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WNBA

Golden State ValkyriesvMinnesota Lynx

Final resultMinnesota Lynx def. Golden State Valkyries · 77–66

Listed start: Thursday 20 August 2026, 2:10 am UTC

Golden State Valkyries$2.3243.1% implied
Minnesota Lynx$1.7557.1% implied

Best-of-market odds · market total 100.2% — shopping the best price at each bookmaker shrinks or removes the usual margin. Prices move constantly — check current markets.

After the match

How it played out

The Minnesota Lynx defeated the Golden State Valkyries 77 to 66, confirming their status as the market favourite. With implied odds suggesting a 57% chance of victory for the Lynx, they upheld the market's expectations by securing a solid win.

How our pre-game read held up

The pre-game analysis highlighted the Valkyries' strong offensive capabilities and recent form. However, the Lynx's scoring power and ability to outmatch the Valkyries on this occasion led to a result that was somewhat contrary to the expectation of a closer contest.

BetWiser's pre-game analysis (published before the event)

The matchup

The Golden State Valkyries enter this matchup with an impressive record of 16 wins and only 1 loss from their 17 games played in the 2026 season. They have been consistently high-scoring, averaging 82.6 points per game against 72.5 points allowed. Their recent performance showcases their dominant form, having won their last five games, including a convincing 78-70 victory over the Dallas Wings on August 18, 2026, and a solid 91-71 home win against the Chicago Sky on August 13, 2026. The Valkyries have shown a capability to control games, highlighted by their recent blowout against Toronto Tempo, where they won by a 17-point margin.

The Minnesota Lynx come into the game with a record of 15 wins and 5 losses, averaging a remarkable 94.4 points while allowing 91.4 points per game. Their scoring prowess is clear, but they have also been involved in a few high-scoring, closely contested matches, as evidenced by a recent 92-87 win against the Las Vegas Aces on August 16, 2026. However, their defensive vulnerabilities are concerning, particularly their last loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, where they allowed 89 points at home on August 7, 2026. The combined scoring averages project a high-scoring affair, suggesting that both teams can contribute significantly to the total points.

Does the price match the form?

The current market prices reflect a balance in perceived power: the Golden State Valkyries are priced at $2.32, which translates to an implied probability of 43.1%, while the Minnesota Lynx are the favorites at $1.75, carrying an implied probability of 57.1%. The total market probability stands at 100.2%, indicating tight competition in the odds offered.

When comparing these implied probabilities to the recent performances and overall records, questions arise regarding the Lynx's ability to maintain their status as favorites. Given their higher average points scored, does their recent defensive inconsistency warrant such a strong implied probability, or does the Valkyries' dominant form indicate that there may be value in their odds? Investigating these discrepancies could provide further insights into the matchup.

Where to look in the markets

  • Total points over/under: With both teams averaging a combined scoring of about 177 points, examining the posted line against this average could yield betting opportunities.
  • Point spread: The Valkyries' strong home performance and recent blowouts suggest they may cover the spread, but it’s essential to compare this against their scoring averages and the Lynx's defensive lapses.
  • Player props: Focus on player scoring opportunities, particularly for the Lynx, given their high offensive output, which could influence individual player props positively.

Before you bet, check

  • What is the status of player injuries or absences for both teams?
  • Verify recent travel schedules for the Minnesota Lynx, considering their away performance.
  • What are the weather conditions or venue specifics that might affect gameplay?
  • Is there any recent head-to-head performance data that might influence this matchup?

Staking this game

With the shortest market price at $1.75 requiring a 57% success rate just to break even, maintaining discipline is essential. A staking strategy of 1-2% flat betting can help manage the risks associated with betting on favorites, ensuring sustainability through potential losing streaks.