WNBA Notebook: Can Anyone Beat the Favored Lynx for the Title?

Less than two months remain in the WNBA season, and the cream is rising to the top.

The Minnesota Lynx are still the best team in the league, but the top contenders are making their presence known.

As of Thursday, these were the odds at DraftKings to win the title:

The drop-off from the Wings to Mystics is a bit ridiculous in my eyes, because Washington is worth a look at this price. At 200-1, that means a $100 ticket is worth $20,000. So if you think the Mystics will make the postseason, why not invest in them and hedge back once they make it?

Of all the teams, though, which one is worth a valid look with the price it's getting? The Valkyries have the league's stingiest defense, and that'll win you championships.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Indiana Fever at Minnesota Lynx - Scheduled for 1 p.m. Easter on ABC, could this be a potential WNBA Finals preview? Absolutely. If the Fever can withstand a rigorous upcoming schedule, it's conceivable we can see them strengthen their position in the standings. With Napheesa Collier back in the lineup, it'll be interesting to see how the Fever square up in this one.

PROP WATCH OF THE WEEK

Breanna Stewart - Still ticking, Stewie is defeating Father Time right in front of our eyes. Since July 15, the three-time WNBA champion and two-time MVP is averaging a league second-highest 27.0 points per game. With the Liberty finishing their road trip in Phoenix and returning home to play the Seattle Storm in back-to-back home games next Monday and Wednesday, keep an eye on her props.

THIS WEEK'S RANKINGS
(records after Wednesday's games)

1. Minnesota Lynx (23-6) - The Lynx rode an eight-game win streak into Toronto on Thursday, and what's most impressive about this team is how it's dominated for much of the season without Napheesa Collier. Now that she's back, how much better is this team, and will it ever lose again?

2. Golden State Valkyries (19-9) - When you have the best defense in the league, you are a legitimate threat to winning the title. No other team is allowing fewer than 80 points per game.

3. Las Vegas Aces (19-8) - Regardless of their record, if the Aces had a half-decent defense that could slow teams consistently, they would be the No. 1 team in the league. Until that consistency is found, it'll be hard for this team to defend its title come playoff time.

4. Atlanta Dream (17-10) - The Dream came out of the break and secured a road win in Dallas on Wednesday. After a brief lull, the Dream look like the team that opened the season 12-4, having won four in a row heading into a three-game homestand.

5. Dallas Wings (18-10) - The Wings shouldn't have lost to Atlanta, and now have a tough chore in alternating road and home games over their next seven contests. And the four road games are in Washington twice, Minnesota, Indiana.

6. New York Liberty (16-12) - Once the trade deadline comes and goes, we'll get a clearer picture of where this team is at. If Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is sent packing, it'll be interesting to see what the Liberty get in return.

7. Indiana Fever (18-10) - I'm not convinced just yet about the Fever, despite a four-game win streak after winning in Seattle. Three of those wins came against non-playoff teams. In fact, four of their last six wins came against teams that would miss the playoffs. Also, two of their last three losses were against non-playoff teams.

8. Washington Mystics (15-12) - As for the second tier of playoff teams (5th through 8th), the Mystics might be the most dangerous. They've won three in a row as they continue a six-game homestand that began with a win over the Aces just before the break.

9. Phoenix Mercury (11-18) - Last year's runner-up is in 10th place, five games back of the Mystics. But as long as the Mercury have Alyssa Thomas on the roster, they should be considered a threat to make a run.

10. Portland Fire (11-17) - The Fire are in ninth place, just 4.5 games back of Washington, but I don't see them being able to find their footing now that Sarah Ashlee Barker is out for the season.

11. Toronto Tempo (10-17) - If Toronto becomes a major player at the deadline, it'll be interesting to see how coach Sandy Brondello navigates her team over its final 17 games. Were the Tempo able to beat No. 1 Minnesota on Thursday? Will they be able to withstand a five-game road trip?

12. Los Angeles Sparks (10-17) - It's real simple: if Kelsey Plum remains with the Sparks past the trade deadline, they'll make a run.

13. Chicago Sky (9-18) - It's a shame it took so long for the Sky to find a groove, as their offense has been top-notch since Courtney Vandersloot made her season debut. It might be too late, though, for the Sky to make a run.

14. Connecticut Sun (7-21) - The Sun should be sellers at the deadline, and build for next year in Houston.

15. Seattle Storm (6-24) - I've said it before and might say it every week in this spot: Sonia Raman should not be coaching this team.