New York Liberty vs Minnesota Lynx Picks and Predictions August 10th 2025

A Battle of Banged-Up Titans: Lynx and Liberty Clash in WNBA Finals Rematch

It is a game that has everything a basketball fan could possibly ask for. It is a rematch of last season’s epic WNBA Finals, a showdown between the two teams with the best records in the league, and a potential preview of this year’s championship series. But when the Minnesota Lynx visit the New York Liberty on Sunday afternoon, the biggest story will not be who is on the court, but who is not. In a cruel twist of fate, this battle of titans will be contested without the two brightest stars in the league. Both the Lynx and the Liberty will be without their respective MVP superstars, Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, who are both sidelined with injuries. This matchup has transformed from a battle of superstars into the ultimate test of depth, a testament to the “next woman up” mentality that defines a true championship contender.

The Ghost of the 2024 Finals

The history between these two clubs is rich and recent. Just last season, they battled through a thrilling, hard-fought, five-game WNBA Finals that saw the New York Liberty capture their first-ever championship. The series was an instant classic, a back-and-forth affair that showcased the incredible talent on both rosters. For the Liberty, Sunday’s game is a chance to reassert their dominance over their biggest rival. For the Lynx, the memory of that series loss is a powerful motivator. They have spent the entire 2025 season on a mission of redemption, and a victory on their rival’s home court would be a massive psychological boost.

The table below provides a snapshot of the two best teams in the WNBA, who are once again on a collision course for the championship. You can find information on all the WNBA teams on our site.

Life Without an MVP: The Lynx’s Challenge

The Minnesota Lynx have been the best team in the WNBA this season, compiling a dominant 26-5 record. Their success has been built on the spectacular play of their superstar forward, Napheesa Collier, who is in the middle of an MVP season, leading the league with an average of 23.5 points per game. However, they will have to navigate this crucial matchup without her, as she is expected to miss at least another week with a sprained right ankle.

“You hate to see anybody go down, especially your MVP,” said Lynx guard Kayla McBride. “We want the best for her. We want her to get healthy.” In Collier’s absence, the Lynx will rely on a balanced attack featuring McBride, Courtney Williams, and their new trade deadline acquisition, DiJonai Carrington. Carrington, an elite perimeter defender, will have the crucial task of trying to slow down the Liberty’s remaining superstar, Sabrina Ionescu.

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The Liberty’s Own Next-Woman-Up Story

The Liberty are facing a parallel and equally daunting challenge. They have been without their own two-time MVP and franchise cornerstone, Breanna Stewart, for the past seven games due to a bone bruise on her right knee. Her absence has forced other players to step into larger roles, and no one has answered the call more emphatically than veteran forward Emma Meesseman. A former WNBA Finals MVP herself, Meesseman had not played in the league since 2022 before returning to the Liberty this season. Her return has been a revelation. In New York’s most recent victory, an 88-77 win over the Dallas Wings, Meesseman was spectacular, stuffing the stat sheet with 14 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time – coming back to the W,” Meesseman said. “I wanted to try it again and see the fans and all the new players.” How a team navigates the loss of a superstar is a key topic for any bettor, one often explored in our expert betting guide.

The Key Matchup and Betting Outlook

With both teams missing their primary offensive weapons, the individual matchups between the supporting casts will be even more critical. The duel between the Lynx’s defensive stopper, Carrington, and the Liberty’s offensive engine, Ionescu, could decide the game. The play of New York’s reigning Finals MVP, Jonquel Jones, will also be a major factor. You can find detailed reviews of the top betting sites from the best handicappers sites reviews.

This game is a true toss-up. To find out who the top experts are picking, you can check out our list of the best handicappers. To see who our experts are backing in this clash of titans, check out our daily WNBA picks. To get access to even more premium content and betting tools, you must first login or register for an account today. You can find more information on our home page.