Minnesota is not going to lack motivation following its worst loss of the season, 91-63, on the road to Seattle this past Friday and facing Caitlin Clark for the first time. The big question is can the Lynx cover this mid-range number knowing they aren't likely to have superstar forward Naphessa Collier for a fourth straight game due to a foot injury?

Yes because of two strong factors - defense and coaching.

The Lynx are 16-7 but they are not an elite team without Collier even though Kayla McBride has stepped up to have an All-Star season. Still, the Lynx are close to two levels better than Indiana.

The difference is defense and coaching, which offsets Clark's superstar talents. Minnesota gives up the second-fewest points per game in the WNBA and also ranks No. 1 in defensive field goal percentage and 3-point defense.

The Fever, by contrast, is the second-worst defensive team in the WNBA.

Minnesota also has one of the better coaches in the league, Cheryl Reeves. Indiana has the worst coach, Christie Sides.