WNBA 2025: Playoff Scenarios Defined, Aces for Record and Thomas to History

WNBA on Fire: Final Day of the Regular Season

The longest regular season in WNBA history comes to an end this Thursday, and the excitement is at its peak. With eight teams qualified for the 2025 playoffs, the final day promises to define crucial positions. The teams that already have their ticket secured for the playoffs are: Atlanta Dream, Golden State Valkyries, Indiana Fever, Las Vegas Aces, Minnesota Lynx, New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, and Seattle Storm. Although some teams already have their place secured, most of the playoff positions are still to be decided. Two of the four Thursday games have direct implications on the standings, including one that will affect the draft lottery draw. In addition, a winning streak and a place in the WNBA record books are also at stake.

Defined Positions

• First Seed: Minnesota Lynx
• Fourth Seed: Phoenix Mercury (will play against New York in the first round)
• Fifth Seed: New York Liberty (will play against Phoenix in the first round)

Thursday Matches with Implications for the Standings

Golden State Valkyries vs. Minnesota Lynx

Although the Lynx have already secured first place, this game will determine their opponent in the first round and the seeding order from 6th to 8th. The Valkyries, after losing against Seattle, can finish sixth or eighth, depending on the result. A victory would place them in sixth place, while a defeat would relegate them to eighth, starting the playoffs in Minnesota.

This also affects Storm and Fever. If Golden State wins, Indiana will be seventh and Seattle eighth. A loss would change these positions. Minnesota has won the three previous matchups against Golden State.Las Vegas Aces vs. Los Angeles SparksThe Aces are looking to extend their winning streak to 16 consecutive games to secure the second seed. Atlanta’s victory over Connecticut gave the Dream 30 wins, but Las Vegas has the tiebreaker advantage and would take the second seed and home-court advantage in the semifinals with a win. This game also has implications for the WNBA draft. A Sparks win would tie the Washington Mystics’ two-year record, which could affect the draft order. Seattle watches this game with interest, as it owns Los Angeles’ first-round pick for 2026.

Classification Scenarios

These are the possible classification scenarios for the teams that do not yet have their position defined:

1. Atlanta Dream
   • Second Seed: if the Aces lose on Thursday
   • Third Seed: if the Aces win on Thursday
2. Las Vegas Aces
   • Second Seed: with a win on Thursday
   • Third Seed: with a loss on Thursday
3. Indiana Fever
   • Sixth Seed: if the Valkyries lose on Thursday
   • Seventh Seed: if the Valkyries win on Thursday
4. Golden State Valkyries
   • Sixth Seed: with a win on Thursday
   • Eighth Seed: with a loss on Thursday
5. Seattle Storm
   • Seventh Seed: if the Valkyries lose on Thursday
   • Eighth Seed: if the Valkyries win on Thursday

The Fittest Team: Record of Victories and Promise of Success?

Since Minnesota defeated Las Vegas by 53 points on August 2nd, the Aces have not known defeat, accumulating 15 consecutive victories. If Las Vegas wins on Thursday, they will set a WNBA record with 16 straight wins to end the regular season. This streak could be a sign of things to come. The three previous WNBA teams that achieved at least 15 consecutive wins in the regular season went on to win the championship. Will the Aces be able to replicate the feat of the 1998 Houston Comets, the 2001 Los Angeles Sparks, and the 2014 Phoenix Mercury?

How Many Assists Will Thomas Accumulate?

With Phoenix’s position secured, Alyssa Thomas may not play her usual 31.8 minutes per game on Thursday. However, each assist she adds will increase her WNBA single-season assist record. Thomas regained the record five days ago, surpassing Caitlin Clark’s 337 assists in 2024. With at least 316 assists in each of the last three seasons, Thomas arrives on Thursday with 352. Her average of 9.3 assists per game this season places her in second place historically, only behind Courtney Vandersloot. Thomas has achieved eight triple-doubles this season, a WNBA record, and became the first player in league history to achieve three consecutive triple-doubles last month.