May 17, 2026
WNBA first basket picks and predictions for Sunday, May 17, 2026
Read Article Sky vs. Lynx prediction: Why Minnesota is favored to win Sunday's WNBA matchup [5/17/2026]
Updated: | First published:
Written by Mac Douglass, Senior Editor
Get Chicago Sky vs Minnesota Lynx predictions for WNBA Sunday.
WNBA action continues on Sunday at 7:00 PM ET as the Chicago Sky face off with the favored Minnesota Lynx at Target Center.
Based on updated simulations, Dimers' advanced WNBA model projects the Lynx as the most likely winner of the Sky vs. Lynx game.
The Lynx, powered by Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles, are set to take on the Sky, featuring Rickea Jackson, Kamilla Cardoso and Skylar Diggins-Smith.
This article offers an expanded analysis of Sunday's matchup, including best bets and player prop picks.
Sky vs. Lynx prediction: Who will win and cover?
Using innovative machine learning and data analysis, we have simulated the result of Sunday's WNBA matchup between the Sky and Lynx, forming part of our WNBA predictions coverage.
Our leading predictive model currently gives the Lynx a 58% chance of defeating the Sky.
According to our model, the Sky (+4.5) have a 58% chance of covering the spread, while the 167.5-point over/under has a 56% chance of staying under.
Sky vs. Lynx odds
We have researched the best WNBA odds in America for this game, which are listed here:
| Bet Type | Sky | Lynx |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | +4.5 (-105) | -4.5 (-114) |
| Moneyline | +180 | -218 |
| Total | o167.5 (-105) | u167.5 (-110) |
All odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Sky vs. Lynx picks and best bet
After matching our predictions against the best available odds, we can reveal our picks for each of the major markets. Plus, find our best bet for the game below:
| Bet Type | Pick | Bet Now |
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Sky +4.5 | -105 |
| Moneyline | Sky | +180 |
| Total | Under 167.5 | -110 |
According to our WNBA best bets, the top play to make on this game is Sky +4.5 at the spread.
These picks are based on our probabilities matched against the implied probabilities from the sportsbook odds.
Sky vs. Lynx player props
Betting on Sky vs. Lynx WNBA prop bets? We use the best information available to project how each team's leading players will perform at Target Center.
Rickea Jackson is expected to lead the Sky with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, while Kayla McBride is projected to have 17 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists for the Lynx.
Check out our WNBA player projections for a full range of projected box scores, including points, assists, rebounds and today's WNBA first basket picks.
Sky prediction
Our model's projected player stats for the Sky are:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rickea Jackson | 16 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 28 |
| Kamilla Cardoso | 12 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 26 |
| S. Diggins-Smith | 12 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 26 |
| Gabriela Jaquez | 9 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 19 |
| Natasha Cloud | 8 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 21 |
Lynx prediction
Projected points, rebounds, assists and three-pointers made for the Lynx:
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | 3PM | DFS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kayla McBride | 17 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 31 |
| C. Williams | 17 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 40 |
| Olivia Miles | 16 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 35 |
| Natasha Howard | 14 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 34 |
| Nia Coffey | 11 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 31 |
Sky vs. Lynx game-day updates and essential details
Sunday's action between the Lynx and Sky at Target Center is scheduled to start at 7:00 PM ET.
- Who: Chicago Sky vs. Minnesota Lynx
- Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026
- Time: 7:00 PM ET/4:00PM PT
- Venue: Target Center
Conclusion
We predict the Lynx, with a 58% win probability, will likely beat the Sky in Sunday's WNBA matchup.
Additional tools and information for betting safely can be found in our Responsible Gambling hub.
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Mac Douglass specializes in NFL previews for the NFC South and NFC East, MLB best bets, Formula 1 race previews, and professional tennis insights. Combining predictive simulations and data-driven sports analysis, Mac provides in-depth content to elevate the betting experience for sports fans.
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