{
  "id": 10192616,
  "title": "WNBA 2026 playoffs predictions: A big question for every team and matchup analysis",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/wnba-2026-playoffs-predictions-a-big-question-for-every-team-and",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-27T10:16:06.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/wnba-2026-playoffs-predictions-big-101606583.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "WNBA 2026 playoffs predictions: A big question for every team and matchup analysis\n\nThe 2026 WNBA playoff seeding has been determined, with the first round set to tip off on Sunday. Our experts are analyzing the biggest questions for each team as they prepare to face their opponents. The Minnesota Lynx, the No. 1 seed, will take on the New York Liberty, while the Golden State Valkyries will host the Dallas Wings. The Las Vegas Aces will face the Indiana Fever in another matchup.\n\nFor the Minnesota Lynx, the biggest concern is the health of rookie point guard Olivia Miles, who missed the final two games of the regular season due to a calf injury. Miles has been a scoring threat, averaging 19 points per game, but her absence could impact the team's chances of advancing. However, if Miles and Napheesa Collier can combine to create a strong backcourt, the Lynx may have the edge in this first-round matchup. The Lynx have won seven of their eight first-round series under coach Cheryl Reeve, who has a proven track record of leading the team to victory.\n\nThe New York Liberty, on the other hand, face the question of which version of their team will show up in the playoffs. The Liberty have struggled throughout the regular season, losing almost half of their first 25 games. Injuries have plagued the team, with key players like Breanna Stewart out for the season finale against Atlanta. Despite this, the Liberty have managed to secure a playoff spot as the final seed. Their inconsistency has been a major issue, but when they play at their best, they have the most talented and versatile roster in the WNBA. With a motivated Miles-Collier duo and the guidance of Coach Reeve, the Liberty could pull off a three-game series victory in their home court.\n\nThe Golden State Valkyries, the No. 2 seed, will host the Dallas Wings, the No. 7 seed. The Valkyries finished the regular season with the best net rating in the league, but they struggled heading into the playoffs, losing to Portland Fire and needing a comeback to defeat LA Sparks. Golden State's best player, Gabby Williams, has shown signs of returning to form, and the bench has been providing crucial production. However, Golden State's absence of full 40 minutes during the regular season might be a disadvantage in the postseason. The team has yet to put together a full 40 minutes of play since before the FIBA World Cup break.\n\nThe Dallas Wings, the No. 7 seed, face the challenge of generating offense against the defensive powerhouse Golden State. The Wings have posted single-digit quarters twice in three games against Golden State, and neither of their top players, Gabby Williams or Arike Ogunbowale, have shown efficient shooting during those games. Jessica Shepard, the Wings' leading scorer, has struggled against Golden State's paint defense, averaging only 8 points and 2.3 assists in the three losses. With role players like Awak Kuier stepping up, the Wings may need some supernova performances to overcome Golden State's dominant defense. The prediction is that Golden State will prevail in this matchup, likely in two games.",
  "summary": "The final whistle of the 2026 regular season has sounded, and it took almost every single second to determine the 2026 playoff seeding. With the field set and the 2026 WNBA playoffs tipping off Sunday, our experts ask the most pressing question for each team as it enters the first round (and, of course, to offer predictions). No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 8 New York Liberty ScheduleGame 1: Sunday,…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "What channel is Lynx vs. Liberty on? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch Game 1 of WNBA Playoffs series",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/27/what-channel-is-lynx-vs-liberty-on-time-tv-schedule-live-stream-to",
        "published": "2026-09-27T07:30:01.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}