The playoffs will take place for the top eight teams in the 2019 WNBA standings. These spots currently lie in the hands of the Las Vegas Aces (Seattle Storm) and Seattle Storm (WNBA). There are still some surprises in the standings. Phoenix and Las Vegas have struggled to close games on the road, while Minnesota's Big Three has been a constant Achilles heel all season. Let's examine some of the other teams within the league.
Phoenix's offense has been inconsistent
The team's offensive production has been inconsistent throughout the standings but the forwards have been a bright point. Brianna Turner averages 17.2 point per game but her efficiency is lacking. She is only shooting 38 percent from the field and is shooting 27 percent from three-point range. Sandy Brondello has been a successful coach in developing younger players. She has 17 career playoff wins. She is also a young, energetic coach who inspires others.
While Phoenix has been a relatively consistent team on defense, it has struggled to score in recent games. 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 is 103.5, but their offensive rating is just 103.3. Skylar Diggins-Smith, who averages 36 fantasy points per game, is another player to keep an eye on.
Las Vegas has struggled with closing road games
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-agame apart for the fourth, fifth and sixth seeds. Dallas has already secured the sixth seed and is most likely to win the postseason. There are two games between 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 four straight games against the Bulls, and they have won nine of their last 11. They have been in contention for a rise in the standings, despite their three losses in the postseason. They could gain momentum going into the postseason with a recent win in a hostile setting.
All season, Minnesota's Big Three were Minnesota's Achilles heel.
The Gophers' running game has been hampered by health issues at the wide receiver and running back positions. Mohamed Ibrahim (a true freshman) suffered a season ending injury in the opener. Unfortunately, the team is still without its top running backs. Chris Autman Bell was injured and missed the first two games. He is expected to return Saturday. The remaining scholarship running backs may not be as fit as they were at the start 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, the left tackle, will take over. Garrett Bradbury is back at the center. Ezra Cleveland has yet to settle into his new role as left guard. Jesse Davis and Ed Ingram will compete for the right-guard spot.