Los Angeles Sparks vs Minnesota Lynx: WNBA matchup preview and betting outlook

The Los Angeles Sparks enter the Thursday game at the Target Center with a 11‑18 record and the league's worst defense, allowing about 94 points per game. Key contributors include Nneka Ogwumike (17.3 ppg, 8.9 rpg) and Dearica Hamby (14.6 ppg, 7.5 rpg). The Minnesota Lynx come in at 25‑6, riding a 17‑game winning streak against Western Conference opponents with a 108‑100 win over Indiana Fever most recent. Their leading scorers are Kayla McBride (16.2 ppg) and Olivia Miles (18.7 ppg). Betting markets favor the Lynx, listing a +15.5 point spread, a moneyline of +850 for the Lynx versus –1450 for the Sparks, and an over/under total of 188.5 points. Both articles note the Lynx have covered the spread in their recent home games, while the Sparks have failed to cover after road losses. The consensus among the previews is that Minnesota is expected to win, with the over/under likely to stay under given the Sparks' defensive struggles and the Lynx's efficient offense.