MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The New York Liberty will open the WNBA playoffs on Sunday against the Minnesota Lynx at Target Center in Game 1 of the series.

Minnesota is the home team and brings a 33-10 record into the matchup. New York is 26-18. The Lynx closed their regular season with an 86-66 win over Indiana in their most recent game. Natasha Howard, a forward to watch for Minnesota, powered that victory with 21 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Kayla McBride scored 22 points, and Courtney Williams finished with nine points, seven rebounds and 10 assists.

Howard has been productive throughout her recent stretch. She had 18 points and 11 rebounds against Connecticut, 11 points, three rebounds and three assists in a loss to New York earlier this season, and nine points, seven rebounds and seven assists against Atlanta. Her interior scoring and defensive activity will be key for the Lynx.

New York will counter with Jonquel Jones, its player to watch. The center had 10 points and 14 rebounds in the Liberty’s most recent game, a loss to Atlanta. She had 18 points and 12 rebounds in the game before that. Jones also posted 18 points and 10 rebounds in a win at Minnesota earlier this season. Marine Fauthoux scored 14 points in the loss to Atlanta, while Raquel Carrera added nine points, five rebounds and four assists.

The Liberty have won two of three meetings between the teams this season. New York took the most recent matchup 93-81 at Minnesota. Minnesota won 90-85 in the other game at Target Center, and New York earned a 99-86 home win. Minnesota’s record and home-court advantage make the opener demanding. New York will try to steal the series opener on the road.

New York will need to limit Howard inside and prevent Minnesota’s guards from finding rhythm. The Lynx will try to use their depth, rebounding and ball movement to control pace. Jones’ ability to score, rebound and defend will be central for the Liberty. If New York can keep the game close into the fourth quarter, its recent success against Minnesota could matter. The Lynx, meanwhile, will lean on their balanced attack and home crowd.

Minnesota has won 33 games and lost 10. New York has won 26 and lost 18. The Lynx will rely on Howard, McBride and Williams. New York will look to Jones, Fauthoux and Carrera. The series will continue in New York before returning to Minnesota.

Interstat’s game simulator projects Minnesota to win 101-92. Minnesota is a 6.5-point favorite, and the over/under is 173.5.