Lynx Defeat Sun 101-89 in WNBA Showdown
Sunday, September 20, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Mohegan Sun Arena
Minnesota Lynx 101, Connecticut Sun 89, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Minnesota Lynx vs Connecticut Sun?
Minnesota Lynx beat Connecticut Sun 101-89 at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 20, 2026.
Who was favored in Minnesota Lynx vs Connecticut Sun?
Minnesota Lynx were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -2400 (about 96% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at Mohegan Sun Arena, the Minnesota Lynx defeated the Connecticut Sun 101-89, marking a significant victory for the Lynx who have now won the series 2-1 against the Sun this season. The Lynx, boasting a strong away record of 32-10, came into the game with a recent record of 6-4 over their last ten games, although they were on a three-game losing streak prior to this win. The Lynx averaged 85.9 points per game while allowing 84.6 points in those ten games, showcasing their offensive capabilities despite the recent struggles.
On the other hand, the Connecticut Sun, with a home record of 10-32, faced a challenging season, particularly evident in their recent form of 2-8 over the last ten games. The Sun have been struggling significantly, currently on a four-game losing streak and averaging only 74.7 points while allowing 92.2 points per game in that span. Their performance at home has been slightly better with a record of 2-3 in their last five games, but they have not been able to find consistent success.
In terms of injuries, the Sun were particularly impacted, missing key players such as Brittney Griner and Olivia Nelson-Ododa due to knee injuries, along with Rayah Marshall, who was out due to a coach's decision. Saniya Rivers was listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury, adding to the Sun's challenges. The Lynx also had their share of absences, with Elena Buenavida and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu both out due to coach's decisions and a foot injury, respectively.
The odds heading into the game, as provided by DraftKings, favored the Lynx significantly, with a spread of 18.5 points and a moneyline of -2400 for Minnesota, indicating strong expectations for their performance. The total points for the game was set at 168.5, reflecting the anticipated scoring capabilities of both teams.
The game itself saw a series of notable scoring plays, particularly in the fourth quarter, where Natasha Howard's layup and Kayla McBride's three-pointer helped extend the Lynx's lead. Despite a late push from the Sun, including a three-pointer from Charlisse Leger-Walker, the Lynx maintained control and secured their victory. The final score of 101-89 highlighted the Lynx's offensive strength and the Sun's ongoing struggles.
Overall, the matchup showcased the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with the Lynx reaffirming their status as a formidable opponent and the Sun continuing to seek answers as they navigate a difficult season.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming matchup between the Connecticut Sun and the Minnesota Lynx promises to be a compelling encounter as both teams seek to make their mark in the WNBA. The game will take place at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 20, 2026, with the series currently tied at 1-1. This fixture is particularly noteworthy as the Lynx hold a significantly better record at 31-10 compared to the Sun's 10-31, highlighting the contrasting fortunes of the two teams this season.
In their recent performances, the Connecticut Sun have struggled, losing four consecutive games. Their last five outings include a win against the Chicago Sky (87-81) and losses to the Golden State Valkyries (64-89), Indiana Fever (91-111), Dallas Wings (71-97), and most recently, the Atlanta Dream (59-103). Over these games, the Sun have averaged 74.4 points scored while allowing 96.2 points, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that the Lynx may exploit.
Conversely, the Minnesota Lynx have encountered a rough patch as well, losing their last three games. Their recent results include a win over the Washington Mystics (94-84) and victories against the Golden State Valkyries (77-66), but they have also faced defeats against the Golden State Valkyries (66-80), Atlanta Dream (81-89), and New York Liberty (81-93). The Lynx have averaged 79.8 points scored and allowed 82.4 points in their last five games, suggesting that while they have been competitive, they need to tighten their defense to reclaim their winning form.
When considering home versus away performance, the Connecticut Sun have a home record of 2-3 in their last five games, while their overall home performance in the last ten games is 2-8, with an average of 74.7 points scored and 92.2 points allowed. In contrast, the Minnesota Lynx have a strong away record of 4-1 in their last five games, with an average of 85.9 points scored and 84.6 points allowed across their last ten games.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the Sun have struggled against the Lynx, holding a record of 1-4 in their last five meetings. Their most recent encounter on July 8, 2026, ended in a loss for the Sun (80-86), while they did manage to secure a victory the day prior (90-89). Historically, the Sun have found it challenging to overcome the Lynx, with their last five meetings showing a consistent trend of defeat.
Injuries will also play a significant role in this matchup. The Connecticut Sun will be without key players Rayah Marshall, Brittney Griner, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, and Kennedy Burke, all listed as out for this game. This absence of depth could severely impact their performance against a formidable Lynx squad. The Minnesota Lynx will also miss Elena Buenavida and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu, but their roster remains relatively intact compared to the Sun's.
The betting market reflects the disparity in team performance, with DraftKings setting the spread at MIN -18.5, indicating a strong expectation for the Lynx to win by a significant margin. The total points for the game is set at 167.5, with both the over and under priced at -110.0, suggesting that the market anticipates a competitive scoring environment.
Conditions for the game are expected to be standard for a late September matchup, with both teams needing to adjust to the arena's atmosphere and the pressure of the playoffs. Fans should watch for the performance of Olivia Miles for the Lynx, who leads the team in scoring with an average of 19.7 points per game, as well as Natasha Howard, who contributes significantly in rebounds. For the Sun, Charlisse Leger-Walker will be key in managing the offense, especially given the absence of their leading scorer, Olivia Nelson-Ododa.
As the Connecticut Sun prepare to host the Minnesota Lynx, the stakes are high for both teams. The Sun will look to leverage their home court advantage, despite their recent struggles, while the Lynx aim to capitalize on their superior record and recent performances. With so much on the line, this matchup is set to be a thrilling encounter in the WNBA.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MIN -18.5 | 168.5 o -105 / u -115 | Minnesota Lynx -2400 · Connecticut Sun +1200 |
Injury report
- Saniya RiversDay-To-DayAnkleConnecticut Sun
- Rayah MarshallOutCoach's DecisionConnecticut Sun
- Brittney GrinerOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Olivia Nelson-OdodaOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Kennedy BurkeOutShoulderConnecticut Sun
- Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
- Anastasiia Olairi KosuOutFootMinnesota Lynx
Leaders
- PointsLeila Lacan15Connecticut Sun
- AssistsCharlisse Leger-Walker8Connecticut Sun
- ReboundsAaliyah Edwards5Connecticut Sun
- PointsNapheesa Collier23Minnesota Lynx
- AssistsOlivia Miles6Minnesota Lynx
- ReboundsNatasha Howard11Minnesota Lynx
Recent form
Connecticut Sun
Last 10: 2-8Streak L474.7 scored · 92.2 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L59-103at Atlanta DreamSep 17
- L71-97at Dallas WingsAug 31
- L91-111at Indiana FeverAug 28
- L64-89vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 26
- W87-81vs Chicago SkyAug 25
- L68-77at Los Angeles SparksAug 23
- L78-101at Las Vegas AcesAug 21
- W85-77vs Los Angeles SparksAug 18
- L75-82vs New York LibertyAug 15
- L69-104vs Atlanta DreamAug 13
Minnesota Lynx
Last 10: 6-4Streak L385.9 scored · 84.6 allowed per game4-1 away
- L81-93vs New York LibertySep 18
- L81-89at Atlanta DreamAug 30
- L66-80vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 25
- W94-84at Washington MysticsAug 21
- W77-66at Golden State ValkyriesAug 20
- W92-87at Las Vegas AcesAug 16
- W85-81at Portland FireAug 13
- W103-90vs Dallas WingsAug 9
- W98-87vs Las Vegas AcesAug 8
- L82-89vs Los Angeles SparksAug 7
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 10 | W1 | .762 | 32 |
| Golden State | 1 | 11 | W6 | .738 | 31 |
| Las Vegas | 3.5 | 13 | W4 | .683 | 28 |
| Dallas | 6 | 16 | W6 | .619 | 26 |
| Portland | 16 | 26 | L3 | .381 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16.5 | 26 | L1 | .366 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 27 | L1 | .357 | 15 |
| Seattle | 24 | 34 | L3 | .190 | 8 |
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W3 | .667 | 28 |
| Indiana | 0.5 | 14 | W3 | .659 | 27 |
| New York | 2.5 | 16 | W2 | .610 | 25 |
| Washington | 2.5 | 16 | W1 | .610 | 25 |
| Chicago | 13 | 27 | L5 | .357 | 15 |
| Toronto | 16.5 | 30 | L5 | .268 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 18 | 32 | L5 | .238 | 10 |
Box score
| Stat | Minnesota Lynx | Connecticut Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 36-72 | 31-59 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 4-21 | 15-28 |
| Three-point % | 19 | 54 |
| Free throws | 25-27 | 12-19 |
| Free throw % | 93 | 63 |
| Rebounds | 32 | 27 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 5 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 22 |
| Assists | 20 | 22 |
| Steals | 12 | 9 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 25 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 14 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 32 |
| Fouls | 19 | 23 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 99 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter64-51Aaliyah Edwards makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter64-53Diamond Miller makes two point shot (Aaliyah Edwards assists)
- 3rd Quarter66-53Natasha Howard makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter66-56Gianna Kneepkens makes 24-foot three point jumper (Leila Lacan assists)
- 3rd Quarter69-56Kayla McBride makes 25-foot three point jumper (Maya Caldwell assists)
- 3rd Quarter69-58Aaliyah Edwards makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter69-60Raegan Beers makes two point shot
- 3rd Quarter69-61Raegan Beers makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter70-61Napheesa Collier makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter71-61Napheesa Collier makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter71-64Ashlon Jackson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Raegan Beers assists)
- 3rd Quarter74-64Olivia Miles makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot (Kayla McBride assists)
- 3rd Quarter74-66Raegan Beers makes 2-foot layup (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 3rd Quarter74-67Raegan Beers makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter75-67Kayla McBride makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter76-67Kayla McBride makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-69Raegan Beers makes layup (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 4th Quarter78-69Dorka Juhasz makes 19-foot pullup jump shot (Napheesa Collier assists)
- 4th Quarter78-71Raegan Beers makes driving layup (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 4th Quarter80-71Olivia Miles makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter82-71Dorka Juhasz makes 1-foot layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter84-71Olivia Miles makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter85-71Olivia Miles makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-71Olivia Miles makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter86-74Aaliyah Edwards makes 23-foot three point jumper (Leila Lacan assists)
- 4th Quarter88-74Courtney Williams makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Natasha Howard assists)
- 4th Quarter90-74Natasha Howard makes layup (Courtney Williams assists)
- 4th Quarter90-76Leila Lacan makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter90-77Aaliyah Edwards makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-79Gianna Kneepkens makes running layup
- 4th Quarter92-79Natasha Howard makes running layup (Kayla McBride assists)
- 4th Quarter92-82Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 26-foot three point jumper (Gianna Kneepkens assists)
- 4th Quarter94-82Natasha Howard makes 3-foot layup (Kayla McBride assists)
- 4th Quarter97-82Kayla McBride makes 24-foot three point jumper (Olivia Miles assists)
- 4th Quarter97-85Charlisse Leger-Walker makes 24-foot three point jumper (Diamond Miller assists)
- 4th Quarter97-86Gianna Kneepkens makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-87Gianna Kneepkens makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter99-87Liatu King makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter101-87Aari McDonald makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter101-89Hailey Van Lith makes 6-foot fade away jump shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Connecticut Sun, below favours Minnesota Lynx.
Venue
- Mohegan Sun ArenaUncasville, CT
- Attendance8911
- OfficialsTim Greene, Gerda Gatling, Josh Reed
Elsewhere
- Olivia Miles breaks Caitlin Clark's WNBA rookie points record
- Las Vegas faces Seattle following Young's 35-point game
- Phoenix hosts Dallas after Bueckers' 26-point showing
- Golden State Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm - Game Highlights
- Charles scores 16 as Valkyries conclude regular-season home schedule with 70-57 win over Seattle
- Atlanta Dream vs. Chicago Sky - Game Highlights
- Angel Reese has 31st double-double to help Dream beat Sky 106-81
- Bueckers scores 20 of her 26 in 1st half and the Wings beat the Mercury 87-82 for 6th straight win