What's at stake

A set of lines determines whether the game’s combined points exceed 171.5, 170.5, 169.5, or 168.5 and whether Phoenix covers −4.5 or −5.5.

Settlement is based on the official final score after regulation and overtime; every point at the final buzzer counts.

Who's in play

Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury supply the scoring, defense, and rotation patterns that decide both the totals and the margin.

Starting five decisions, bench scoring bursts, and each team’s coach control late-game minutes and matchup choices that affect the lines.

What drives it

Game tempo and shooting efficiency are the primary forces behind whether totals climb or stay low—three-point volume and offensive rebounds matter most.

Pre-game injury reports, rest days, foul trouble, and matchup adjustments change the spread; a late scratch or sudden lineup tweak can move probabilities quickly.

What to watch

Final injury reports and the official starting lineups released about an hour before tipoff are the clearest pregame signals.

Also track back-to-back status, recent team scoring trends, pregame scratches, and first-quarter pace; halftime totals and key player fouls often shift live lines.