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 collection.
Beginning this yr, first-round video games can be performed in a home-away-home format, that means that the lower-seeded group is assured to get at the very least one recreation in entrance of their house 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 had been to start at the moment.
No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 8 Washington Mystics
With a 21-4 file, the Lynx have been the WNBA’s most constant group. 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 yr’s Finals loss.
The Mystics have exceeded expectations, largely because of the play of their two rookies, Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. Each gamers had been named All-Stars, as was Brittney Sykes, who’s having a profession season at age 31. Washington can be a severe underdog on this collection, however the truth that they’re within the playoff race to start with is one thing to rejoice.
No. 2 New York Liberty vs. No. 7 Las Vegas Aces
The final two WNBA champions would face off in a first-round collection if the playoffs had been to start at the moment. The Liberty (16-6) slid a bit when Jonquel Jones went out with an ankle harm, however they’ve now received 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 is able to be a star-studded first-round collection.
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 harm 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 harm by the postseason, the Fever are a wildcard group to make a playoff push, largely because of constant play from fellow All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston.
This primary-round collection would even be a possibility for Bonner to face the group she started the yr 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 received simply 4 of their final 10 video games and are on the decline after beginning the yr sizzling, whereas the Storm have received 6 of 10 to carry onto fourth place.
Seattle’s robust 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 group to a contender. This is able to possible be one of many league’s best first-round collection.
