We're at the point in the season at which the number of games left to be played is far lower than the number of games that have been played, and that means it's time to start seriously thinking about the playoffs. It's actually already been time to be thinking about them, and three teams (the Minnesota Lynx, Las Vegas Aces, and Golden State Valkyries) have already clinched their spots.
But that means there are still five teams who will make the cut, though the exact order in which they do so isn't completely clear. The Lynx were the first team to seal the deal, something that isn't too surprising given they've been leading the league standings for most of the season. Minnesota was followed by the Aces, who will be looking for their fourth championship, and the Valkyries, who are looking for their first (in only their second season in the WNBA).
There are a handful of games that could make the difference for the rest of the field — here are three to keep an eye on.
August 20: Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings
The Fever will head down to Texas Thursday to meet the Wings, who will be playing without Azzi Fudd. On Wednesday, Dallas announced Fudd will undergo surgery on her right knee and will miss the rest of the season. (Many UConn fans can likely recall all too well that Fudd's right knee has been the source of many an injury throughout her career.)
Missing Fudd will make the game easier for the Fever, but they aren't guaranteed to win. The Wings won their first game 107-104 at the beginning of the season, but the Fever came charging back when the two teams met last week and won 98-87. Momentum is in the Fever's favor; the team has one 7 of their last 9 games.
August 30: Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream
The Lynx might already be in the playoffs, but the Dream haven't yet secured their spot. This game at the end of the month will give Atlanta a shot at winning the 3-game regular season series between the two teams, and a win would boost their standings in the WNBA.
September 18: New York Liberty vs. Minnesota Lynx
This game will be notable as it's the first one for both teams after the WNBA takes a break during the FIBA World Cup, and it'll also be an indication of whether or not the Liberty have what it takes to topple the Lynx this season. So far, the Liberty won their first match July 3, but Minnesota won on July 11.
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