WNBA Playoff Preview 2025 — Deep dive into seeding predictions, team-by-team analysis, and who’s most likely to make a Finals push.
The regular season is winding down, and the WNBA playoff preview 2025 is starting to take shape. With only days left before the postseason tips off, every game feels like a mini-playoff. Teams at the top are fighting for home-court advantage, while those on the bubble are scrapping for survival. The storylines are everywhere—veterans chasing one more ring, young stars trying to make their postseason mark, and a brand-new expansion squad threatening to crash the party.
This year’s bracket looks as unpredictable as ever. Let’s break down the seeding predictions and analyze where each contender stands.
1. Minnesota Lynx — The Favorites for the No. 1 Seed
If you’ve been paying attention, it’s clear the Minnesota Lynx are having their best season since the Maya Moore era. Napheesa Collier has elevated her game to an MVP level, anchoring both ends of the floor. Her leadership has been the biggest reason Minnesota sits atop the standings.
Coach Cheryl Reeve has also struck the right balance between veterans and youth, with Diamond Miller providing athletic punch on the wing and Courtney Williams delivering veteran poise. Their defense has suffocated teams, ranking near the top in efficiency.
Projected Seed: No. 1
Playoff Outlook: Finals-or-bust. Anything less will feel like a disappointment in Minneapolis.
2. Las Vegas Aces — Still the Standard
Even with a few hiccups early in the season, the Aces remain the team everyone fears in a series. A’ja Wilson has been nothing short of dominant—night after night proving why she’s arguably the best player in the world. Jackie Young has taken another leap, while Chelsea Gray’s return from injury has steadied their offense.
Coach Becky Hammon knows this roster is built for May through September, but the question is whether their depth can hold up against Minnesota in a potential Finals clash.
Projected Seed: No. 2
Playoff Outlook: Wilson alone makes them dangerous, but their dynasty window isn’t as wide as before.
3. Phoenix Mercury — The Grit Factor
The Mercury’s resurgence has been one of the league’s best storylines. Brittney Griner looks rejuvenated, blocking shots and finishing inside like it’s 2014 again. Diana Taurasi, nearing the end of her legendary career, has given fans flashes of vintage brilliance. There’s urgency in Phoenix—this might be their last real shot with Taurasi still on the floor.
They’ve also gotten a huge boost from Natasha Cloud’s leadership and Kahleah Copper’s scoring. With momentum on their side, Phoenix is dangerous.
Projected Seed: No. 3
Playoff Outlook: Could upset anyone if Griner dominates the paint.
4. Atlanta Dream — The Wild Card
Few teams are as unpredictable as the Dream. Rhyne Howard continues to develop into one of the league’s elite scorers, but her efficiency has fluctuated. Allisha Gray has been steady, and Cheyenne Parker gives them toughness down low.
The biggest issue? Consistency. One night they look like contenders, the next they’re struggling to score 70 points. In a short playoff series, though, that unpredictability makes them dangerous—especially with Howard’s ability to go off for 30+ at any moment.
Projected Seed: No. 4
Playoff Outlook: A dark horse that could surprise if Howard gets hot.
5. Chicago Sky — Rising Behind Young Stars
The Sky were supposed to be rebuilding, but no one told their locker room. Angel Reese has been a rebounding machine, altering games with her energy and toughness. Chennedy Carter’s aggressive scoring has provided the backcourt spark they badly needed.
Their chemistry has grown week by week, and that could make them the most dangerous lower seed. They won’t have home-court, but their grit travels.
Projected Seed: No. 5
Playoff Outlook: A scary opponent in Round 1, capable of an upset.
6. New York Liberty — A Team Searching for Rhythm
On paper, the Liberty should be in the top two. Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones form an elite core. But chemistry and late-game decision-making have plagued them all season. Too often, they’ve blown double-digit leads or gone cold in crunch time.
Still, talent usually wins out. If Stewart finds her MVP form and Ionescu heats up from deep, they could flip the switch in the playoffs.
Projected Seed: No. 6
Playoff Outlook: Boom or bust. They could lose in Round 1—or win it all.
7. Los Angeles Sparks — Back from the Brink
For most of the season, the Sparks were written off. But Rickea Jackson’s development and Dearica Hamby’s All-Star play have kept them alive. Lexie Brown has provided timely shooting, and the team’s toughness has made them a nightmare matchup.
They’re not built for a deep run yet, but as a No. 7 seed, they could absolutely make things interesting against a powerhouse like the Aces.
Projected Seed: No. 7
Playoff Outlook: Underdog spoilers who won’t go down quietly.
8. Golden State Valkyries — The Expansion Cinderella Story
The Valkyries have been the story of 2025. In their first year of existence, they’ve captured the Bay Area’s heart with sellout crowds and a never-say-die attitude. Haley Jones and Cameron Brink have energized the roster, while Kia Nurse and other veterans have stabilized the locker room.
Making the playoffs in year one would be historic—and they’re right on track to grab that final spot.
Projected Seed: No. 8
Playoff Outlook: Probably one-and-done, but the experience will be priceless.
9. Seattle Storm — The Heartbreak Bubble Team
It feels cruel to leave Jewell Loyd out of the postseason. She’s been sensational, carrying Seattle on her back night after night. But the roster around her hasn’t held up. They’re a tough out, but too inconsistent to sneak in over L.A. or Golden State.
Projected Finish: Just outside the top 8.
Outlook: Time to retool and give Loyd the help she deserves.
Projected First-Round Matchups
- (1) Lynx vs. (8) Valkyries → Expansion darlings run into a juggernaut.
- (2) Aces vs. (7) Sparks → Wilson vs. Hamby has drama written all over it.
- (3) Mercury vs. (6) Liberty → Griner vs. Stewart could be the series of the round.
- (4) Dream vs. (5) Sky → Rising stars clash in a battle for the future.
Finals Prediction: Lynx vs. Aces (Again)
As fun as the middle-tier chaos is, it still feels like we’re headed toward a Lynx-Aces Finals showdown. Minnesota has the edge in balance and depth, but Las Vegas has the best player in the series in A’ja Wilson.
Don’t rule out a surprise, but right now the smart money is on another chapter in this budding rivalry.
Fan Perspective: The Playoffs Everyone Wanted
Fans are buzzing about the potential storylines. Could Taurasi ride off with one last magical run? Could Angel Reese and the Sky shock the world? Could the Valkyries actually win a playoff game in their first season?
The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes the WNBA playoff preview 2025 so exciting.
Conclusion
This postseason is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years. The Lynx and Aces may be favorites, but the gap has closed. The Mercury, Liberty, and Sky all have upset potential. Meanwhile, the Valkyries and Sparks are proof that underdogs can shake up the bracket.
One thing’s for sure—basketball fans are in for a wild September.
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