Five burning questions for the WNBA playoffs: Can the Lynx win first title since 2017? Will Liberty, Dream vanquish first-round demons?

Question 1: Can the Lynx finally win the WNBA title since 2017?

The Lynx have struggled to capture a championship since 2017, losing to New York in the 2024 Finals after a five-game series. With a strong roster featuring Napheesa Collier, Olivia Miles, and Courtney Williams, the team is eager to end this drought. However, their playoff performances have been inconsistent, and they face stiff competition from the wide-open field.

Question 2: Will the Liberty and Dream overcome their first-round demons?

The Liberty and Dream, both top teams in the league, have had difficulty advancing past the first round in recent seasons. The Dream were eliminated in the first round last season, and the Liberty lost to the Dream in the first round earlier this year. Both teams will need to overcome the pressure of their historic rivals and the possibility of facing early elimination if they are to make a deep postseason run.

Question 3: How will the World Cup break impact the wide-open postseason?

The WNBA's recent World Cup break, which took place midway through the season, resulted in low-seeded teams reaching the Finals, such as the Sky and Mercury. This break may have impacted the league's competitiveness, as teams had to make quick adjustments and come back from a relatively short rest period. The wide-open field of the 2026 playoffs suggests that the impact of the break will be felt throughout the postseason.

Question 4: How will the historic offensive explosion affect the playoffs?

The 2026 WNBA season experienced a historic offensive explosion, with league-wide averages in scoring, assists, pace, and offensive rating reaching all-time highs. This offensive surge has led to a more competitive postseason, as teams like the Indiana Fever, Minnesota Lynx, and others have powerful offenses. Defensively, however, the question remains whether teams will be able to slow down these prolific scorers to win the championship.

Question 5: Which team has the best shot at overcoming the odds and winning the title?

With the tight standings and close games throughout the season, the playoff field appears more open than ever. Minnesota's Lynx, led by Napheesa Collier and Olivia Miles, have the potential to end their championship drought and claim the title. Meanwhile, the Liberty and Dream, both top teams, will need to overcome their first-round demons to make a deep playoff run. Ultimately, the outcome will depend on each team's performance throughout the postseason.