Atlanta Dream Poised for No. 2 Seed

With the WNBA regular season winding down, the Atlanta Dream have emerged as one of the hottest teams in the league. Riding a six-game winning streak, the Dream have surged ahead of the New York Liberty in the standings. Despite the Liberty's 2-1 edge in their regular-season series, Atlanta's favorable remaining schedule positions them well to secure the No. 2 seed in the playoffs. The return of Brittney Griner and Rhyne Howard has bolstered the Dream's lineup, making them a formidable contender as the postseason approaches.

Caitlin Clark's Potential Return

Indiana Fever fans are eagerly awaiting the return of last year's top rookie, Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined with a groin injury. While the Fever's chances of making a deep playoff run have diminished, Clark's return could provide a much-needed boost. On the other hand, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky is unlikely to return this season, as the Sky are out of playoff contention.

Seattle Storm's Playoff Hopes

The Seattle Storm find themselves in a precarious position, clinging to the eighth and final playoff spot. Despite a recent six-game losing streak, the Storm's strong point differential suggests they are better than their record indicates. With a challenging schedule ahead, including a crucial matchup against the Golden State Valkyries, the Storm will need to rally to secure their postseason berth.

Los Angeles Sparks' All-Star Snubs

The Los Angeles Sparks have been one of the league's most improved teams since the All-Star break, boasting the top offensive rating in that span. Despite their resurgence, only Kelsey Plum was selected as an All-Star, with Dearica Hamby and Azura Stevens being notable snubs. The Sparks' turnaround serves as a reminder that team record should not be the sole criterion for All-Star selections.

Dallas Wings as Playoff Spoilers

Although the Dallas Wings are unlikely to make the playoffs themselves, they could play a significant role in determining the final postseason field. With games remaining against the Sparks, Valkyries, and Storm, the Wings have the potential to impact the playoff race. Maddy Siegrist's return from injury has provided a boost, and if the Wings can build on their recent victory over the Fever, they could influence the outcome of the season.

Coaching Stability in the WNBA

After a wave of coaching changes following the 2024 season, stability seems to be the theme for 2025. Despite some teams' struggles, it appears unlikely that any head coaches will be fired at the end of the season. The Seattle Storm's Noelle Quinn and Dallas Wings' Chris Koclanes are among those whose jobs seem secure, at least for now.

Expanding the Playoff Format

As the WNBA continues to grow, there is a growing call to expand the first round of the playoffs from a best-of-three series to a best-of-five format. This change would provide a more comprehensive test of teams' abilities and reduce the impact of a single game's outcome. With the WNBA Finals already expanding to a best-of-seven series, it's a logical next step for the league's postseason structure.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's Leadership

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has overseen significant growth and transformation in the league since taking over in 2019. From the introduction of the Commissioner's Cup to the move to charter flights and expansion plans, Engelbert's tenure has been marked by progress. While challenges remain, her leadership has been instrumental in elevating the WNBA to new heights.