Gameday preview: Lynx at San Antonio

Preview: The Lynx, who have clinched a bye into the semifinals of the WNBA playoffs, have a 1½-game lead over Los Angeles in the standings, with four games remaining. And since, the Lynx own the tiebreaker with the Sparks, it's actually a 2½-game cushion for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs. The Lynx, who have won four in a row and 10 of their past 11, are coming off a 77-74 victory over Los Angeles on Tuesday. The Lynx are 2-0 against San Antonio this season — winning 91-68 in Minneapolis on July 2 and 81-57 in San Antonio on July 12. The Stars are coming off a 92-84 loss to Dallas on Friday. The Stars (6-24) have lost five straight and 10 of 11.

Players to watch: Lynx C Sylvia Fowles scored 21 in the victory over Los Angeles. Fowles has averaged 18 points since the Olympic break. Stars C Jayne Appel-Marinelli announced Friday she will retire at the end of the season. She is in her seventh WNBA season. G Moriah Jefferson, who is averaging 13.3 points per game, scored 27 on Friday.

Numbers: The Lynx have won their past six regular-season games against San Antonio, and 14 of 15. The Stars have the worst record in the league for the second consecutive season. They were 8-26 last season.

Injuries: The Stars are without G Kayla McBride (foot), who has been sidelined since July 6. G Alex Montgomery (foot) and C Kayla Alexander (concussion) did not play Friday and are questionable.

JOEL RIPPEL