It's game 2 of the WNBA Finals, and we have another showdown between the Minnesota Lynx (30-10, 14-6 away) and the
New York Liberty
(32-8, 16-4 home)! If you bet on game 1 of the Finals, it was undoubtedly one for the history books. Once down 18 points, the Lynx rallied and stunned the Liberty 95-93 in overtime. Thanks to an incredible four-point opportunity from Courtney Williams, it was Napheesa Collier who sank the final bucket.
(Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
In control for most of the game, the Liberty completely collapsed in the second half, and had several turnovers in the start of overtime. It all could've gone the Liberty's way, although Breanna Stewart missed the go-ahead free throw with .8 seconds remaining in the final quarter. After all, the final shot was put into Stewart's hands at the end of overtime, failing to secure another foul call with just seconds remaining.
With a sell-out crowd of over 17.000 fans, game 1 was one of the most exciting basketball games you will ever witness. Cashing in on several player props, I did wager on Minnesota to cover the 6.5 underdog point spread. Following an excellent turnout in my last article, we will look to stay hot. In a best-of-five series, the Liberty are once again large point spread favorites at home. This time, the Lynx are 7.5-point underdogs just hours ahead of game 2.
The Liberty Are Still Favored To Win The WNBA Finals
Following the opening game of the WNBA Finals, The Liberty are the slim favorites to win a WNBA Championship at -112 odds. Heavily favored to win the Finals at -275 odds prior to the start of the Finals, the Liberty now find themselves down 1-0. Pouring in 32 points in the first quarter, New York was limited to just 12 second quarter points, on 5-18 (27.8 %) field goal shooting. Just 1-8 from deep, the Lynx defense came out blistering in the second half. While that's been the storyline for most of the WNBA season, the Lynx held the Liberty just 4-13 from the floor in overtime.
Game 1 Was One Of The Most Entertaining In WNBA History
If you bet on the WNBA, 23 second chance points weren't enough to put the Liberty on top. With Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams combining for 65 points, the Lynx were excellent in turning defensive stops into buckets in transition. Quick in setting up their offense in the second half, it didn't matter if New York controlled the boards. Thanks to the Lynx stifling defense, New York was limited in their offensive production, especially in the back end of the game.
Shooting just 37.8 percent from the floor, New York actually had more success percentage wise from the three-point line. The ultimate x-factor for the Liberty, New York couldn't overcome the first half dominance of Jonquel Jones. Although Jones slowed in the second half, the 6'6 forward had several key screens, boards, and opportunities for New York early on. Leading the team with 24 points and 10 rebounds, the rest of the starting five struggled mightily from a shooting perspective. If you placed a bet on rookie Leonie Fiebich, her five deep balls were the most of any rookie in WNBA Finals history.
Game 1 Of The WNBA Finals Topped Over 1 Million Viewers
While the Liberty are likely to bounce back in game 2, the Lynx defense will be present front and center, especially with the front court duo of Alanna Smith and Napheesa Collier. Following a total of nine blocks from those two Lynx players, Collier tallied 6 blocks alone. From a betting perspective, I do expect the game total to be lower, however, I've veered away from betting on the 162.5 point total. With game 1 tallying over 1 million viewers, it was the most watched game 1 of the WNBA Finals in history.
A highly anticipated Final series ahead, there's a ton of basketball left to play and bet on! Two of the top teams in the WNBA all season long will continue to battle for the WNBA title.
WNBA Finals Odds Are Current As of October 13 at 7 A.M. ET
In this article, I will provide my best bets and player prop picks for game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Lynx and the Liberty. With a WNBA betting record of 191-150, I am up well over 6 units on the season. Looking to stay in the green, I have an impressive 23-12 player prop betting record in the WNBA Finals. Are you looking to cash out in game 2, because you are in the right spot! Here at ballislife, I will break down my top plays, props, and provide the best odds for game 2.
Don't miss out on these picks! Let's take a look into game 2, which will take place at the Barclays Center. With tip-off set for 3 p.m. ET, the matchup will air on ABC. If you are tailing my bets, all of them were placed within FanDuel Sportsbook.
Are you looking to bet on game 2 the WNBA Finals between the Lynx and Liberty? Here at Ballislife Bets, we've gathered a complete
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WNBA Finals Game 2: vs Minnesota Lynx vs New York FanDuel Odds For October 13
MONEYLINE
- MINNESOTA LYNX: +285
- NEW YORK LIBERTY: -375
SPREAD
- MINNESOTA LYNX: +7.5 (-110)
- NEW YORK LIBERTY: -7.5 (-110)
OVER/UNDER (TOTAL)
- OVER: 162.5 (-1140)
- UNDER: 162.5 (-106)
Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty Injury Report
LYNX
LIBERTY
2024 Head-to-Head Stats: Minnesota Lynx vs New York Liberty
Game 1: Lynx 84, Liberty 67 (Minnesota +7, under 167.5)
*Commissioners Cup Champions* Game 2: Lynx 94, Liberty 89 (Minnesota +5.5, over 164.5)
Game 3: Liberty 76, Lynx 67 (New York -5.5, under 168)
Game 4: Lynx 88, Liberty 9 (Minnesota +5,5 over 160.5)
WNBA Finals Game 1: Lynx 95, Liberty 93 in OT (Lynx +6, over 160.5)
WNBA Finals Bests Bets: Minnesota Lynx vs New York Liberty For Sunday, October 13
WNBA Finals Spread Bet: Minnesota Lynx
Once again, I'm taking the
Lynx
to cover the +7.5 underdog spread vs the Liberty for -114 odds on FanDuel. I get it, the Liberty were deemed the best team in the WNBA, finishing with a league best 32-8 record. However, the Lynx accounted for three of those eight regular season losses, and now are up 1-0 on the series. For the life of me, I can't understand how the Liberty are the heavy favorites once again. Sure, the Barclays was rocking in front of nearly 18,000 fans. If you follow the WNBA, we know the Liberty love to play in front of their home fans. However, the Lynx have been in their face all season long, and they will continue to challenge them here in game 2 on the road.
In the first half of game 1, everything went New York's way. Their ball movement was crisp, Jonquel Jones was dominating in the paint, and the Liberty were capitalizing off a ton of second chance points. However, basketball is a game of runs, as we saw in the final 20+ minutes of game play. Had the Liberty non completely collapsed, I would tab them as the favorites to cover the spread. However, given Minnesota is 6-4 ATS vs the Liberty over their last 10 meetings, the Lynx were 3-1 ATS vs New York in the regular season.
Why Are The Liberty Heavily Favored In Game 2?
As I've mentioned in previous articles, the Lynx were +7 and +5.5 favorites (twice) thrice against New York. In reality, how can I confidently tell you to bet on New York to cover a large 7.5 point spread. Although it's possible, it's highly unlikely.
We did see the Liberty show out in dominant fashion early on, however blowing an 18 point lead is concerning. This is a team that has the opportunity to showcase their talents on the biggest stage with their versatility, height, and vertical length. However, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve is the best in the business, and Minnesota won't allow the Liberty to stomp all over them. While there are some size disadvantages, New York would simply have to limit turnovers and hit their shots.
The Lynx Made History In Game 1
Can they accomplish this task against a top tier defense? While that's unknown, there's one thing I can tell everyone who's reading my article. The Lynx excel is setting up their offense quickly, and will leak out in order to score quickly in transition. If New York continues their shooting woes, it only gives Minnesota more opportunities to score on the fast break and beat the Liberty in transition defense.
Again, this is a Lynx team that's the only squad to ever come back 15 points with five minutes remaining in WNBA playoff history. According to PR stats, teams are 1-183 in that particular moment, and Minnesota is the first to accomplish that task. It wasn't a matter of luck in game 1. The Lynx dominated the Liberty, and they deserved that victory. A veteran in the league, we recently saw Courtney Williams cook up against the Sun in the Semi-Finals.
Courtney Williams Is Her
Having one of the nastiest crossovers in the game, we saw Williams pick apart and exploit New York's defense. Overall, it was a complete masterclass by the Minnesota Lynx. Hat's off to them, they enter game 2 with the opportunity to upset as underdogs yet again.
While I do believe the Liberty will bounce back in game 2, I do believe it will be a close one yet again. After all, this is the WNBA Finals. Coach Reeve won't go down without putting up a fight. Having won the last two vs the Liberty, Minnesota now has a +24 point differential through three regular season matchups and game 1 of the Finals. Proving they below, the Lynx are excellent ATS as an underdog, finishing with a 11-3 record. If we look at New York's spread trends, they have a 17-21 record as favorites. Can we simply ignore the Liberty simply couldn't cover at home. 5-16 ATS at home in the regular season, the trend has continued into the playoffs. Through the first-round against Atlanta, semi-finals vs the Aces, and now against the Lynx, New York 2-2-1 record ATS at home.
Final WNBA Finals best bet and prediction: Minnesota Lynx +7.5 (-114 FanDuel)
In the post game presser, the Liberty admitted a lot of shots were taken, and they were right. With 90 attempts taken by the Liberty, New York finished the game with 33 attempts from behind the arc. As for Minnesota, they didn't take nearly as many shot attempts (71), however they were more efficient. Shooting 50.7 percent from the floor, and 40.9 percent from deep, it will truly come down to which team will have a higher shooting percentage, which includes the three-point line.
With as hot as Collier, McBride, and Williams has been, don't sleep on Natisha Hiedeman, Alanna Smith, or Bridget Carleton. A proven spark off the bench, Hiedeman is a speedy guard, who excels in getting to the basket quickly. Coming off 10 points in game 1 of the Finals, the guard had a combined 23 points in games 3 and 4 vs the Sun in the semi-finals.
If you're betting on the WNBA Finals game 2, I'll lay the points with Minnesota today. The Lynx have continuously proven they are New York's archenemy all season long. With their backs against the wall, It would take the Lynx to completely collapse to get blown out. While I don't see that happening, look for the Lynx to continue to compete.
WNBA Finals Player Prop Bet #1: Jonquel Jones
Jonquel Jones Playoff Stats
PPG: 15 | FG: 55.9 % | FT: 91.3 % | 3PT : 44.4 % | REB: 8.9 | AST: 2.3 | STL: 0.6 | BLK: 0.4
- Over 3.5 1Q points (-136 FanDuel)
My first player prop for game 2 of the WNBA Finals, I bet on Liberty forward
Jonquel Jones
to tally over 3.5 points in the first quarter today. Truly an x-factor in this Liberty team, New York normally has their way when Jones record a double-double and is efficient on the offensive end. Coming off a 24 point performance, Jones was essential in establishing the early 18 point lead vs the Lynx.
Although this is a bit of a dice roll, we never know when it will be a "Jonquel Jones game." However, the Liberty have the size advantage over the Lynx, and they are well aware of that. While Collier is a defensive menace, she only stands at 6 foot 1. With the clear height advantage, coach Sandy Brondello put Jones to work in game 1 of the Finals.
Why Jonquel Jones Is A Crucial Player In The WNBA Finals
Through the first quarter of game 1, Jones was quintessential in the pick and roll game, as well as scoring in the paint. Although the Lynx were excellent in switching and picking up on the mismatches, it was Jones who found success with 10 first quarter points. With several and one opportunities, the Liberty forward couldn't be tamed.
The reason why I love this player prop is because it's unique, and asking for four first quarter points from Jones isn't a lot. If number 35 can stay out of foul trouble, we are talking about a player who not only has a strong post game, but can stretch the floor and hit from deep. Although Jones didn't hit a single three-point in the first quarter of game 1, Jones finished 4-5 from the floor, including two trips to the charity stripe. With two points alone coming from the free-throw line, I like her chances tonight for first quarter offensive production.
Final WNBA Finals best bet and prediction: Jonquel Jones over 3.5 1Q points (-136 FanDuel)
Playing seven of the full ten first quarter minutes, Jones will likely have a matchup with Alanna Smith, who's been excellent on the defensive end. Although Collier does switch on Jones time to time, the Liberty excel on creating the mismatches in the pick and rolls. If this is the case, Jones will have a field day.
Although there were some inconsistencies in first quarter production, Jones hit the over on this prop in two of the last four meetings vs the Lynx. Scoring over 3.5 points in three of the last five playoff games, I like the chances for Jones to hit at least four tonight in the first 10 minutes. Soaring over in 50 percent of the last 30 home games, lay the points with Jonquel Jones in the first quarter tonight.
Averaging 3.7 first quarter points in 37 regular season games, Jones only averaged 2.7 vs the Lynx this season. However, Jones has been stellar in the first quarter through seven playoff games. Putting up 4.4 1Q points, Jones 3.6 field goal attempts in the playoffs. With the forward shooting at such a high percentage, Jones is headed for 50/40/90 stats in the post season.
WNBA Finals Player Prop Bet #2: Sabrina Ionescu
PPG: 20.4 | FG: 44.7 % | FT: 94.7 % | 3PT : 44.2 % | REB: 5.1 | AST: 4.9 | STL: 1.9 | BLK: 0.4
- Over 18.5 points (-118 FanDuel)
My second player prop for game 2 of the WNBA Finals, I'm betting on
Sabrina Ionescu
to score over 18.5 points. For -118 odds, I felt this prop is a strong play. While I do think her line is juiced at 2.5 three-pointers today, I chose to stick with the points. In fact, I do expect this prop line to increase as the day goes on.
There's no doubt Ionescu is an integral part of this Liberty core, who's drastically improved her game on both ends of the floor. Finishing with 19 points, Ionescu struggled last game, finishing just 8-26 from the field. While 26 shot attempts is an absurd amount, I don't expect the Liberty guard to repeat that again. To put things into perspective, Ionescu scored 19 points on just 30.8 5 field goal shooting. There's no doubt in my mind Ionescu is an elite shooter, and has the ability to overcome those game 1 shooting woes.
Sabrina Ionescu Is A Main Reason Why The Liberty Can Win The WNBA Finals
There's no doubt Sabrina Ionescu has been shooting lights out prior to game 1. Hitting over 44 percent of her three-point shots, we saw Ionescu light up the Aces in game 4 of the Semi-Finals. Shooting over 60 percent from deep, we saw the Liberty guard have continuous success. Aside from game 3 vs the Aces, number 20 is averaging well over 20 points in the finals.While this player prop line is lower than her playoff average, I'll glady bet a unit on this prop today.
One aspect about Ionescu is her drive and passion for the game. The ultimate competitor, she will drive into the paint and will showcase her improved floater game. If the three-point ball simply isn't there, she's learned how to create offense in another way. Soaring over 18.5 points in two of four meetings vs the Lynx this season, I expect her to pull through tonight. Averaging 1.9 steals per game, I do believe her increased intensity on the defensive end will help the guard create offense on the other end. A much improved shot creator, and even better on the catch and shoot, Ionescu specifically thrives when the Liberty are in the fast break.
Final WNBA Finals best bet and prediction: Sabrina Ionescu O 18.5 points (-118 FanDuel)
A player who feeds off the home crowd energy, Ionescu in fact averaged 18 ppg this year, including 15 vs the Lynx at home. Racking up two games with 20+ field goal attempts vs the Lynx this year, the minutes and shot volume will be there. Although Kayla McBride can be a pest on the defensive end, Ionescu is shooting well over 44 from deep in the playoffs. In a must win game 2, I'll lay the points with Sabrina Ionescu to soar over points scored today.
Given Betnijah Laney-Hamilton isn't 100 percent from her knee injury, Ionescu has been the top offensive player for the Liberty. With Stewart's point prop odds at +100 odds, she's most likely to be covered by Collier. Named defensive player of the year, I'll stay away from any player who's matched up against Collier. The top scoring option in the backcourt, this is a strong play today.
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