The Lynx’s schedule is extra daunting with three video games in opposition to different playoff groups. Having taken the season sequence in opposition to Golden State 3-1, Minnesota solely wants a cut up to safe the No. 1 seed, however it must work to get that.
The race for No. 4
The Dream and Fever are each 26-14 and have stars seeking to proceed the positive momentum inbuilt Berlin with Staff USA en path to a gold medal. Dream guard Rhyne Howard and ahead Angel Reese have been sparks off the bench, as have been Fever guard Caitlin Clark and ahead Aliyah Boston.
Howard had a pair of double-digit-scoring video games throughout the event, together with a 15-point outburst within the quarterfinals in opposition to Hungary, whereas Reese was an energetic pressure on the glass, averaging 5 rebounds per recreation.
Clark ranked sixth amongst all gamers with 5.3 assists per recreation, and he or she and Boston had Staff USA’s highest cumulative plus-minus, the squad over 100 factors higher with both on the court docket.
Whichever golden duo greatest recaptures the magic of the previous two weeks may decide who begins the playoffs at house.
Can the Liberty get on monitor?
Accidents have stymied New York, which is tied within the standings with the Mystics and Wings (24-16). As The Athletic senior WNBA writer Annie Costabile noted when reporting that ahead Satou Sabally (concussion) can be out for the rest of the season, first-year head coach Chris DeMarco has used 14 beginning fives.
“Sabrina Ionescu, Leonie Fiebich, Sabally, Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones,” Costabile wrote, “have been anticipated to be the Liberty’s starters, but have began solely two video games collectively as a result of accidents.”
Stewart, named MVP on the FIBA World Cup, is peaking on the proper time. New York may have extra from Ionescu, who’s taking pictures 15.1 % from deep over her final eight video games, to keep away from coming into the playoffs because the No. 8 seed.
All of the jockeying over playoff positioning may not imply a lot if Wilson, who missed the World Cup to heal from a lingering again difficulty, emerges from the break in prime type. The seemingly soon-to-be five-time MVP is averaging 26 factors and 9.4 rebounds per recreation this season.
Because the WNBA’s single-most dominant pressure, she provides Las Vegas a good chance of profitable a fourth WNBA championship in 5 seasons. The subsequent week may lay the groundwork for the Aces’ subsequent title run.
