MINNEAPOLIS (Interstat) — The Minnesota Lynx host the Golden State Valkyries on Thursday in a matchup of two of the WNBA’s top early-season clubs. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. CT at Target Center. Minnesota brings a league-best 7-2 record into the contest, while Golden State enters at 5-3. The game marks an early test for both teams as they jockey for position in their respective conferences, with the Lynx looking to extend a three-game winning streak and the Valkyries aiming to rebound from a 91-81 loss Sunday to Las Vegas. The marquee matchup features two guards enjoying stellar stretches: Minnesota’s Courtney Williams and Golden State’s Gabby Williams. Courtney Williams has been on a tear for the Lynx. In Monday’s 111-77 rout of Phoenix, she erupted for 30 points, five rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes, shooting efficiently from the floor. Over her past three games, the 5-foot-8 guard is averaging 21.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists while shooting better than 50 percent. For the season, she has scored in double figures in eight of nine games, with a low of 10 points May 29 against Chicago. Gabby Williams has been the backbone of Golden State’s offense. The 5-foot-11 forward posted 20 points, four rebounds and an assist in 26 minutes in the loss to Las Vegas, extending a stretch of strong performances. In her past five games, she is averaging 15.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists. She has scored at least 15 points in seven of her eight appearances this season, with her only single-digit outing coming May 22 against Indiana (six points). Both teams have been powered by balanced scoring. For Minnesota, rookie guard Olivia Miles added 19 points and nine assists in the win over Phoenix, and forward Antonia Delaere chipped in 13 points and six rebounds. The Lynx lead the WNBA in scoring at 93.6 points per game and are allowing just 78.1. Golden State counters with depth. Forward Janelle Salaun scored 16 points against Las Vegas, and veteran Kayla Thornton added 12. The Valkyries average 85.8 points per game but have struggled defensively at times, allowing 81.9. The Lynx are 4-0 at Target Center this season, while the Valkyries are 2-2 on the road. Minnesota has won its past three games by an average of 23.7 points, including a 79-58 victory May 29 at Chicago. Golden State alternated wins and losses over its past six contests before the setback to the Aces. The game also holds importance for the season series. The teams meet again June 19 in San Francisco, making Thursday’s result a potential tiebreaker factor. A statistic of note: Minnesota’s defense has held opponents to 36.8% shooting over its winning streak, while Golden State shot 43.5% in Sunday’s loss. Injury reports were not immediately available Wednesday, but neither team listed any starters as questionable. The Interstat game simulator projects a 96-78 Minnesota victory.