Betting + Odds

The 2025 WNBA Playoffs are off to a hot start, with dominating wins and nail-biting finishes. The Minnesota Lynx wasted no time, sweeping the Golden State Valkyries to advance to the semifinals, while the Indiana Fever pulled off an upset to knock out the Atlanta Dream. The Las Vegas Aces edged the Seattle Storm in a thrilling Game 3 that came down to the final seconds, and the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury will close out Round 1 with a deciding Game 3 on Friday.
Let’s break down the latest <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA Finals odds,</a> preview Friday and Sunday’s matchups, and highlight my best bets on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Stay locked into the playoffs with game previews, best bets, and predictions all postseason long on <a href="https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/">DraftKingsNetwork.com!</a>
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<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=team-futures&amp;subcategory=champion">2025 WNBA Finals Odds</a>
The Favorite: MIN Lynx (-130)
The favorite to win the Finals coming into the postseason hasn’t changed one bit, with the Lynx (-130) holding strong. Minnesota opened with a 101–72 blowout over Golden State before facing real resistance in Game 2, when the Valkyries built a 17-point lead in the third quarter. But the Lynx showed why they’re the top seed, powering back in the fourth with the balance, depth, and relentlessness that has defined their season to secure the sweep. Backed by the league’s best offense and defense, Minnesota looks every bit like a team built for another championship run.
The Aces (+170), meanwhile, remain right in the hunt. A’ja Wilson is playing beyond MVP level, pouring in nearly 40 points in Thursday’s elimination win. Jackie Young is averaging 21.5 points this postseason, while Jewell Lloyd continues to light it up as a scoring threat of her own.
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WNBA Best Bets and Weekend Preview
New York Liberty at Phoenix Mercury — Friday, September 19th, 9:00 PM ET
The Liberty and Mercury split the first two games in very different fashion. New York escaped with a 76-69 overtime win in Game 1 behind big nights from Natasha Cloud and Breanna Stewart, though turnovers nearly cost them late. Phoenix answered in Game 2, dominating from the second quarter on and rolling to an 86-60 win as Alyssa Thomas, Satou Sabally, Kahleah Copper, DeWanna Bonner, and Kathryn Westbeld all hit double figures. Stewart’s lingering knee issue was evident, and New York’s offense never found a rhythm.
That sets up a decisive Game 3 on Friday in New York. I’m leaning toward the Mercury here — their balanced scoring, defensive intensity, and ability to ride momentum from their hot shooting in Game 2 give them the edge. On the other side, I’m fading Breanna Stewart; her knee looks too limiting for New York to overcome in a win-or-go-home spot. With Phoenix surging and New York searching for answers, the Mercury feel like the better play to advance.
Lean: PHO -2.5
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-points&amp;subcategory=points-o-u">PICK: Breanna Stewart Under 13.5 Points (-120)</a>
Indiana Fever at Las Vegas Aces — Sunday, September 21st, 3 PM ET
The Indiana Fever showed grit in their first-round series with Atlanta, bouncing back from a rough Game 1 to dominate Game 2 behind Aliyah Boston’s inside presence and Kelsey Mitchell’s scoring. Mitchell stayed hot with 24 points in Game 3, while Boston’s go-ahead bucket sealed the upset and gave Indiana its first playoff series win in a decade. A tough Round 2 matchup now awaits.
The Aces punched their ticket to the semis with a thrilling 74–73 Game 3 win over Seattle, capped by Jackie Young’s clutch putback with 12 seconds left. A’ja Wilson has been unstoppable, averaging 29.3 points and 8.6 rebounds in Round 1, highlighted by a 38-point Game 3. Young’s consistency — double figures in 12 straight games — combined with Chelsea Gray’s playmaking and Wilson’s dominance makes Las Vegas a daunting opponent for anyone.
With the Aces proving to be dominant at home, I&#8217;m leaning towards the two-time champs to pull out a Game 1 W on Sunday.
Lean: LV ML
<a href="%20Jackie%20Young%20Over%2015.5%20Points%20(-120)">PICK: Jackie Young Over 15.5 Points (-120)</a>
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All odds and lines provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change.
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2025 WNBA Playoffs: Updated Finals Odds, Best Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook

Awards

NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 – Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith and Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson have been named the 2025 Kia WNBA Co-Defensive Players of the Year, the WNBA announced today. This is the first Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award for Smith, and the third for Wilson (2022, 2023).
Smith and Wilson received 29 votes each from a national panel of 72 sportswriters and broadcasters. Seattle Storm guard Gabby Williams finished in second place with nine votes, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas was third with three votes, and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier was fourth with two votes.
This marks the first time in league history that the award has been shared by multiple players.
Smith, in her seventh WNBA season, started all 42 games she appeared in for Minnesota and averaged 26.6 minutes per game. A 2024 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team selection, Smith was instrumental in leading the Lynx to the No. 1 seed in the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google.
Anchoring the league’s top-ranked defense, Smith powered Minnesota to a league-best 97.5 defensive rating. She finished second overall in combined steals and blocks (135), ranked third in both blocks per game (1.9) and total blocks (80), and tied for 10th in total steals (55).
Drafted eighth overall in 2019, Smith has developed into a defensive cornerstone for the Lynx, helping lead the team to the semifinals following a 2-0 series victory against the Golden State Valkyries in the first round.
Wilson, in her eighth season, started all 40 games she appeared in for Las Vegas while averaging 31.2 minutes per game. She helped the Aces secure the No. 2 seed in the WNBA Playoffs following a 16-game win streak to close the regular season. A three-time All-Defensive First Team honoree, Wilson now adds a third Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award to her decorated trophy case.
Wilson led the WNBA in blocks per game (2.3), total rebounds (407), defensive rebounds (316), and combined steals and blocks (156). She also ranked second in total blocks (92) and rebounds per game (10.2). Demonstrating her all-around defensive impact, Wilson ranked third in total steals (64) and fourth in steals per game (1.6).
Already one of the most dominant two-way players in league history, Wilson also delivered on the offensive end in 2025, leading the WNBA in total points (937), points per game (23.4), field goals made (332), and free throws made (248).
Behind the efforts of Smith and Wilson, Minnesota and Las Vegas have earned the top two seeds in the WNBA Playoffs presented by Google.
In honor of being named the 2025 Kia WNBA Co-Defensive Players of the Year, Smith and Wilson will each receive $5,150 and a trophy designed to commemorate the achievement.
Below are the voting results for the 2025 Kia WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and a list of past recipients.
2025 KIA WNBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR VOTING RESULTS
<table style="border-collapse: collapse;width: 100%;height: 144px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Player</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Team</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Votes</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Alanna Smith</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Minnesota Lynx</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">29</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">A’ja Wilson</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Las Vegas Aces</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">29</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Gabby Williams</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Seattle Storm</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">9</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Alyssa Thomas</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Phoenix Mercury</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">3</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Napheesa Collier</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">Minnesota Lynx</td>
<td style="width: 33.3333%;height: 24px">2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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KIA WNBA DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS
1997 – Teresa Weatherspoon, New York
1998 – Teresa Weatherspoon, New York
1999 – Yolanda Griffith, Sacramento
2000 – Sheryl Swoopes, Houston
2001 – Debbie Black, Miami
2002 – Sheryl Swoopes, Houston
2003 – Sheryl Swoopes, Houston
2004 – Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles
2005 – Tamika Catchings, Indiana
2006 – Tamika Catchings, Indiana
2007 – Lauren Jackson, Seattle
2008 – Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles
2009 – Tamika Catchings, Indiana
2010 – Tamika Catchings, Indiana
2011 – Sylvia Fowles, Chicago
2012 – Tamika Catchings, Indiana
2013 – Sylvia Fowles, Chicago
2014 – Brittney Griner, Phoenix
2015 – Brittney Griner, Phoenix
2016 – Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota
2017 – Alana Beard, Los Angeles
2018 – Alana Beard, Los Angeles
2019 – Natasha Howard, Seattle
2020 – Candace Parker, Los Angeles
2021 – Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota
2022 – A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas
2023 – A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas
2024 – Napheesa Collier, Minnesota
2025 – Alanna Smith, Minnesota (Co-Winner)
2025 – A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas (Co-Winner)
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About Kia America
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World&#8217;s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the &#8220;Official Automotive Partner&#8221; of the WNBA and NBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*. 
For media information, including photography, visit <a href="http://www.kiamedia.com">www.kiamedia.com</a>. To receive custom email notifications for press releases the moment they are published, subscribe at <a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__http:/www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert__;!!PMETyfE!LQ_AWgu_xS8m2ZdpIVOeFIM6CjzB7GXan16p-xQBBSMFDqSqBaxovepbT109Px9yCDy8QlykRUjGqeA$">www.kiamedia.com/us/en/newsalert</a> 
* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

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Minnesota Lynx's Alanna Smith and Las Vegas Aces’ A'ja Wilson Named 2025 Kia WNBA Co-Defensive Players of the Year

AP Recap

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Napheesa Collier made a go-ahead 18-footer with 1:24 left on the way to 24 points, and the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx rallied from a 17-point, third-quarter deficit to beat the Golden State Valkyries 75-74 on Wednesday night and move on in the WNBA playoffs.
Collier shot 10 for 16 and followed up her 20-point performance in Game 1 with a 14-point second half to bring her team back — and give the Lynx another chance to keep chasing that championship they just missed last year.
The Valkyries had one final chance with four seconds remaining following a shot-clock violation, and Cecilia Zandalasini couldn’t convert a jumper.
Kayla McBride made a go-ahead scoop shot for Minnesota with 2:48 to go after DiJonai Carrington connected on a 3-pointer from the left corner with 3:18 remaining to pull Minnesota within 70-69. McBride wound up with 18 points.
Veronica Burton had 13 points, nine assists, six rebounds and four steals as the expansion Valkyries nearly extended their special season. Monique Billings scored 15 points off the bench.
Carrington banked in a 3-pointer with 8:30 left that got the Lynx within 63-56 and McBride’s jumper made it a five-point game at the 7:19 mark before Golden State called timeout. The Valkyries immediately committed a shot-clock violation and McBride scored again.
The Valkyries, cheered by their raucous sellout crowd of 18,543, were in control for much of the game — unlike their 101-72 Game 1 defeat Sunday.
Billings rebounded her own miss just before the third-quarter buzzer, scored and converted a three-point play to put Golden State ahead 63-49 going into the final 10 minutes. But Minnesota kept creeping back.
After the final buzzer, fans chanted “GSV!” to celebrate a season in which <a class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://apnews.com/article/valkyries-playoffs-expansion-team-74b0020aa69c724036e4294d8eed93fc" data-gtm-enhancement-style="LinkEnhancementA">Golden State made WNBA history</a> by becoming the first expansion franchise to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season.
And the Valkyries were unfazed playing in an unfamiliar venue for their first postseason home game. That “Balhalla” home-court advantage had to relocate nearly 50 miles south to the NHL San Jose Sharks’ SAP Center because the Laver Cup tennis showcase had booked Chase Center before Golden State had even been granted an expansion team.
Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski was one of the biggest supporters, sitting courtside with owner Joe Lacob and Warriors President Brandon Schneider.
Golden State lost all four regular-season meetings, three by double figures, so this one will both sting and show these women how close they are. Starting center Temi Fagbenle was a late scratch Wednesday because of right knee pain.
Valkyries <a class="Link AnClick-LinkEnhancement" href="https://apnews.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-of-year-998e958098170761eaa0307fddd93d0b" data-gtm-enhancement-style="LinkEnhancementA">coach Natalie Nakase was recognized</a> before the game as WNBA Coach of the Year and Burton the league’s most improved player.

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Game Recap: Minnesota Lynx vs. Golden State Valkyries (First Round, Game 2)

First Round Game Recap

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Game Recap: Lynx vs. Valkyries (9/17/25)

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Napheesa Collier with 24 Points vs. Golden State Valkyries

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Kayla McBride with 18 Points vs. Golden State Valkyries

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Highlights From Natisha Hiedeman 7-Assist Game

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Highlights From Courtney Williams 7-Assist Game

First Round Top Plays

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Top Plays of the Day, 9/17/25

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Top Plays of the Day, 09/17/2025

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