The Minnesota Lynx missed an opportunity to move closer to securing the No. 1 seed Tuesday, but their path to the top spot remains straightforward entering the regular-season finale.

Minnesota can clinch the No. 1 seed with a win Thursday at home in a rematch against the Indiana Fever, according to a post on X, formerly Twitter, by Alexa Philippou of ESPN. The Lynx could also finish first with a loss, but only if Golden State loses at least one of its final two games.

Golden State closes its regular season with games at Portland on Tuesday night and at Los Angeles on Thursday.

The scenarios come after Indiana defeated Minnesota 96-77 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Tuesday in the first half of a home-and-home series to close the regular season.

The Fever controlled the first half, taking a 57-34 advantage into halftime after building a lead as large as 29 points. It marked the first time this season that the league-leading Lynx trailed by more than 20 points.

Minnesota managed to cut the deficit to single digits in the second half, but Indiana pulled away again to secure the 19-point win.

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Caitlin Clark led the Fever with 27 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and four steals., as reported by Kelsey Mitchell finished with 20 points and four assists, while Aliyah Boston contributed 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Sophie Cunningham added 11 points off the bench.

Napheesa Collier led Minnesota's starters with nine points, while Maya Caldwell added seven points and four rebounds and Natasha Howard finished with six points, five rebounds and three assists. Chloe Bibby led the Lynx with 15 points off the bench, while Liatu King added 12 points and four rebounds.

The Lynx played without Olivia Miles, who was a late scratch because of a calf injury. The Lynx were also without Elena Buenavida due to a coaching decision, and without Anastasiia Olairi Kosu due to a right foot injury. Minnesota entered the game coming off a 101-89 win over the Connecticut Sun.

The teams will meet again Thursday in Minnesota for their regular-season finale. A Lynx victory would secure the No. 1 seed regardless of Golden State's results, while a Minnesota loss would require Golden State to drop at least one of its remaining games.

Game stats from CBS Sports contributed to this article.