Did you know that Angel Reese became a Chicago Sky player only because of a high-stakes draft deal with the Lynx? Last year, the Lynx took Chicago’s 2026 first-round pick in a deal that let the Sky climb up the draft board to snag the seventh pick – aka the Bayou Barbie.

The two teams faced off four times in 2024, and the Sky couldn’t even sniff a win. Minnesota owned them, every single time. Then came the 2025 preseason opener… and finally, Chicago grabbed a win and a little hope. But it didn’t last long, because the next time they met, the Lynx took it right back. So here we are. One win apiece this season, and tonight’s matchup just might be the tiebreaker.

Where to Watch This High Stakes Tiebreaker?

Date: Sunday, July 6, 2025
Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN

For the folks wishing to watch it on cable services, you can choose ION, MNMT, or NBA TV, with Pat Boylan (play-by-play) and Debbie Antonelli (analysis). For viewers who are willing to opt for streaming services, this game can be watched using the WNBA League Pass, Amazon Prime US, Fubo, SlingTV, and YouTube TV.

Injury Report

Minnesota Lynx:

• Karlie Samuelson: Out (foot)
• Alanna Smith: day-to-day (knee)

Just ahead of Lynx’s commissioner’s cup final vs. the Fever, Samuelson had to be ruled out due to a foot injury. She went down during the 2nd quarter of their game against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, June 29. It all happened after logging in for just 3:19 short minutes.

Then, just 2 games and 19 minutes later, Alanna Smith got injured too. She went down in the 1st half vs. the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday night. She played for a total of just 19 minutes due to a knee issue that escalated later. Alanna Smith had initially left for the locker room early in the game. But giving Minnesota fans some hope, returned to the bench and even reentered the contest briefly. The Lynx later confirmed she was dealing with a right knee injury.

Chicag0 Sky:

• Courtney Vandersloot: Out (ACL surgery)
• Kamilla Cardoso: Out (National duties)

Courtney Vandersloot tore her ACL on June 7 and is done for the season. Her absence has surely been weighing heavily on Chicago. But the good news is that she had a successful ACL surgery, as Sky announced on Tuesday. Sky star Kamila Cardoso has left the team to play for her home country, Brazil, in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2025. She should return after the tournament ends in early July.

Predicted Starting Lineup

Minnesota Lynx:

• Bridget Carleton (#6)
• Jessica Shepard (#15)
• Napheesa Collier (#24)
• Kayla McBride (#21)
• Courtney Williams (#10)

Chicag0 Sky:

• Angel Reese (#5)
• Elizabeth Williams (#1)
• Rachel Banham (#24)
• Rebecca Allen (#9)
• Ariel Atkins (#7)

Will the Minnesota Lynx Win Tonight?

ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Minnesota Lynx an 85.3% chance to win tonight, and it’s not just the numbers talking. The Lynx are the best defensive team in the league. They hold opponents to just 74 points per game, while the Sky are dead last, giving up nearly 88. On offense too, Minnesota scores more, shoots more efficiently, and takes better care of the ball with fewer turnovers.

The Sky does have one slight advantage, though. They are better on the boards, especially with offensive rebounds, which could keep them in the game. They even won the preseason opener, but that momentum didn’t last. If Chicago can crash the offensive glass and limit turnovers, they might have a shot at the upset. But the Lynx? They have proven time and time again that they are the best.