The playoffs will be made up of the top eight teams from the 2019 WNBA standings. These spots currently reside in Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces. There may be some surprises hidden in the standings. Phoenix and Las Vegas are struggling to close out games on the roads, while Minnesota's Big Three have been a constant Achilles Heel all season. Let's examine some of the other teams within the league.
Phoenix has been inconsistent in its offense
Although the team's offensive output has been inconsistent, the team's forwards have been a shining spot. Brianna Turner averages 17.2 point per game but her efficiency is lacking. She only shoots 38 percent from behind the arc and 27 percent in three-point shooting. Sandy Brondello has been a successful coach in developing younger players. She has 17 career playoff wins. She also has a youthful energy that inspires others.
Phoenix has been an excellent team in defense but has struggled to score recently. Despite Diana Taurasi's 10th straight win and 20 points, the Mercury lost to Atlanta Dream. While the Mercury has a defensive rating of 103.5, their offensive rating is only 103.3. Skylar DIGGIN-Smith averages 36 fantasy points per match and is another player you should be keeping an eye out for.
Las Vegas has had a difficult time closing games on the road
Las Vegas is still in the thicket for the playoff race. For the Eastern Conference's second seed, Connecticut is just half-game behind. For the fourth and fifth seeds respectively, Seattle and Washington are half-a game behind each other. Dallas is likely to be the sixth seed. The final two spots in the playoff race are wide open, with just one game separating seventh-place Atlanta and No. 11-seed Los Angeles.
Despite being unable to win on the road, they have been unstoppable at their home. The Aces have won 4 straight games against Bulls, while they have won 9 of their last 11. Their three recent losses have been in the postseason, but they have been in contention to move up the standings. Their recent win in hostile conditions could give them momentum as they head into the postseason.
All season, Minnesota's Big Three were Minnesota's Achilles heel.
The Gophers have had to slow down their running game due to health issues at both the wide receiver and runningback positions. True freshman Mohamed Ibrahim was injured in the opener and is currently out of action. Chris Autman Bell was injured and missed the first two games. He is expected to return Saturday. However, the remaining scholarship running backs are not as healthy as they were in the beginning of the season.
The Achilles heel of the offense line this season was Garrett Bradbury, but the team has made progress in the last week. Christian Darrisaw will start at left tackle. Garrett Bradbury will return to center. Ezra Cleveland is still settling into his role at left guard. Jesse Davis, Ed Ingram, Chris Reed and Ed Reed will vie for the right spot.