The Lynx cruised through the 2011 playoffs, going 7-1 and winning their last five games.
But coach Cheryl Reeve said people should not necessarily expect a similar journey through the playoffs. She said everyone in the West is tough, including Seattle, especially on defense.
If it is a low-scoring game, the Storm might be able to stay with the Lynx. After all this is one of the few times coach Brian Agler has the starting five he wants. The key there is 6-6 center Lauren Jackson. The three-time league MVP has played in only nine games. She missed the first half of the season training with the Aussies for the Olympics and has had a hamstring injury part of the second half of the season.
The starting lineups:
Lynx: Lindsay Whalen and Seimone Augustus at the guards, Maya Moore and Rebekkah Brunson at the forwards and Taj McWilliams-Franklin at center.
Seattle: Sue Bird and Tanisha Wright at the guards, Camille Little and Katie Smith at the forwards and Jackson.
Jackson is averaging only 10.2 points and 5.6 minutes, but she has averaged under 20 minutes in her nine games. Just guessing, but if she is able, she will play more tonight.
The Lynx beat the Storm 86-73 the last time they played, on Aug. 21 in Seattle. Three Lynx scored in double figures. Seimone Augustus scored 22 points, Maya Moore and Rebekkah Brunson 20 apiece.
