The playoffs will be made up of the top eight teams from the 2019 WNBA standings. The Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces currently hold those spots. There are still surprises lurking 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's offense is inconsistent
Although the team's offensive output has been inconsistent, the team's forwards have been a shining spot. Brianna Turner averages 17.2 points per game, but her efficiency has been lacking. She is shooting only 38 percent from field and just 27 percent from 3-point range. Sandy Brondello has been a successful coach in developing younger players. She has 17 career playoff wins. She has a youthful energy and inspires others.
While Phoenix has been a relatively consistent team on defense, it has struggled to score in recent games. Despite Diana Taurasi's 10th straight win and 20 points, the Mercury lost to Atlanta Dream. The Mercury's defensive rating stands at 103.5 while their offensive rating sits at 103.3. Skylar Diggins-Smith, who averages 36 fantasy points per game, is another player to keep an eye on.
Las Vegas has had trouble closing games on-the-road.
Las Vegas is leading the race for the playoffs with just three games remaining. For the Eastern Conference's second seed, Connecticut is just half-game behind. Washington and Seattle are about half-a-game behind each other for the fourth- and fifth seeds. Dallas, however, has already secured a playoff spot and will likely be the sixth seed. 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.
Despite being unable to win on the road, they have been unstoppable at their home. The Aces have won 4 straight games against Bulls, while they have won 9 of their last 11. While they lost their last three games in the playoffs, they remain in contention to rise the standings. They could gain momentum in the postseason if they can win in a hostile situation.
Minnesota's Big Three have been Minnesota’s Achilles’ heel all season
The health problems at the wide receiver, running back and running back positions have caused problems for the Gophers' running games. 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. The remaining scholarship running backs may not be as fit as they were at the start of the season.
The offensive line has been the Achilles' heel all season, but it has turned around in the last week. Christian Darrisaw will be the full-time left tackle, while Garrett Bradbury returns to center. Ezra Cleveland continues to adjust to his position as left guard. Jesse Davis, Ed Ingram, Chris Reed, and Ed Reed will all be fighting for the rightguard spot.