WNBA Finals: New York Liberty at Minnesota Lynx Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

The New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx meet Wednesday for Game 3 of the best-of-5 WNBA Finals. Tip-off at Target Center in Minneapolis is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s WNBA odds around the Liberty vs. Lynx odds, and make our expert WNBA picks and predictions.

Playoff series: Tied 1-1; Lynx won regular-season series 2-1, also won Commissioner’s Cup June 25 at Barclays Center

The Lynx pulled off an amazing comeback in Game 1, posting a 95-93 win in overtime at Barclays Center for the outright victory as 6-point underdogs with the Over (160.5) cashing.

In Game 2, it was a different story. The host Liberty shot 47.5% (29 of 61) from the field, and 45.8% (11 of 24) from behind the 3-point line, to pick up an 80-66 victory. The 3-point shooting was the difference as the Lynx managed to hit just 30.0% (6 of 20) from behind the arc.

New York also outrebounded Minnesota at a 34-to-27 margin, while the Lynx turned it over 20 times to 18 for the Liberty.

The Liberty had 4 starters with 14 or more points, including a game-high 21 points from F Breanna Stewart and 20 points from F Betnijah Laney-Hamilton. Stewart also chipped in with 8 rebounds, 7 steals, 5 assists, 2 triples and a blocked shot.

For the Lynx, F Napheesa Collier had a team-best 16 points with her usual efficiency, adding 8 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists, but she did turn it over 7 times, too. Only Collier and F Alanna Smith (14 points) hit double digits in points. G Kayla McBride struggled with a 3-for-9 shooting night, managing just 8 points, helped by 2 successful 3-pointers.

Liberty at Lynx odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:29 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline (ML): Liberty -160 (bet $160 to win $100) | Lynx +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
• Against the spread (ATS): Liberty -3.5 (-105) | Lynx +3.5 (-115)
• Over/Under (O/U): 160.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Liberty at Lynx picks and predictions

Prediction

Lynx 84, Liberty 80

The LYNX (+135) are a solid play at plus-money in Game 3 back on their home court. Minnesota won the season’s only meeting in the Twin Cities 84-67 as a 7-point underdog back on May 25, and prior to Game 2, Minnesota had won 4 of the past 5 head-to-head meetings.

If Minnesota is to pull this off, however, it will need more than Collier carrying the team. Smith did a good job in Game 2, but McBride needs to step up, and F Bridget Carleton needs to be more of an offensive force.

Minnesota +3.5 (-115) is a good play for the conservative bettor, who just can’t play the moneyline and would like a little wiggle room in the event of a close game.

In these playoffs, Minnesota is 4-1 straight up (SU) at home, while going 3-2 ATS. On the road, the Liberty are 1-1 SU/ATS in the playoffs, splitting a pair of semifinal games in Las Vegas.

Wednesday will be a close game, so be prepared to sweat it out until the end.

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OVER 160.5 (-110) is worth a look in Game 3, but like the line, be prepared for it to come down to the end, possibly at the free-throw line.

The Over is 5-2 in the past 7 postseason games for the Liberty, while the total has gone Over in 4 of the previous 5 playoff games for the Lynx.

For more sports betting picks and tips

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