The playoffs are for the eight best teams in 2019 WNBA standings. The Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces currently hold those spots. There are still some surprises in the standings. While Phoenix and Las Vegas struggle to close road games, Minnesota's Big Three has been an Achilles heel throughout the season. Let's take a look at the other teams in this league.
Phoenix has been inconsistent with offense
The team's offensive production is inconsistent but its forwards are a bright 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 is an experienced coach who has developed younger players and won 17 career playoffs. Her youthful energy inspires others.
Phoenix has been an excellent team in defense but has struggled to score recently. Despite Diana Taurasi scoring 20 in her 10th consecutive game, the Mercury lost to Atlanta Dream. The Mercury's offensive rating is just 103.3, while their defensive rating is 103.5. 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 still in the thicket for the playoff race. The Eastern Conference's second seed is Connecticut, which is only half a game behind. 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.
The Aces are unstoppable at home, despite losing several games on the road. The Aces won four consecutive games against the Bulls and have won nine of their 11 previous 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 all season
Health problems at the wide receiver position and running back positions have hindered the Gophers' running game. Mohamed Ibrahim, a true rookie, was hurt in the opening game. Three running backs remain out of the team's top three positions. Chris Autman Bell is expected play Saturday, despite missing the first two matches due to injury. However, the remaining scholarship running backs are not as healthy as they were in the beginning of the season.
The Achilles' heel for the entire season has been the offensive line, but things have changed 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. Jesse Davis, Ed Ingram, Chris Reed and Ed Reed will vie for the right spot.