Best bet on the Tube

A year ago, the Minnesota Lynx opened the WNBA playoffs in an unfamiliar position after setting the franchise record for wins and making the team’s first postseason appearance since 2004. The experience of winning the title has the defending champions in a much different mindset this time. Minnesota (27-7) again finished with the league’s best record, matching last season’s win total, and enters the playoffs as the favorite to become the first team to win consecutive championships in 10 years. Connecticut (25-9), which opens today ( 5 p.m. on ESPN2) against New York (15-19), was the dominant team in the East. – Associated Press