WNBA Notes: Minnesota Lynx relocating; new injury for Mystics

Lately, things have been rough for the Washington Mystics as injuries have started to affect almost everyone.

The team announced today, Natasha Cloud will miss at least the next two games against Connecticut and Atlanta with a partial plantar fascia tear in her right foot. Cloud sustained the injury in the Mystics’ last game against San Antonio in the third period.

Next week, she will be re-evaluated.

Minnesota’s new home

University of Minnesota’s Williams Arena won’t only be home to the NCAA Golden Gophers, but also the WNBA Minnesota Lynx.

The WNBA announced Thursday afternoon that the college arena will be the venue for potentially all of the Lynx’s home games during the 2017 WNBA Playoffs.

Minnesota (17-2, first in the Western Conference) is deemed the most dominant team in the WNBA and previously hosted games at the Target Center.

However, recent renovations taking place throughout the summer and early fall, have forced the team to relocate to Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Once the playoffs begin, the Lynx will again move - this time, to Williams Arena.

The WNBA team is no stranger to the University of Minnesota campus, having played four times in the past - one regular season and three preseason - with two games at Williams Arena and two at The Sports Pavilion.

But, there is one setback to Williams Arena, also known as “The Barn,” and that is the lack of air conditioning. To secure maximum comfort and accommodate its loyal fan base, the Lynx agreed to pay for the installation of air conditioning in the college basketball arena.

Lynx point guard and former University of Minnesota women’s basketball alum, Lindsay Whalen, is excited to once again play at her alma mater. “I have a lot of fond memories and just being over there is going to be cool. It’s such a great campus. I love the U of M, so I’m looking forward to it. We have the best fans and we’re all looking forward to seeing them over at the U,” Whalen said.

The playoffs are set to begin September 7th. Tickets have not yet gone on sale to the general public.