The WNBA Playoffs 2025 are finally here, and basketball fans have a lot to look forward to. From powerhouse teams chasing another championship to underdogs hoping to shock the league, this postseason is packed with drama, storylines, and players with something to prove.
One question stands out above the rest: can the Minnesota Lynx complete their revenge tour and finally get back to the top?
Let’s break down the big talking points, dark horses, and key players that will shape this year’s playoffs.
Is the WNBA Playoffs Better Without the Reese vs. Clark Storyline?
You’ve probably noticed the buzz around Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark this season. Their rivalry has been the talk of women’s basketball. But with injuries and team struggles, neither will be in the postseason spotlight this year.
So, is that a good or bad thing?
- Yes, it’s better: Without the constant media hype, the focus shifts back to basketball itself. We get to appreciate the depth of the WNBA and give other stars the spotlight they deserve.
- No, it’s not: Rivalries fuel sports. Think about Magic vs. Bird or Diana Taurasi vs. Sue Bird in the past. Reese vs. Clark could’ve been the next big thing, and fans will miss that excitement.
Personally, I think it’s okay. They both have long careers ahead, and this gives the WNBA playoffs a chance to showcase new storylines. Next year, the Reese-Clark rivalry might explode on an even bigger stage.
Teams Fans Will Miss the Most
Every year, some big names fall short of the playoffs. Here are a few that fans will feel the absence of:
- Los Angeles Sparks – It’s been five years since they made the postseason. Even trading for Kelsey Plum wasn’t enough, and injuries to Julie Allemand, Rickea Jackson, and Cameron Brink made things tougher.
- Dallas Wings – Without Paige Bueckers, their offense looked flat. Chaos seemed to follow them all season, and leadership questions didn’t help.
- Phoenix Mercury (sort of) – Yes, they’re in the playoffs, but they’ve drawn the tough New York Liberty in the first round. Their stay could be short-lived.
For me, not seeing the Sparks at full strength stings the most. With a healthy roster, they could’ve been a serious playoff threat.
Which High Seed Is Most at Risk?
When a top team goes down early, it’s always a shock. Here are the seeds that could be vulnerable:
- New York Liberty – Injuries piled up all season. If they can’t get healthy fast, their title defense could collapse in Round 1.
- Phoenix Mercury – They’ve been solid, but drawing the Liberty is brutal.
- Las Vegas Aces (a bold take) – They haven’t lost in over a month, but could Seattle sneak up on them? With Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins leading the Storm, anything’s possible.
Upsets are what make the WNBA Playoffs so fun. Don’t be surprised if a big name goes home early.
Long Shot Teams to Watch
Who doesn’t love an underdog story? A few teams fit that role this season:
- Golden State Valkyries – An expansion team making the WNBA playoffs in year one is wild. They’ve broken attendance records and brought fresh energy to the league. Probably not—but they’ve already made history.
- Seattle Storm – Inconsistent all year, and now unlucky enough to face Las Vegas. Still, with Diggins and Ogwumike, you can’t fully count them out.
Could Golden State shock the world? It’s a long shot, but if any team is going to make expansion history, why not them?
The Most Important Players This Postseason
WNBA Playoffs basketball always comes down to stars who rise under pressure. Keep an eye on these names:
- Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury) – The queen of triple-doubles. Phoenix goes as far as she takes them.
- A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) – Defensive anchor, scoring machine, and MVP candidate. If the Aces go deep, she’ll be the reason.
- Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx) – The heart of Minnesota’s revenge tour. She’s been playing at an MVP level and has the leadership to carry the Lynx back to glory.
If you ask me, Collier is the one to watch. The Lynx feel robbed after last year’s Finals loss, and she’s playing like a superstar with unfinished business.
Who Makes the Semifinals?
Based on performance, depth, and playoff experience, most experts see these four making it through:
- Minnesota Lynx
- Las Vegas Aces
- New York Liberty
- Atlanta Dream or Indiana Fever (depending on who steps up)
That’s a stacked group, and every potential matchup feels like a Finals-level battle.
And the Champion Will Be …
This is where it gets fun. Here are the top predictions:
- Las Vegas Aces – They’ve won 16 straight, and Becky Hammon’s squad is red-hot. With A’ja Wilson leading the way, a third title in four years feels realistic.
- Minnesota Lynx – Hungry, salty, and on a mission. Cheryl Reeve’s team is out for revenge after last year’s heartbreak, and Collier is determined to deliver.
- Atlanta Dream (a wild card) – They’ve shown they can trouble Minnesota before. Could this be the year they surprise everyone?
My pick? I’m rolling with the Minnesota Lynx. They’ve been laser-focused all season, have the league’s best defense, and look like a team on a mission. Revenge is a powerful motivator—and this might be their year.
WNBA Playoffs 2025: Final Thoughts
The WNBA Playoffs are always unpredictable, and that’s what makes them so exciting. Whether it’s Minnesota chasing redemption, Las Vegas looking unstoppable, or Golden State writing a fairytale story, this postseason has something for every fan.
If you’re new to the WNBA Playoffs, this is the perfect time to start watching. You’ll see the league’s best talent, future legends, and maybe even a Cinderella story unfold.
So grab your snacks, mark your calendar for Sunday, and get ready for some unforgettable basketball.
👉 Who’s your pick to win it all—Lynx, Aces, or someone else? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
✍️ Ammar is a digital marketer, domain investor, and blogger with over 6 years of experience in creating trusted content online. On Glyca.com, he shares the latest trending news and honest affiliate product reviews to help readers stay informed and make smarter decisions.
