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 surprises lurking in the standings. Phoenix and Las Vegas have struggled on the road to win games while Minnesota's Big Three was a constant Achilles heal all season. Let's take a look at the other teams in this league.
Phoenix's offense has been inconsistent
The team's offensive production is inconsistent but its forwards are a bright spot. Brianna Turner averages 17.2 point per game but her efficiency is lacking. 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 is also a young, energetic coach who inspires others.
Although Phoenix has been a solid team in defense, the Phoenix team has struggled to score lately. Despite Diana Taurasi scoring 20 in her 10th consecutive game, the Mercury lost to Atlanta Dream. The Mercury's defensive rating is 103.5, but their offensive rating is just 103.3. Skylar DIGGIN-Smith averages 36 fantasy points per match and is another player you should be keeping an eye out for.
Las Vegas has had a difficult time closing games on the road
Las Vegas is at the forefront of the playoff race, with only three games left this week. It is just half-game ahead of Connecticut for the Eastern Conference second seed. 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. With just one game between seventh-place Atlanta & No. 11-seed Los Angeles.
Despite struggling to close games on the road, the Aces have been unstoppable at home. The Aces have won four straight games against the Bulls, and they have won nine of their last 11. Their three recent losses have been in the postseason, but they have been in contention to move up the standings. They could gain momentum going into the postseason with a recent win in a hostile setting.
Minnesota's Big Three have been Minnesota’s Achilles' heel throughout the entire season
The health problems at the wide receiver, running back and running back positions have caused problems for the Gophers' running games. True freshman Mohamed Ibrahim was injured in the opener and is currently out of action. Chris Autman Bell, who was injured in the first two games, is expected back to play Saturday. However, the remaining scholarship backs aren’t as fit as they were during the first season.
The offensive line has been the Achilles' heel all season, but it has turned around in the last week. Christian Darrisaw will start at left tackle. Garrett Bradbury will return to center. Ezra Cleveland still needs to settle into his left guard role. Chris Reed, Ed Ingram, and Jesse Davis will battle it out for the right guard spot.