Olivia Miles sparks Lynx win for draftkings fantasy users
Olivia Miles scored 24 points and seven assists as Minnesota beat Washington 94-84 for its 16th win in 17 games. For draftkings fantasy lineups leaning on late-season WNBA production, Miles cleared an ankle issue and carried the Lynx while Napheesa Collier rested. The league-leading Lynx improved to 31-7 and swept a four-game road trip, according to the Star Tribune.
Key Takeaways
- Minnesota beat Washington 94-84 for its sixth straight win and 16th in 17 games.
- Olivia Miles had 24 points, seven assists and three steals after a left-ankle scare Wednesday.
- Natasha Howard scored 21 points on 10-of-12 shooting; Kayla McBride added 18.
- The Lynx sit five games clear of Golden State after the Valkyries lost in Chicago.
- Washington fell to 21-15 as its eight-game home win streak ended.
How did Olivia Miles bounce back against Washington?
Miles entered Friday cleared to play after turning her left ankle Wednesday at Golden State. Coach Cheryl Reeve managed her minutes after a fourth foul late in the third, then kept her in after a fifth foul in the fourth. Miles responded with nine consecutive points in the final period.
She finished with 24 points, seven assists and three steals. Reeve said veterans around Miles have helped her lean on trust in tough moments, a relationship Miles echoed after the win.
Why does this Lynx win matter in the standings?
With Collier resting for the first time since returning from two ankle surgeries, Minnesota still completed a 4-0 road swing. Howard (21 points, seven rebounds, three blocks) and McBride (back-to-back late threes) sealed the pullaway after Kiki Iriafen briefly put the Mystics ahead 76-75 with eight minutes left.
Golden State later lost at Chicago on Sydney Taylor's last-second three, leaving the Lynx five games up. Minnesota can clinch playoff homecourt by beating the Valkyries on Monday at Target Center. Coverage across Fintech & Crypto Alerts is tracking how late-season results reshape fantasy and betting boards.
What should draftkings fantasy managers note from Friday?
Pre-tip markets had floated Washington as a moneyline underdog after close prior meetings, but Minnesota's perimeter punch—11 three-pointers—and Miles's all-around line flipped the script. Iriafen (19 points, 13 rebounds) and Shakira Austin (17) led a Mystics group that put all five starters in double figures yet still fell short.
For draftkings fantasy users, Miles's clearance and production without Collier is the clearest takeaway heading into Minnesota's final stretch before the FIBA World Cup break. Howard's efficiency and McBride's late shooting also matter for props and multi-category builds as the Lynx chase the No. 1 seed.