The playoffs will take place for the top eight teams in the 2019 WNBA standings. These spots are currently held by the Las Vegas Aces and Seattle Storm. 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 closer look at some of the other teams in the league.
Phoenix has been inconsistent on offense
The team's offensive production has been inconsistent throughout the standings but the forwards have been a bright point. Brianna's average point score is 17.2 but her efficiency has not been great. She is shooting only 38 percent from field and just 27 percent from 3-point range. Coach Sandy Brondello has 17 career playoff wins and has been successful at developing younger players. She inspires others with her youthful energy.
Phoenix has been a consistent defense team, but it has struggled to score in recent matches. On Sunday, the Mercury fell to the Atlanta Dream, despite having Diana Taurasi record her 10th straight game with 20 points. The Mercury's defensive rating stands at 103.5 while their offensive rating sits at 103.3. Skylar Diggins Smith, who averages 36 fantasy point per game, is another player worth keeping an eye on.
Las Vegas has had a difficult time 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-a games behind each for the fourth or fifth seeds. Dallas has already secured a spot in the postseason and is now likely to be the sixth. The final two spots in the playoff race are wide open, with just one game separating seventh-place Atlanta and No. 11-seed Los Angeles.
The Aces are unstoppable at home, despite losing several games on the road. They have won four straight against the Bulls and nine of their last 11 games. Their three recent losses have been in the postseason, but they have been in contention to move up the standings. A recent win in a hostile environment could help them gain momentum heading into the postseason.
Minnesota's Big Three have been Minnesota's Achilles' heel all season
Health issues at the running back and wide receiver positions have hampered 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, who was injured in the first two games, is expected back to play Saturday. However, the remaining scholarship running backs are not as healthy as they were in the beginning of the season.
Although the offensive line was the Achilles' heel of the season, it has shown some improvement in the past 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.