WNBA Playoffs 2024: Preview and Predictions

The WNBA playoffs for 2024 are set to kick off with much anticipation and excitement. The opening games promise thrilling matchups and could potentially lead to unexpected upsets as teams vie for the prestigious championship title. The number eight seed, the Dream, locked in their playoff spot with a victory over New York, despite the game not impacting the Liberty‘s position as the top seed.

On Sunday, the playoffs will begin with New York facing Atlanta at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN. Following this, Indiana will challenge Connecticut at 3 p.m. ET on ABC. The day continues with a match between Minnesota and the number seven seed at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN, and concludes with the Aces hosting their rivals, the number five seed, at 10 p.m. ET, also on ESPN.

The first round of the playoffs adopts a best-of-three series format, with the higher-seeded team hosting the initial two games. Notably, no team has secured a three-peat since the Houston Comets‘ remarkable achievement in the league’s early years. The Aces, however, may meet the Liberty again in the semifinals, echoing last year’s final, and the Liberty aims to claim its first championship title.

The semifinals and finals will see teams engage in best-of-five series. The New York Liberty, after a strong season holding the best record, appear poised to advance with reigning MVP performances. Meanwhile, Atlanta has demonstrated resilience, entering the playoffs with a surge in form.

Elsewhere, Minnesota, bolstered by key signings, seeks to leverage its defensive prowess against a Phoenix team that has faced challenges this season. The Sun, a perennial contender, will look to its balanced attack and defensive strategy to overcome the naive but ambitious Indiana Fever.

The Las Vegas Aces face an intriguing opponent in Seattle. Although the Aces have re-emerged as formidable contenders post-Olympics, Seattle’s bolstered roster makes them a tough draw for the first round, making their clash a must-watch.

These opening matches promise excitement and set the stage for a playoffs filled with potential surprises. The intensity of the season is taking its toll, but for each franchise, the quest for victory remains the focus. Fans are eager to see if the Liberty’s hard work and team cohesion will finally pay off or if the Aces can make history with another title run.