The WNBA playoffs are set to start on September 14, and eight of the league’s 13 groups will face off in a best-of-three sequence.
Beginning this 12 months, first-round video games might be performed in a home-away-home format, which means that the lower-seeded crew is assured to get no less than one recreation in entrance of their dwelling crowd.
We’re nonetheless about six weeks out from the conclusion of the WNBA’s common season, however right here’s who will face off if the playoffs have been to start at the moment.
No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 8 Washington Mystics
With a 21-4 document, the Lynx have been the WNBA’s most constant crew. Napheesa Collier seems to be a transparent frontrunner for MVP, and Minnesota’s three All-Stars — Collier, Kayla McBride, and Courtney Williams — appear motivated to bounce again from final 12 months’s Finals loss.
The Mystics have exceeded expectations, largely because of the play of their two rookies, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Each gamers have been named All-Stars, as was Brittney Sykes, who’s having a profession season at age 31. Washington could be a severe underdog on this sequence, however the truth that they’re within the playoff race to start with is one thing to have fun.
No. 2 New York Liberty vs. No. 7 Las Vegas Aces
The final two WNBA champions would face off in a first-round sequence if the playoffs have been to start at the moment. The Liberty (16-6) slid a bit when Jonquel Jones went out with an ankle damage, however they’ve now gained 4 straight video games and have added Belgian star Emma Meeseman to the combo.
In the meantime, the Aces have been underwhelming at 12-12, and Jewell Loyd has been a downgrade for Kelsey Plum. Nonetheless, Las Vegas has three-time MVP A’ja Wilson and a championship core alongside Wilson headlined by Jackie Younger and Chelsea Grey. This could be a star-studded first-round sequence.
No. 3 Phoenix Mercury vs. No. 6 Indiana Fever
The Mercury (15-8) have quietly been one of many WNBA’s most dominant groups. Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas have led the cost, however Kahleah Copper is again within the combine, too, after getting back from preseason knee surgical procedure. DeWanna Bonner, who joined the Mercury earlier this month, has been glorious in her 4 video games, averaging 14.5 factors on 51.4% capturing.
In the meantime, the Fever (13-12) have had a irritating season, headlined by the damage struggles of star sophomore guard Caitlin Clark. Clark has handled calf and groin accidents and has appeared in simply 13 video games this season. Assuming she’s again from her groin damage by the postseason, the Fever are a wildcard crew to make a playoff push, largely due to constant play from fellow All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston.
This primary-round sequence would even be a chance for Bonner to face the crew she started the 12 months with.
No. 4 Seattle Storm vs. No. 5 Atlanta Dream
The Storm (15-10) and Dream (14-10) would face off if the WNBA playoffs started at the moment. The Dream have gained simply 4 of their final 10 video games and are on the decline after beginning the 12 months scorching, whereas the Storm have gained 6 of 10 to carry onto fourth place.
Seattle’s sturdy play can largely be attributed to its All-Star trio of Skylar Diggins-Smith, Gabby Williams, and Nneka Ogwumike, with Williams incomes her first All-Star choice amid a profession season, significantly on the defensive finish.
On the Dream aspect, Allisha Grey is having an MVP-caliber season, Rhyne Howard has earned her first All-Star choice, and the additions of Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner have elevated the Dream from a fringe playoff crew to a contender. This could possible be one of many league’s best first-round sequence.
