Way-too-early WNBA playoff series matchups and predictions
If the WNBA playoffs started today, we’d be in store for four riveting first-round series. The league-best Minnesota Lynx would face the surging Washington Mystics. The reigning champions, Las Vegas Aces, would face the New York Liberty. Gabby Williams and the Golden State Valkyries would host Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. And Caitlin Clark […]
The first round of the hypothetical 2026 WNBA playoffs would feature four highly anticipated matchups. The Minnesota Lynx, currently leading the league with a 25-6 record, would face off against the Washington Mystics, who have a 16-12 mark. This would be a challenging matchup for the Mystics, who have limited playoff experience despite winning four straight games.
Minnesota's supporting cast includes Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles and key players Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Natasha Howard. Napheesa Collier's return from injuries is also a significant boost for the Lynx.
In another intriguing matchup, the Las Vegas Aces, champions of the previous season, would take on the New York Liberty. The Liberty have struggled this season, finishing with an 18-13 record under new head coach Chris DeMarco. The Aces, known for their championship backcourt of Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, have shown consistent success over the past few seasons. Their path to the finals could be paved with an Aces victory in this series.
The Golden State Valkyries would face the Atlanta Dream in what promises to be an exciting matchup. The Valkyries have dominated during the regular season, while the Dream have been on a rough patch, going 5-5 in their last six games. Angel Reese's stellar performance for Atlanta and the contributions of Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard could prove crucial. Golden State's offensive struggles in the playoffs might be a concern, but they remain a dominant force on the court.
Lastly, the Dallas Wings would take on the Indiana Fever in a clash of star power. Both teams have showcased exceptional talent with Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Mitchell leading the charge. Azzi Fudd, the league's top rookie, adds considerable firepower to the Wings' lineup. The rivalry between Clark and Bueckers, coupled with Mitchell's clutch performances, could make for a thrilling first-round series.
The Wings and Fever have not faced each other since Opening Day, leaving a lot of questions about how these teams would perform under the pressure of the playoffs.
Written by urgent.news from SB Nation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
