The Minnesota Lynx conveyed an emphatic statement with their latest on-court accomplishment. By taking down the winners of the 2023 Commissioner’s Cup championship game the New York Liberty, it is now clear to the rest of their opponents that they are certainly not the franchise to be trifled with.

Now, they focus on their next task at hand and that is to take a trip to Dallas for an important road game. But, who can be the expected players stepping on the hardwood? Let’s have a look.

Injury update in the Lynx and Wings camps

The situation is no different for Minnesota from their previous encounter against the Liberty. Their 2nd overall pick in the 2023 WNBA drafts Diamond Miller got herself injured just three games into the season. Apparently, the principal reason behind her absence from the hardwood is her currently successful right knee surgery. As a result, there is no definite period for her to return and join the Lynx dressing room. This is the second time she has undergone a procedure on her right knee. The first one took place when she was a college basketball player at Maryland. In addition to this, her left knee suffered a similar fate while she was participating overseas during the WNBA offseason.

On the other hand, things are worse for the 3x WNBA champions. Their poor season is a reflection of the injury-ridden roster they are nursing at the moment. Forward Maddy Siegrist is currently recovering from a broken left index finger and will be out of action for 8 weeks. Similarly, their No.0 Satou Sabally will not be available for them “until after the Olympics” as per their head coach Latricia Trammell. She recently had a successful procedure for her off-season shoulder injury.

Further, the Wings also cannot avail of the services of their guard Jaelyn Brown. According to Trammell, her illness has forced her to sit on the sidelines until the opening week of July.

Now, it will be worth a watch as to which team has the upper hand with their available set of players.

Minnesota vs Dallas: Which team are the favorites with their starting 5?

The visitors hold a better chance of ending up on the winning side. As it turns out, the ESPN Matchup Predictor provides them with a 67.1% winning probability. One of the instrumental reasons behind this prediction is their starting line-up. This comprises their points and rebounds leader Napheessa Collier. Accompanying the Commissioner’s Cup Finals MVP are Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton, Kayla McBride, and assist leader Courtney Williams.

As for the hosts, the responsibility to avoid a 12 loss falls on the shoulders of their points and assists leader Arike Ogunbowale. She can be seen playing alongside their rebound master Monique Billings, Teaira McCowan, Natasha Howard, and Sevgi Uzun.

The upcoming clash is vital for both of these squads. While the Lynx will be looking to capitalize on their current momentum, the home team will look to steer clear of any further embarrassment. What will transpire of this fixture? Only time will tell.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.