Well-coached Minnesota gives up the second-fewest points in the WNBA. The Lynx also rank second in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense.

But now Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve will have her team really stressing defense with Naphessa Collier not expected to play because of a foot injury. Collier is the Lynx's leading scorer at 20 points per game and one of the five best players in the league.

Collier's absence will mean more minutes for Dorka Juhasz, a rugged forward who is a much better defensive player than scorer.

Minnesota is averaging just 70 points during its past three games. The Lynx have scored 73 or fewer points five of their past six regular season games.

Washington is the third-lowest scoring team in the WNBA. The Mystics are short-handed without their best guard, Brittney Sykes, and top frontcourt player, Shakira Austin.