WNBA Playoffs: Minnesota Lynx hoping to advance to semifinals

The Minnesota Lynx picked up a nice win to open the WNBA Playoffs on Friday night, but they'll need a repeat performance Sunday evening on the road. If they're unable to finish off the three-game series in two games, it'll give their next opponents -- the Los Angeles Sparks -- extra rest heading into the semifinals.

The Lynx have picked up seven consecutive playoff wins -- dating back to last season's championship -- and will be going for No. 8 when they travel to Key Arena to play the Seattle Storm on Sunday night. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN and is scheduled for an 8 p.m. CT tip-off.

Minnesota picked up the series-opening 78-70 victory thanks to some solid defense on Lauren Jackson as well as solid all-around play from the Lynx regulars. Jackson was held to just one point after halftime whereas Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus, Maya Moore and Rebekkah Brunson all scored in double-figures for the Lynx.

If the Lynx are able to pick up the win on Sunday night, they'll advance to play the Sparks in another best-of-three setting. The Sparks swept the San Antonio Silver Stars to advance to the semifinals, culminating in a high-paced 101-94 victory on Saturday night.