The WNBA Playoff Push Enters Its Crucial Moment
With one month remaining in the WNBA regular season, the urgency to secure a playoff spot and build momentum intensifies for teams. Every game counts, but some have a greater weight in the postseason implications.
Although the [Minnesota Lynx](https://www.espn.com/wnba/team/_/name/min/minnesota-lynx) seem to have secured the top spot, the competition for the other playoff spots is very close. In addition, the fight to avoid the last two places also adds excitement.
Key Matches That Will Define the Path to the Playoffs
These ten matchups in the next four weeks could determine the fate of the season.
- August 19: Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty
- August 21: Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces
- August 23: New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream
- August 30: New York Liberty vs. Phoenix Mercury
- September 1: Los Angeles Sparks vs. Seattle Storm
- September 2: Indiana Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury
- September 5: Los Angeles Sparks vs. Atlanta Dream
- September 9: Minnesota Lynx vs. Indiana Fever
- September 9: Golden State Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm
- September 11: Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles Sparks
Let’s analyze some of the most important matches.
Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty
This will be the last of four encounters between the finalist teams of the 2024 WNBA. The Lynx won the first two games, and they will face each other this Saturday. Will the current champions, the Liberty, be able to gain ground against the Lynx, even without Breanna Stewart, due to a bone contusion in her right knee? The Liberty are also competing with the Dream for second place.
Phoenix Mercury vs. Las Vegas Aces
The Aces’ season appears to have stabilized, with four straight wins and seven in their last ten games. On the other hand, Phoenix is the only team in the top seven with a losing record in their last ten matches. Las Vegas and Phoenix split their two meetings in June. The third matchup is scheduled for Friday, and the series concludes six days later. Winning the series could be crucial.
New York Liberty vs. Atlanta Dream
The Dream have won five games in a row and seven of eight, including three wins over Phoenix. Atlanta will play eight of their last eleven regular season games at home, including this matchup against the Liberty. A win over the Liberty would even their season series; New York won two of the first three.
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Seattle Storm
This game will be the second of two consecutive games for the Sparks, who will host the Mystics on August 31. The Sparks’ season has taken a turn: they had a 4-6 record in the 10 games before the All-Star Game, and now they are 7-3 in the subsequent 10. If the standings remain as they are now, the Sparks and the Storm will be battling for the eighth and final playoff spot.
Indiana Fever vs. Phoenix Mercury
It is unknown when Caitlin Clark (Eng.) might return. Despite her absence and the loss of Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson due to season-ending injuries, the Fever are still in the fight. This game in Phoenix will open September. Will Clark be back or about to return? Indiana and Phoenix split their first two meetings, so this game will define the series.
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Atlanta Dream
The Sparks will play two consecutive games in Atlanta. Cameron Brink will have returned for about a month. The Sparks could be climbing the standings. These three away games in a span of five days could be crucial for L.A.
Minnesota Lynx vs. Indiana Fever
This matchup will conclude the regular season for the Fever. The Lynx will finish two days later against the Golden State Valkyries. Could Clark be back for this game? The Fever are in the midst of a playoff push, which is impressive considering all they’ve been through with injuries. This game could be important for Indiana’s playoff position.
Golden State Valkyries vs. Seattle Storm
The Valkyries have shown resilience in their first season. Losing Kayla Thornton (knee) in July could have derailed them, but they are still in the fight for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Seattle has lost five games in a row and seven of nine since the All-Star Game. This matchup could determine the playoff fate for one of these teams.
Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles Sparks
The last game of the 2025 regular season could have important consequences. If the playoff spots are not defined, everyone will be watching to see how this match ends.
