7 p.m. vs. Washington • Bismarck (N.D.) Civic Center
Preview: This is the first of two preseason games for the Lynx, who won a league-high 27 games last year; the Mystics won a league-low five. Washington opened its preseason with a 71-56 victory over the Brazilian national team Wednesday; Minneapolis South athlete Tayler Hill — the fourth overall pick in April's draft — had 12 points. Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve is approaching the preseason a little differently. She wants to get her veterans the chance to jell as a unit. But she also has roster decisions to make. "For the first time since probably 2010 we've got players vying for jobs," she said.

Players to watch: Minnesota returns four of five starters in Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson and Maya Moore. Other players to watch include new center Janel McCarville, who has been battling some aches and pains early in camp. First-round draft pick Lindsey Moore will get significant minutes at point guard. Rachel Jarry and Jacki Gemelos are two players also vying for roster spots. Lynx rookie G Ta'Shauna Rodgers and forward Devereaux Peters will miss the game — Rodgers to graduate from Georgetown, Peters for personal reasons.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD