There were two records set on the opening day of the WNBA 2025 season. In the first game of the season, Napheesa Collier scored 34 points against the Dallas Wings, matching the highest points scored on opening day. But just hours later, it was broken by Kelsey Plum. Making her LA Sparks debut, the veteran scored 37 points against the expansion team Golden State Valkyries in front of the record 18,064 crowd. On day three, the two stars will be against each other.
Both teams are coming into the game, having won their opening fixtures. Minnesota recorded a 99-84 win while the LA side had an 84-67 victory over Valkyries. Incidentally, the teams got hot in the second half soon after getting hold of their new season nerves. The matchup on May 18 will be a chance to go 2-0 up and lead the Western Conference table. With the Western Conference reshaped by the Golden State Valkyries’ arrival and significant roster changes for teams like the Seattle Storm, this early game could set the tone for playoff seeding.
First, let us go through the injuries and starting lineups to predict team performances.
Injuries & starting lineups
Minnesota Lynx Injury Report:
Kayla McBride: Out for the game due to personal reasons
Alanna Smith: Questionable for the game
Sparks Injury Report:
Julie Allemand: Out due to knee injury
Cameroon Brink: Out till June 1 due to knee injury
Rae Burrell: Out till June 29
Oct 18, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) celebrates her teams win after game four of the 2024 WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Now onto the starting fives:
Minnesota Lynx:
– Courtney Williams
– Karly Samuelson
– Bridget Carleton
– Napheesa Collier
– Jessica Shepard
LA Sparks:
– Dearica Hamby
– Azura Stevens
– Rickea Jackson
– Kelsey Plum
– Odyssey Sims
What to expect from Lynx vs Sparks: Preview & prediction
Coming off the opening-day wins, the LA and Minnesota relied more on their star players. Plum played the whole 40 minutes in the game while Collier clocked 32 minutes. At the offensive end, Napheesa had support from Courtney Williams, who chipped in 25 points in the game, while Jessica Sheppard took care of the paint area with eight rebounds and 15 points.
A key matchup to watch is Collier versus Hamby in the paint—Collier’s versatility (20.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG in 2024) against Hamby’s physicality (17.3 PPG, 9.2 RPG in 2024) could decide who controls the boards and the game’s tempo.
The side is looking to win a record fifth title in the league, and after missing out on the same last season, they would want to be clinical right from the start. Their balanced scoring, defensive strength, and cohesive team play give them a significant edge over multiple opponents in the 2025 season, as many teams have undergone major changes. The Lynx’s league-leading defensive rating (94.8 in 2024) and efficient 44.8% field-goal shooting in their opener make them a tough matchup, especially for a Sparks team that allowed 10 fast-break points to the Valkyries.
LA Sparks? They are also in the rebuilding phase. In her first season as head coach, Lynne Roberts is leaning on Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby to spark a turnaround after an 8-32 season in 2024. Her offense, emphasizing ball movement and spacing, could test Minnesota’s bench—especially with Kayla McBride sidelined
Offensively explosive Plum arrives with her championship experience to revitalise an eight-win team and has to bear a lot of the load to smooth the flow of the game. Yet, she has the former Sixth Woman of the Year and her teammate at LV Aces, Dearica Hamby, in LA with her. Dearica was another star who stepped up with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Yet there is a lot of scope for improvement for the side on the defensive end, in particular.
The side played only one preseason game, that too against the Valks. Winning the same might have given them a boost in the opening game, but the matchup against Lyn will be completely different. All the stats and team formations hint at the Lynx to claim the victory, while the LA side will try to make it a close contest.
The post Minnesota Lynx vs LA Sparks: Starting 5, Injury Report & Prediction as Napheesa Collier & Co. Aims Consecutive Wins appeared first on EssentiallySports.