Atlanta Dream vs Minnesota Lynx Picks and Predictions August 21st 2025

Top-Seeded Lynx Visit Atlanta in Potential Finals Preview

The Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream square off Thursday night in College Park, GA, in what could be a sneak peek at this year’s WNBA Finals. Tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET, with both teams eyeing playoff positioning and potential franchise milestones.

The Lynx (28-6) are looking to rebound after an 85-75 road loss to the New York Liberty on Tuesday. Despite the setback, Minnesota owns the league’s best record and is on pace to break its single-season win total.

We Watch. You Win.

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The Dream (22-13) just wrapped a tough six-game road trip with a 74-72 loss to the Las Vegas Aces, but return home with confidence and playoff energy behind rookie head coach Karl Smesko.

Opening Odds:

• Lynx Moneyline: -160
• Dream Moneyline: +135
• Spread: Lynx -3.5
• Total: 162.5 (O/U: -110/-110)

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The Lynx Can Win If…

Their starters bounce back. Minnesota trailed New York for the final 38 minutes Tuesday as the bench accounted for more than half of the team’s scoring. Natisha Hiedeman, DiJonai Carrington, and Maria Kliundikova combined for 38 points.

The Lynx need more from Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith, and others — especially if Napheesa Collier (ankle) remains out. She leads the league with 23.5 PPG and could return Thursday.

“It was a surprise to me in terms of how we didn’t start the game ready.”
— Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve after Tuesday’s loss

Minnesota leads the WNBA in both scoring (86.1 PPG) and opponent scoring (75.2 PPG). If their defense and backcourt regroup, they should handle Atlanta.

The Dream Can Win If…

They feed off the home crowd and play loose. Atlanta is 13-4 at home and sits just two wins away from setting a franchise single-season record. After a gritty road trip, coach Smesko’s squad is eager to make a statement.

Key Players:

• Allisha Gray: 18.5 PPG
• Rhyne Howard: 16.5 PPG
• Brionna Jones: 12.7 PPG

“I’m proud of how our players competed through this whole trip… We keep getting better.”
— Dream coach Karl Smesko

If Atlanta controls tempo and keeps Minnesota’s shooters in check early, they have the toughness and offense to grind out a win.

Key WNBA Betting Trends

The Lean

The Lynx are elite on both ends of the court, but Atlanta is no pushover at home. With Collier’s status uncertain, this becomes a closer matchup. Still, Minnesota’s overall depth, experience, and efficiency give them the edge.

Model Projection: Lynx 84, Dream 78
Pick: Lynx Moneyline (-160)
Spread Lean: Lynx -3.5
Total Lean: Over 162.5

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