The 2026 WNBA season is officially off to the races. Tipping off in the season-opening match for each team tonight, the Atlanta Dream will take on the Minnesota Lynx, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.

Looking at the odds, the Dream enter as 4.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook and hold -205 odds of winning outright. The Lynx hold +170 odds of pulling off the outright upset, with the game total set at 158.5 points.

Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Dream at Lynx matchup.

Dream at Lynx Preview

The Atlanta Dream took a massive step forward last year, going from a 15-25 record in 2024 to 30-14 last year. Despite the impressive regular season, the Dream were upset in the opening round of the playoffs by the Indiana Fever and forced to reevaluate their outlook. Expectations have been further raised following the decision to make a blockbuster trade for Angel Reese. After a strong start to her career in Chicago, including setting a few different rebounding records, Reese will look to take her game to new heights alongside the core of Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada and Allisha Gray.

The Minnesota Lynx are coming off back-to-back seasons with 30+ wins, including finishing with a WNBA-best 34-10 record last year. Minnesota also did not reach its postseason aspirations, as it was defeated by the Phoenix Mercury by a 3-1 margin in the semifinals. The outlook for the Lynx typically starts with back-to-back MVP runner-up Napheesa Collier, but the four-time ALL-WNBA star is currently sidelined as she recovers from her offseason ankle surgery. Dorka Juhasz also remains out with an injury, while Minnesota also lost Alanna Smith in the offseason.

On the positive side, the Lynx added second-overall pick Olivia Miles, who is expected to be a difference-maker this year and moving forward. Kayla McBride also remains with the franchise and will see even more offensive responsibility amid the injuries. Minnesota led the WNBA in three-point percentage last year by knocking down 37.8% of these attempts, and it will need to lean on this area of the floor at a high rate tonight.

Dream at Lynx Pick, Best Bet

It is not time to panic about the outlook for the Lynx, but expectations should be tempered a bit in the early stages of the season. Collier’s injury recovery process is reportedly ahead of schedule, but she is still not expected to begin basketball activities until June, and Minnesota will be forced to tread water without its star player. The Lynx can still only go as far as Collier can take them, and it will be an uphill battle in the early parts of the season.

This is especially the case considering the matchup with this Atlanta Dream team. The franchise laid the foundation to build a sustainable contender, and it made the all-in swing to bring in Angel Reese as an upgrade in the frontcourt. There will surely be some growing pains along the way, but Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray provide plenty of experience and will set the tone.

The Dream were one of the top scoring teams in the league last season, and they have kept most of their key offensive threats in place. They further built out the frontcourt and have the makings of a team that could make some real noise this year. With Collier sidelined, expect the Dream to take full advantage of their shorthanded opponent and produce a statement victory. There is legitimate buzz around this Atlanta squad, and expect it to show exactly why in the season opener with the favorable matchup in mind.

Best Bet: Atlanta Dream -4.5 (-115)