NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Minnesota Lynx, owners of the WNBA’s best record, visit the New York Liberty on Friday night at Barclays Center in a marquee matchup between Eastern Conference contenders. Minnesota (15-4) enters on a four-game winning streak after a 85-77 victory at Dallas on Sunday. The Lynx boast a potent inside-outside attack, led by forward Natasha Howard. Over the past 10 games, Howard has averaged 18.7 points and 8.6 rebounds, posting five double-doubles in that span, including a 21-point, 14-rebound effort against the Wings. Guard Olivia Miles has been a key playmaker, recording 21 points and eight assists in the same game. New York (12-8) has dropped three of its last four games, including a 76-67 loss at Golden State on Sunday. The Liberty have struggled offensively, failing to reach 80 points in three of those four contests. Center Jonquel Jones remains a consistent force, however, averaging 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds over her last 10 games. She posted 21 points and seven rebounds against the Valkyries. Forward Breanna Stewart and guard Sabrina Ionescu have been key contributors, but the team has lacked consistency around them. According to Interstat’s game simulator, the Liberty are projected to win 93-81. New York is a 1.5-point favorite, with an over/under of 171.5. Friday’s game is the first of a home-and-home set between the two teams; the Lynx host the Liberty on July 11. Minnesota’s balanced attack and Howard’s recent dominance could test a Liberty defense that has allowed an average of 88 points over its last three losses.