The playoffs will be decided by the eight top WNBA teams. These spots currently belong to the Las Vegas Aces, and Seattle Storm. There are still surprises lurking in the standings. Phoenix and Las Vegas have struggled on the road to win games while Minnesota's Big Three was a constant Achilles heal all season. Let's examine some of the other teams within the league.
Phoenix has been inconsistent on offense
Although the team's offensive output has been inconsistent, the team's forwards have been a shining spot. Brianna Turner averages 17.2 points per game, but her efficiency has been lacking. She's shooting just 38 percent from the line and only 27 percent from three-point range. Sandy Brondello, Coach, has won 17 playoffs in her career and is a great coach for developing younger players. She inspires others with her youthful energy.
Although Phoenix has been a solid team in defense, the Phoenix team has struggled to score lately. Despite Diana Taurasi recording her 10th consecutive win with 20 points, Sunday's Mercury loss was 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 struggled with closing road games
With three games to go this week, Las Vegas is in the thick of the playoff race. It is just half-game ahead of Connecticut for the Eastern Conference second seed. Washington and Seattle are half-agame apart for the fourth, fifth and sixth seeds. Dallas has already secured the sixth seed and is most likely to win the postseason. The playoff race is wide open with only one game separating seventh place Atlanta from No. 11-seed Los Angeles.
The Aces are unstoppable at home, despite losing several games on the road. The Aces are unstoppable at home, having won four straight games against Bulls. They also won nine of the last 11. Their three losses this season were in postseason play, but they still have the potential to climb the standings. They may gain momentum heading into next season if they win in a hostile environment.
All season, Minnesota's Big Three were Minnesota's Achilles heel.
Health issues at the running back and wide receiver positions have hampered the Gophers running game. True freshman Mohamed Ibrahim was injured in the opener and is currently out of action. Chris Autman Bell missed the opening two games because of injury, but is expected to be back Saturday. The remaining scholarship runners backs aren't as healthy as they were at beginning of season.
The Achilles’ heel of this season's offensive line has been the offensive sideline. But, things have changed in just the last week. Christian Darrisaw will begin as the full time left tackle. Garrett Bradbury has returned to center. Ezra Cleveland is still settling into his role at left guard. Jesse Davis, Ed Ingram, Chris Reed, and Ed Reed will all be fighting for the rightguard spot.