Minnesota Lynx – New York Liberty: playoff opener at Target Center, September 27, 2026

The matchup between the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty takes place on September 27, 2026, at the Target Center in Minneapolis, with tip-off at 20:00 and broadcast on ABC. The clash opens the first-round playoff series and is expected to draw attention due to the rivalry and the teams’ rosters.

As Bleacher Report reports, the injury list includes J. Jones (ankle) and Satou Sabally (head) for Minnesota, while New York lists A. Kosu (foot) and E. Cechova (knee). Breanna Stewart also arrives for the opening game, marking her 10th playoff appearance in 11 seasons, while Minnesota enters as the number 1 seed, though with a form that leaves room for concern; if eliminated in the first round, this could be Napheesa Collier’s last series with the Lynx.

On the court, the key duels are expected between the Liberty’s experience and the Lynx’s intensity. The coaches will seek to control the tempo and dominate the boards, while managing the stars’ minutes and the fitness of the injured could decide the winner of the opening matchup.

Bleacher Report underlines that the game will be decisive for both teams and could set the tone of the series, so attention will remain on rotations, substitutions and the leaders’ performances in key moments.