WNBA Playoff Qualification, Overview, and Schedule: Minnesota Lynx secure a playoff spot first among contenders
The 2021 WNBA playoffs are heating up, with the top eight teams by regular-season record vying for a spot in the coveted postseason. This year, the playoffs follow a traditional bracket seeded by record, not conference, and feature a best-of-three first round, a best-of-five semifinals, and a best-of-seven Finals series.
In typical playoff races, teams like the Minnesota Lynx have clinched playoff spots early, while others such as the Las Vegas Aces, Phoenix Mercury, and Atlanta Dream battle for seeding. The top seed secures homecourt advantage throughout, which is crucial given the lengthening of series from first rounds to the Finals. For example, the Mercury had a strong chance to be the No. 4 seed facing the No. 5 seed Aces.
As we approach the playoffs, the Lynx hold a significant lead in the race for the No. 1 seed. The Washington Mystics will play against the Indiana Fever, while the Los Angeles Sparks are only half a game behind the Storm for the No. 8 seed. The Las Vegas Aces will play against the Phoenix Mercury, and the Seattle Storm will face the Atlanta Dream.
The Golden State Valkyries will take on the Chicago Sky, and the Fever have already clinched the tiebreaker between the teams. The Aces have won four games in a row and six out of their last seven, while the Valkyries have won three games in a row and six out of their last eight. The Indiana Fever have dealt with significant injury problems, with key players Caitlin Clark, Sydney Colson, and Aari McDonald all out for the season.
The Atlanta Dream (21-11) are in second place, followed closely by the New York Liberty (21-12) and the Phoenix Mercury (19-12), who are tied for third place. The Seattle Storm have lost six games in a row and are currently below .500 for the season. The Fever currently hold fifth place, but the Aces have a one-game lead over them.
The semifinals are a best-of-five, and the Finals are a best-of-seven. With less than 15 games remaining in the WNBA regular season, 10 out of 13 teams are within reach of a playoff spot. The regular season will conclude on Sept. 11, and the playoffs begin on Sept. 14.
In addition, the Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, and Connecticut Sun are all lottery-bound for the season. The Sky owe their first pick to the Lynx, the Sun owe the Sky swap rights to their first rounder, and the Sky also own the Mercury's first rounder. The Wings control their own pick.
A'ja Wilson has been inspiring for the Aces in their recent winning streak, and there are five WNBA games scheduled for Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET and 10:00 p.m. ET. The Washington Mystics have lost eight out of their last 11 games and traded All-Star guard Brittney Sykes at the deadline.
The playoffs are shaping up to be an exciting battle, with many teams still in contention for the championship. Stay tuned for updates as the season comes to a close and the playoffs begin!
- The top-seeded Minnesota Lynx have a significant advantage in the WNBA playoffs, securing homecourt advantage throughout the postseason series.
- The Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, currently tied for third place, will face each other in the playoffs, a best-of-three series to determine their seeding.
- In the NBA counterpart, teams strive to set records and win championships, showcasing the intensity and competition in sports like basketball.
- The WNBA playoffs are expecting high bets from sports enthusiasts, given the competitive spirit and tight races for playoff spots among teams.
