WNBA · Final

Indiana Fever Defeats Minnesota Lynx 96-77 in Playoff Matchup

Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Gainbridge Fieldhouse

Indiana Fever 96, Minnesota Lynx 77, 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 Minnesota Lynx vs Indiana Fever?

Indiana Fever beat Minnesota Lynx 96-77 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 22, 2026.

Who was favored in Minnesota Lynx vs Indiana Fever?

Indiana Fever were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The favorite won.

The Indiana Fever secured a decisive victory over the Minnesota Lynx, winning 96-77 in a playoff matchup that showcased the Fever's home court advantage at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. This game was particularly significant as it tied the series at 1-1, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the postseason.

Both teams entered the game with strong records, with Indiana holding a home record of 28-15 and Minnesota boasting an away record of 32-11. The Fever's recent form showed they had a record of 7-3 over their last ten games, although they were on a one-game losing streak prior to this matchup, having lost to the Washington Mystics 77-93 on September 20. In contrast, the Lynx also had a record of 7-3 in their last ten games and were coming off a victory against the Connecticut Sun, winning 101-89 on the same day.

At home, the Fever averaged 99.1 points scored while allowing 92.4 points over their last ten games. Their scoring output had been impressive, with a recent average of 101.2 points in their last five games, despite the dip in performance against the Mystics. The Lynx, on the other hand, averaged 87.8 points scored and allowed 84.6 points in their last ten games, with a recent average of 84.6 points in their last five games, indicating a struggle to maintain offensive consistency.

The matchup featured a notable injury report for the Lynx, as Elena Buenavida, Olivia Miles, and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu were all ruled out for the game. This absence of key players likely impacted Minnesota's performance, as they faced a fully operational Indiana team.

The market had set the odds with Indiana favored at -3.5 according to DraftKings, with a total points line of 185.5. The Fever's moneyline was priced at -155.0, while Minnesota's was at 130.0. These odds reflected the expectations surrounding the teams' performances leading into the game.

The conditions at Gainbridge Fieldhouse were conducive to a competitive atmosphere, and the Fever capitalized on their home court. The game saw a series of scoring plays that highlighted Indiana's offensive prowess, particularly in the fourth quarter. Key plays included Kelsey Mitchell making a 24-foot three-point jumper assisted by Aliyah Boston, and Aari McDonald sinking a 24-foot three-point shot, which helped extend the Fever's lead.

As the game progressed, Indiana's ability to maintain control became apparent, with the Fever outscoring the Lynx significantly in crucial moments. The final quarter saw Indiana pull away, securing their victory with a combination of strong shooting and solid defense. The Fever's final score of 96 against Minnesota's 77 underscored their dominance in this playoff encounter.

Overall, this matchup not only showcased the Fever's strengths but also set the tone for the remainder of the series, with both teams now tied at one win apiece. Fans can expect an intense continuation of this playoff battle as both teams look to gain the upper hand.

What we said beforehand

The Indiana Fever will face the Minnesota Lynx at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on September 23, 2026, in a matchup that holds significant implications for both teams. Minnesota currently leads the series 1-0 after a previous victory over Indiana earlier this season, making this game an opportunity for the Fever to even the score at home.

Indiana Fever enters this game with a home record of 27-15, while the Lynx boast an impressive away record of 32-10. The Fever's recent form shows a mixed bag, with three wins and two losses in their last five games. Notably, they lost their most recent game against the Washington Mystics with a score of 93-77. Prior to that, they secured victories against the Chicago Sky, Connecticut Sun, and Toronto Tempo, scoring 113, 111, and 103 points respectively in those wins. On average, the Fever have scored 101.2 points and allowed 93.6 points in their last five games.

Conversely, the Minnesota Lynx have also recorded a 7-3 record in their last ten games, but they come into this matchup on a winning streak, having won their last game against the Connecticut Sun 101-89. Their recent performances have been less consistent, with losses to the Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream. In their last five games, the Lynx have averaged 84.6 points scored and 87.0 points allowed.

At home, the Fever have performed well, with a record of 3-1 in their last four home games, while the Lynx have a solid away record of 5-1. This game will test the Fever's ability to leverage their home court advantage against a strong Lynx team.

In terms of injuries, the Lynx will be without key player Olivia Miles, who has been a significant contributor with an average of 19.8 points and 6.0 assists per game. Additionally, Elena Buenavida and Anastasiia Olairi Kosu are also out due to a coach's decision and foot injury, respectively. The absence of these players could impact Minnesota’s performance, particularly in scoring and playmaking.

The betting market reflects the competitive nature of this matchup, with DraftKings setting the spread at IND -3.5, indicating a close contest. The total points line is set at 185.5, suggesting expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.

Conditions for the game are expected to be favorable, with both teams looking to capitalize on their strengths. Fans should watch for Kelsey Mitchell of the Fever, who leads the team with an impressive average of 25.1 points per game, and Caitlin Clark, who contributes significantly with 8.4 assists per game. For the Lynx, Natasha Howard will be a player to keep an eye on, as she leads the team in rebounds with an average of 7.7.

Overall, this matchup promises to be an exciting contest as both teams vie for crucial points in the standings, with the Fever looking to bounce back and the Lynx aiming to maintain their momentum.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	IND -3.5	185.5 o -108 / u -112	Minnesota Lynx +130 · Indiana Fever -155

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Elena BuenavidaOutCoach's DecisionMinnesota Lynx
Olivia MilesOutCalfMinnesota Lynx
Anastasiia Olairi KosuOutFootMinnesota Lynx

Leaders

PointsCaitlin Clark27Indiana Fever
AssistsCaitlin Clark9Indiana Fever
ReboundsCaitlin Clark7Indiana Fever
PointsChloe Bibby15Minnesota Lynx
AssistsDorka Juhasz6Minnesota Lynx
ReboundsDorka Juhasz12Minnesota Lynx

Recent form

Indiana Fever

Last 10: 7-3Streak L199.1 scored · 92.4 allowed per game3-1 at home

L77-93vs Washington MysticsSep 20
W103-85at Toronto TempoSep 18
W111-91vs Connecticut SunAug 28
W113-90at Chicago SkyAug 23
L102-109at New York LibertyAug 22
L85-91at Dallas WingsAug 21
W101-95at Toronto TempoAug 18
W95-91at Atlanta DreamAug 16
W98-87vs Dallas WingsAug 14
W106-92vs New York LibertyAug 11

Minnesota Lynx

Last 10: 7-3Streak W187.8 scored · 84.6 allowed per game5-1 away

W101-89at Connecticut SunSep 20
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

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Minnesota	-	11	L1	.744	32
Golden State	0.5	11	W6	.738	31
Las Vegas	2.5	13	W5	.690	29
Dallas	6	17	L1	.605	26
Los Angeles	15.5	26	W1	.381	16
Phoenix	16	27	W1	.372	16
Portland	16	27	L4	.372	16
Seattle	24	35	L4	.186	8
Atlanta	-	14	W4	.674	29
Indiana	1	15	W1	.651	28
Washington	2	16	W3	.628	27
New York	3	17	L1	.605	26
Chicago	13	27	W1	.372	16
Toronto	18	32	L7	.256	11
Connecticut	19	33	L6	.233	10

Box score

Stat	Minnesota Lynx	Indiana Fever
Field goals	27-72	32-63
Field goal %	38	51
Three-pointers	11-33	9-26
Three-point %	33	35
Free throws	12-14	23-28
Free throw %	86	82
Rebounds	32	39
Offensive rebounds	9	6
Defensive rebounds	23	33
Assists	23	27
Steals	5	11
Blocks	2	3
Turnovers	17	13
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	21	9
Fast-break points	8	18
Points in the paint	30	40
Fouls	23	21
Largest lead	2	29
Lead changes	3	3
Time in front	1	93

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter45-57Aari McDonald makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter45-60Sophie Cunningham makes 24-foot three point jumper (Caitlin Clark assists)
3rd Quarter48-60Nia Brodie makes 24-foot three point jumper (Aari McDonald assists)
3rd Quarter48-62Caitlin Clark makes 10-foot driving floating jump shot (Tyasha Harris assists)
3rd Quarter48-64Caitlin Clark makes two point shot
3rd Quarter48-65Caitlin Clark makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter48-66Caitlin Clark makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter50-66Maya Caldwell makes driving layup (Dorka Juhasz assists)
3rd Quarter52-66Liatu King makes running layup
3rd Quarter52-69Sophie Cunningham makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tyasha Harris assists)
3rd Quarter54-69Liatu King makes 3-foot layup (Dorka Juhasz assists)
3rd Quarter56-69Dorka Juhasz makes layup (Aari McDonald assists)
3rd Quarter57-69Aari McDonald makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter58-69Aari McDonald makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter60-69Liatu King makes layup
3rd Quarter60-71Myisha Hines-Allen makes driving layup (Tyasha Harris assists)
3rd Quarter62-71Maya Caldwell makes 2-foot two point shot (Dorka Juhasz assists)
3rd Quarter64-71Aari McDonald makes 4-foot two point shot
4th Quarter64-74Caitlin Clark makes 27-foot three point jumper (Raven Johnson assists)
4th Quarter65-74Liatu King makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter66-74Liatu King makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter66-75Monique Billings makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter66-76Monique Billings makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter66-78Caitlin Clark makes driving layup
4th Quarter66-80Kelsey Mitchell makes alley oop layup (Caitlin Clark assists)
4th Quarter66-82Aliyah Boston makes running layup (Caitlin Clark assists)
4th Quarter67-82Liatu King makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter68-82Liatu King makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter68-84Caitlin Clark makes running layup
4th Quarter71-84Antonia Delaere makes 23-foot three point jumper (Liatu King assists)
4th Quarter73-84Antonia Delaere makes 7-foot running jump shot
4th Quarter73-85Kelsey Mitchell makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter73-86Kelsey Mitchell makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter73-88Aliyah Boston makes 4-foot two point shot
4th Quarter74-88Aari McDonald makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter74-91Kelsey Mitchell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Aliyah Boston assists)
4th Quarter74-93Sophie Cunningham makes two point shot (Caitlin Clark assists)
4th Quarter77-93Aari McDonald makes 24-foot three point jumper (Chloe Bibby assists)
4th Quarter77-95Raven Johnson makes driving layup (Myisha Hines-Allen assists)
4th Quarter77-96Myisha Hines-Allen makes free throw 1 of 2

Win probability

Above the line favours Indiana Fever, below favours Minnesota Lynx.

Venue

Gainbridge FieldhouseIndianapolis, IN
Attendance16521
OfficialsFatou Cissoko-Stephens, Angel Kent, Blanca Burns

Elsewhere

WNBA rules and settlement

These two, other days

Lynx Dominate Fever in WNBA ShowdownSep 24, 2026
Lynx Edge Fever in Thrilling FinishAug 2, 2026
Indiana Fever Defeats Minnesota Lynx 83-72 in WNBA ClashSep 9, 2025

Every meeting