The playoffs will be decided by the eight top WNBA teams. The Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces currently hold those spots. There are still some surprises 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 in its offense
Although the team has had inconsistent offensive production, its forwards have been a bright light. Brianna has averaged 17.2 points per contest, but her efficiency seems to be lacking. She is shooting only 38 percent from field and just 27 percent from 3-point range. Sandy Brondello, Coach, has won 17 playoffs in her career and is a great coach for developing younger players. Her youthful energy 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. The Mercury's defensive rating is 103.5, but their offensive rating is just 103.3. Skylar Diggins Smith, who averages 36 fantasy point per game, is another player worth keeping an eye on.
Las Vegas has not been able to win games on the road.
Las Vegas is at the forefront of the playoff race, with only three games left this week. It is only a half-game back of Connecticut for the second seed in the Eastern Conference. 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. With only one game between seventh-place Atlanta (No. 11-seed Los Angeles.
The Aces are unstoppable at home, despite losing several games on the road. The Aces have won four straight games against the Bulls, and they have won nine of their last 11. While they lost their last three games in the playoffs, they remain in contention to rise the standings. They may gain momentum heading into next season if they win in a hostile environment.
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 during the opener. The team still has its top three running backs. Chris Autman-Bell missed the first two games due to injury and is expected to play Saturday. However, the remaining scholarship backs aren’t as fit as they were during the first 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 start at left tackle. Garrett Bradbury will return to center. Ezra Cleveland is still getting used to his position at left guard. Jesse Davis, Ed Ingram, Chris Reed and Ed Reed will vie for the right spot.