The WNBA Playoff Race Heats Up: Analysis of the Day
With only five weeks left in the regular season, the competition for the playoffs in the WNBA intensifies. The two teams leading the league, the Minnesota Lynx and the New York Liberty, face significant challenges, including the absence of their stars and the integration of new players.
The Lynx, with MVP candidate Napheesa Collier out of action for at least two weeks due to a sprained ankle, have the advantage of a considerable lead in the standings. In addition, they have incorporated DiJonai Carrington, coming from the Wings, with the hope of strengthening the defense and bringing experience to the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Liberty are dealing with the absence of Breanna Stewart, suffering defeats before achieving a victory. The good news for New York is the return of Emma Meesseman, who made her debut this season after signing as a free agent in July.
Injuries affect several teams, making the fight for the playoffs even more exciting. Here’s a look at the standings and upcoming matches:
Previous position: 1
Next seven days: @ SEA (August 5), vs. WAS (August 8), @ NY (August 10)
The Lynx defeated the Liberty 100-93 in the first of four matchups, although the score did not reflect the wide advantage they had. Napheesa Collier suffered an ankle injury in the third quarter, so the Lynx will have to play without their star for at least two weeks.
Previous position: 3
Next seven days: @ CHI (August 7), @ PHX (August 10)
Atlanta continues to climb in the standings after obtaining victories over Dallas, Phoenix, and Washington. The team has achieved this despite the absences of Rhyne Howard and Brittney Griner. If the Dream manages to stay healthy, they could surprise in the postseason.
Previous position: 2
Upcoming seven days: vs. DAL (August 5), @ DAL (August 8), vs. MIN (August 10)
Although Emma Meesseman made her debut and Sabrina Ionescu scored 36 points, the victory over Connecticut was the only bright spot for the Liberty. They need the return of Breanna Stewart, Kennedy Burke, and Nyara Sabally to regain momentum.
Previous position: 5
Next seven days: @ LA (August 5), @ PHX (August 7), vs. CHI (August 9)
With five consecutive wins, the Fever are on the longest winning streak in the league. They are achieving this without Caitlin Clark, with Kelsey Mitchell and Aari McDonald leading the attack.
Previous position: 4
Next seven days: vs. CON (August 5), vs. IND (August 7), vs. ATL (August 10)
Phoenix looks to recover after losing two important games before securing a win against Chicago. Now they hope to improve in a four-game home series.
Previous position: 6
Next seven days: vs. MIN (August 5), @ LV (August 7), @ LA (August 10)
The Storm are recovering from two painful defeats. Inconsistency remains an issue, and the schedule doesn’t get any easier.
- Los Angeles Sparks (12-15)
Previous position: 7
Next seven days: vs. IND (August 5), vs. CON (August 7), @ GS (August 9), vs. SEA (August 10)
The Sparks welcomed Cameron Brink, who returned after an injury. It will take her time to regain her rhythm.
Previous position: 8
Next seven days: @ GS (August 6), vs. SEA (August 8), vs. CON (August 10)
It’s difficult to predict the Aces’ performance. They had a convincing victory against Los Angeles, but then suffered a heavy defeat against Minnesota.
- Golden State Valkyries (14-14)
Previous position: 10
Next seven days: vs. LV (August 6), vs. LA (August 9), vs. CON (August 11)
Golden State secured important wins before losing against Las Vegas. The availability of their players is a key issue.
- Washington Mystics (13-15)
Previous position: 9
Next seven days: @ CHI (August 5), @ MIN (August 8), @ DAL (August 10)
After defeating Chicago, Washington lost two games against Atlanta and Golden State. The team could be involved in transactions before the trade deadline.
Previous position: 11
Next seven days: @ NY (August 5), vs. NY (August 8), vs. WAS (August 10)
Dallas was close to beating Atlanta before losing. They also lost DiJonai Carrington in a trade.
Previous position: 12
Next seven days: vs. WAS (August 5), vs. ALT (August 7), @ IND (August 9)
Chicago has accumulated eight consecutive losses. Angel Reese returned from an injury, but then missed other games. Ariel Atkins and Hailey Van Lith have also been absent.
Previous position: 13
Next seven days: @ PHX (August 5), @ LA (August 7), @ LV (August 10), @ GS (August 11)
The Sun split their games with the Liberty. The imminent sale of the team could bring new life to the franchise.
