowing 94.6 points. Their most recent game resulted in a loss to the Atlanta Dream, where they fell 92-101.
The matchup at the Target Center saw the Lynx capitalize on their home advantage. Historically, Minnesota has performed well at home, boasting a home record of 2-2 in their last four games, while the Sparks have struggled on the road with a 1-4 record in their last five away games. The Lynx's recent form against the Sparks has been particularly dominant, winning all five of their last meetings, including a convincing 99-83 win earlier this season.
In terms of injuries, the Lynx were missing Elena Buenavida, Antonia Delaere, and Dorka Juhasz, all of whom were out for various non-injury-related reasons. The Sparks also had Aaliyah Nye out for non-injury-related issues. The absence of these players could have impacted the depth and strategy for both teams.
The betting market reflected Minnesota's strong position heading into the game, with DraftKings setting the spread at MIN -11.5 and a total of 181.5. The odds for the Lynx to win outright were -600.0, while the Sparks were at +440.0, indicating a clear expectation of a Lynx victory.
As the game progressed, the Lynx maintained control, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they executed key plays that kept the Sparks at bay. Notable moments included Kayla McBride making a crucial three-point jumper, extending the Lynx's lead to 94-84. Despite a late surge from the Sparks, including a running layup from Rae Burrell, the Lynx held firm to secure the win.
Overall, the matchup showcased the Lynx's offensive capabilities and their ability to perform under pressure, while the Sparks continue to search for consistency in their game. Fans can look forward to seeing how both teams adjust in their upcoming fixtures.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -11.5 | 181.5 o -110 / u -110 | Los Angeles Sparks +440 · Minnesota Lynx -600 |
Injury report
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Antonia DelaereOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Dorka JuhaszOutNot Injury RelatedMinnesota Lynx
- Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks
Leaders
- PointsKayla McBride24Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsNatasha Howard6Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsNatasha Howard10Minnesota Lynx
- PointsRae Burrell24Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsErica Wheeler6Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsNneka Ogwumike12Los Angeles Sparks
Recent form
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 7-3Streak W387.7 scored · 84.9 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W104-100vs Phoenix MercuryJul 14
- W90-85vs New York LibertyJul 11
- W86-80at Connecticut SunJul 8
- L89-90vs Connecticut SunJul 7
- L86-99at New York LibertyJul 3
- W85-77at Dallas WingsJun 28
- W78-76at Washington MysticsJun 24
- L79-84vs Washington MysticsJun 21
- W81-75at Golden State ValkyriesJun 20
- W99-83at Los Angeles SparksJun 18
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 4-6Streak L189.8 scored · 97.4 allowed per game1-4 away
- L92-101at Atlanta DreamJul 13
- W102-87vs Chicago SkyJul 11
- W106-92vs Indiana FeverJul 9
- L64-82vs Seattle StormJul 7
- L87-111at Indiana FeverJun 28
- L97-125at Toronto TempoJun 25
- W98-97vs New York LibertyJun 22
- L83-99vs Minnesota LynxJun 18
- L58-78at Golden State ValkyriesJun 16
- W111-102at Phoenix MercuryJun 14
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Los Angeles Sparks | Minnesota Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-65 | 34-68 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 50 |
| Three-pointers | 9-28 | 8-25 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 32 |
| Free throws | 16-19 | 20-24 |
| Free throw % | 84 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 25 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 26 | 18 |
| Assists | 22 | 21 |
| Steals | 6 | 13 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 3 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 30 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 16 |
| Points in the paint | 32 | 34 |
| Fouls | 17 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 9 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 46 | 49 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter56-53Natasha Howard makes 1-foot layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 3rd Quarter56-54Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-55Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-57Olivia Miles makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter56-59Courtney Williams makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter56-60Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-61Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-62Courtney Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-63Courtney Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-63Cameron Brink makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jihyun Park assists)
- 3rd Quarter59-64Courtney Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter61-64Dearica Hamby makes running layup (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 3rd Quarter61-66Courtney Williams makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (Natasha Howard assists)
- 3rd Quarter64-66Ariel Atkins makes 23-foot three point jumper (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 3rd Quarter64-68Natasha Howard makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter67-68Nneka Ogwumike makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 4th Quarter67-71Antonia Delaere makes 24-foot three point jumper (Anastasiia Olairi Kosu assists)
- 4th Quarter69-71Dearica Hamby makes layup (Rae Burrell assists)
- 4th Quarter69-72Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-73Anastasiia Olairi Kosu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter69-76Maya Caldwell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter71-76Nneka Ogwumike makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter71-79Nia Coffey makes 25-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter74-79Rae Burrell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 4th Quarter74-80Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter74-81Kayla McBride makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter74-84Kayla McBride makes 24-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter76-84Rae Burrell makes 1-foot layup (Dearica Hamby assists)
- 4th Quarter76-87Nia Coffey makes 23-foot jump bank shot (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter76-89Nia Coffey makes 17-foot turnaround jump shot
- 4th Quarter77-89Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-89Rae Burrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter78-91Kayla McBride makes layup (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter79-91Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter80-91Rae Burrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-91Nneka Ogwumike makes 15-foot pullup jump shot (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter84-91Rae Burrell makes running layup
- 4th Quarter84-94Kayla McBride makes 25-foot three point jumper (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter87-94Erica Wheeler makes 23-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter87-96Natasha Howard makes two point shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Minnesota Lynx, below favours Los Angeles Sparks.
Venue
- Target CenterMinneapolis, MN
- Attendance16410
- OfficialsTim Greene, Toni Patillo, Jason Alabanza
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Sparks Edge Lynx in Thrilling WNBA ShowdownAug 6, 2026
- Lynx Defeat Sparks 99-83 in WNBA ShowdownJun 17, 2026