The Minnesota Lynx return home Sunday night riding a two-game winning streak, but they’ll be tested immediately by a confident Chicago Sky team that has quietly started the season 2-1 behind breakout performances from Rickea Jackson.
Minnesota has overcome roster turnover and injuries early in the season thanks to disciplined defense and balanced scoring, while Chicago continues to develop chemistry around its new-look core. This matchup feels like one of the more underrated games on the WNBA slate, especially with both teams already showing playoff-caliber intensity.
With the Lynx back at home after consecutive road wins, Minnesota enters in a strong bounce-back spot despite losing rookie Emma Cechova for the season.
Sky vs. Lynx DATE, TIME & HOW TO WATCH | |
|---|---|
| Where | Target Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota |
| When | Sunday, May 17, 2026, 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | N/A |
Betting Odds & Public Betting
Minnesota enters as a 4.5-point home favorite with the total set at 168.5.
The Lynx have become a trendy early-season team after winning back-to-back road games over Phoenix and Dallas, while Chicago continues drawing respect after opening the season 2-1 despite playing its first three games away from home.
Public bettors are likely to lean toward Minnesota at home, especially after the team’s defensive adjustments fueled recent wins.
Sky vs. Lynx ODDS | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
| Sky | +4.5 (-105) | +170 | U 169.5 (-110) |
| Lynx | -4.5 (-115) | -205 | O 169.5 (-110) |
Odds change, get the latest WNBA Odds - Futures - Props
Key Storylines
Minnesota’s defense has completely changed the trajectory of its season after the opening-night collapse against Atlanta. Cheryl Reeve’s team tightened up defensively during the second half against Dallas and Phoenix, showing the identity that has defined the franchise for years.
The Lynx also continue getting huge production from rookie Olivia Miles. The No. 2 overall pick is averaging 16.3 points and 7.0 assists while immediately looking comfortable running the offense at the professional level.
Veterans Courtney Williams, Natasha Howard, and Kayla McBride provide Minnesota with steady scoring balance, but losing Emma Cechova to a torn ACL does hurt the frontcourt depth entering this matchup.
Chicago’s offense starts with Rickea Jackson, who has been phenomenal to begin the year. Jackson is averaging 22 points per game and nearly carried the Sky back against Phoenix with a 29-point performance.
Kamilla Cardoso continues to dominate the glass, while Skylar Diggins’ status remains important after taking a hit to the face against the Mercury. If Diggins is limited or unavailable, Chicago could struggle generating offense consistently against Minnesota’s aggressive perimeter defense.
Injury Reports
The Lynx will be without rookie forward Emma Cechova after she suffered a torn ACL against Dallas.
Chicago is monitoring Skylar Diggins after the veteran guard exited the Phoenix game following a facial injury. Her availability could significantly impact the Sky offense.
Betting Trends
Minnesota has won two straight games by four points each after starting the season 0-1.
The Lynx are averaging balanced scoring with four players averaging at least 15 points per game.
Chicago has opened the season 2-1 despite playing all three games on the road.
Rickea Jackson is averaging 22 points per game through her first three contests with Chicago.
Olivia Miles is averaging 16.3 points and 7.0 assists as a rookie for Minnesota.
Sky vs Lynx Prediction
Chicago has enough athleticism and scoring punch to keep this competitive, especially if Jackson continues her strong start. Cardoso also presents matchup problems on the glass, and the Sky have shown toughness throughout this opening road trip.
Still, Minnesota’s defensive edge and home-court advantage stand out here. The Lynx are beginning to settle into their identity, and their veteran leadership combined with Miles’ playmaking gives them multiple ways to control the game offensively.
If Diggins is limited in any capacity, that becomes an even bigger advantage for Minnesota’s perimeter defense.
Expect the Sky to battle throughout, but Minnesota’s defense and late-game execution should be enough to pull away in the fourth quarter.
Prediction: Lynx 88, Sky 80
Best Bet: Lynx -4.5