2025 WNBA Playoffs First Round Preview

S. Samek

The WNBA playoffs start today. Let’s preview the matchups and make predictions for the winners of the round.

Minnesota Lynx vs Golden State Valkyries

Minnesota is the number one seed after reaching the finals last season. Golden State is the eighth seed in their first year in the league. It’s good to see them reach the playoffs in their inaugural season. However, this is going to be a tough matchup against a team that finished 11 games better than them in the standings.

My prediction Minnesota over Golden State.

Las Vegas Aces vs Seattle Storm

Las Vegas is the second seed, while Seattle is the seventh seed. Las Vegas is on fire heading into the playoffs with 16 straight wins. Which is the second-longest winning streak in WNBA history. A’ja Wilson has been in MVP form as she leads the league in 18 different stats. Seattle is led by Nneka Ogwumike, who set the franchise field goal record with 320 and is only the third player in WNBA history with 300 field goals made in a season. Seattle also has a defense that leads the league in steals and blocks per game this year. So it should be a good series.

My prediction Las Vegas over Seattle.

Atlanta Dream vs Indiana Fever

Atlanta is the third seed, while Indiana is the sixth seed. Atlanta has won six in a row heading into the playoffs. Indiana won the Commissioner’s Cup this season, beating Minnesota. However, they are without Caitlin Clark due to a season ending injury. Can they overcome this and make a playoff run?

My prediction Atlanta over Indiana

Phoenix Mercury vs New York Liberty

Phoenix is the fourth seed while New York is the fifth seed. They tied in the standings, so this is basically a tiebreaker series. New York begins their title defense run on a three-game winning streak heading into this matchup. Phoenix is trending in the opposite direction having lost their last three. I think this is going to be a close series regardless of winner.

My prediction is New York over Phoenix.

Be sure to tune in to the exciting playoff action.