The playoffs will be made up of the top eight teams from the 2019 WNBA standings. The Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces currently hold those spots. There may be some surprises hidden in the standings. Phoenix and Las Vegas have struggled to close games on the road, while Minnesota's Big Three has been a constant Achilles heel all season. Let's have a closer look at some other teams in the league.
Phoenix has been inconsistent with offense
While the team's offensive production has been inconsistent in the standings, its forwards have been a bright spot. Brianna Turner averages 17.2 ppg, but her efficiency has been poor. 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 Digger-Smith is another player to watch. He averages 36 fantasy goals per game.
Las Vegas has had trouble closing games on-the-road.
With three games to go this week, Las Vegas is in the thick of the playoff race. It is only a half-game back of Connecticut for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. 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. With just one game between seventh-place Atlanta & No. 11-seed Los Angeles.
Despite having to win a few games on the road against the Bulls, the Aces have been unstoppable here. 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. Their recent win in hostile conditions could give them momentum as they head into the postseason.
Minnesota's Big Three have been Minnesota’s Achilles' heel throughout the entire season
The Gophers' running game has been hampered by health issues at the wide receiver and running back positions. Mohamed Ibrahim (a true freshman) suffered a season ending injury in the opener. Unfortunately, the team is still without its top running backs. Chris Autman-Bell missed the first two games due to injury and is expected to play Saturday. The remaining scholarship runners backs aren't as healthy as they were at beginning of season.
The offensive line has been the Achilles' heel all season, but it has turned around in 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. Chris Reed, Ed Ingram, and Jesse Davis will battle it out for the right guard spot.