Atlanta Dream vs Minnesota Lynx Picks and Prediction for Saturday May 9 2026
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The Atlanta Dream and Minnesota Lynx will officially open their regular seasons on Saturday night when they meet at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM on May 9, 2026, with television coverage available on PeachtreeTV and Victory+. Atlanta enters the matchup listed as a 4.5-point favorite, while the total is set at 158.5 points. The moneyline currently favors the Dream at -192, while Minnesota enters at +160 in what projects to be a competitive early-season matchup. Be ready for all the action with our free WNBA picks.
Previous Game Recap
Atlanta recently fell to Washington by an 83-72 score during preseason action in a game where the Dream struggled to keep pace offensively after halftime. Washington was able to create separation during the second half while Atlanta attempted to battle back late in the game. Despite the loss, the Dream continued to show flashes offensively after previously posting strong scoring performances earlier in preseason action.
Atlanta’s offense had moments where it generated scoring rhythm, particularly during stretches where the team was able to attack in transition and create cleaner looks from the floor. The Dream previously showed that capability during their 87-78 preseason victory over Chicago, and the team will look to bring that offensive confidence into the regular season opener despite the recent setback against Washington.
Minnesota enters this matchup after recently winning over Toronto by a 73-66 score in preseason action. The Lynx controlled much of the contest and closed the game strongly during the fourth quarter by holding Toronto to only 14 points in the final period. Minnesota received balanced production throughout the lineup during the victory, with Kayla McBride and Olivia Miles each scoring 13 points while Emma Cechova added 16 points off the bench. The Lynx also controlled the rebounding battle with 40 total rebounds and continued their strong preseason run with another defensive performance at home.
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Atlanta Looking to Start Strong on the Road
Atlanta enters the regular season with a 0-0 overall record and a 0-0 mark away from home as the Dream begin their campaign on the road Saturday night. In recent action, Atlanta recently lost to Washington by an 83-72 score during preseason play after previously recently won over Chicago 87-78. Dating back to last season, the Dream also recently lost to Indiana twice before recently winning over Indiana 80-68. Atlanta has shown mixed results over its last five games but enters this matchup favored on the road.
The available team statistics remain limited early in the season, with both teams currently listed at 0.0 points allowed entering opening night. Atlanta enters with a narrow edge in the matchup predictor at 49.4 percent compared to Minnesota’s 50.6 percent projection. The Dream are also carrying stronger betting market support entering the matchup, moving from an opening spread of -2.5 to -4.5 by game time.
One potential concern for Atlanta entering this matchup is the absence of Brionna Jones, who is currently listed out with a knee injury until May 22. Still, Atlanta has shown the ability to compete offensively during recent action, including the 87-point performance against Chicago during preseason play. The Dream will look to build on that offensive rhythm while attempting to open the season with a road victory against a Minnesota team that has already played several preseason contests.
Minnesota Opens the Year at Target Center
Minnesota also enters the season opener with a 0-0 overall record and a 0-0 home mark while beginning the regular season in familiar surroundings at Target Center. The Lynx recently won over Toronto 73-66 and also recently won over Nigeria 88-79 before recently winning over Washington 77-66 during preseason action. Dating back to last season, Minnesota recently lost to Phoenix twice to close the year but has carried momentum into this matchup with three consecutive preseason victories.
Minnesota showed encouraging balance during preseason competition, particularly during the victory over Toronto. The Lynx shot 43 percent from the field while also controlling the glass with 40 rebounds. Minnesota additionally forced Toronto into a difficult shooting night from beyond the arc while contributing four blocked shots and solid interior defense throughout the game. The Lynx also demonstrated strong depth scoring, with several bench contributors producing efficiently.
The biggest challenge for Minnesota entering this matchup revolves around injuries. Napheesa Collier is currently listed out with an ankle injury until June 6, while Dorka Juhasz remains sidelined with a foot injury until May 12. Despite those absences, Minnesota has continued finding contributions from multiple players during preseason play. The Lynx have also looked comfortable defensively in recent outings, holding opponents to 79 points or fewer in all three preseason victories entering Saturday night.
Atlanta Dream vs Minnesota Lynx Picks and Prediction
Spread Pick:
- Minnesota Lynx +4.5
Minnesota enters this matchup with strong recent momentum after winning three consecutive preseason games, including a solid defensive effort against Toronto. The Lynx have also looked balanced offensively with several contributors stepping up throughout recent contests. While Atlanta enters favored, Minnesota’s home-court advantage at Target Center combined with recent defensive consistency makes the Lynx attractive getting points in the opener. Minnesota has also already shown the ability to limit opponents offensively during preseason action, which could help keep this matchup close throughout all four quarters.
Total Pick:
- Under 158.5
Both teams enter the season opener still developing offensive chemistry, and Minnesota’s recent games have leaned toward lower-scoring outcomes. The Lynx held Toronto to 66 points in their most recent game and have not allowed more than 79 points during preseason action. Atlanta also scored only 72 points in its recent loss to Washington. With both teams still adjusting early in the season and multiple injuries affecting rotations, this matchup could develop into a slower-paced and more defensive contest overall.
Final Score Prediction: Minnesota Lynx 79 – Atlanta Dream 76
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