There are four weeks left in the WNBA season. Where will everyone finish? Here’s a look at each team’s schedule and where they’ll end up in the final standings. Who’s got the most challenging remaining schedule and which four teams will miss the playoffs?
1. Chicago Sky (28-8)
Last 10 games: 9-1
Remaining schedule prediction: 9-2 (twice against Seattle, Dallas, New York, Connecticut).
The Sky doesn’t exactly have an easy schedule to finish the season. They play the Storm, Sun, Wings and Liberty twice. Then there are games against Las Vegas, Washington and Phoenix. Definitely a tough stretch, but with their depth, they should be able to manage the top seed for the playoffs. 32-year-old rookie Rebekah Gardner and Belgium teammates Julie Allemand and Emma Meesseman have been key additions to the Sky this year.
2. Las Vegas Aces (26-10)
Last 10 games: 5-5
Remaining schedule prediction: 8-3 (three games vs. Indiana, twice against Atlanta and Seattle).
The Aces have a relatively easy schedule for the final four weeks. They play Indiana three times, Atlanta and Seattle twice. They’re also scheduled to play the Sparks, Mystics, Wings and Sky. The Aces have the best starting line-up in the league, but their bench remains questionable. However, the addition of Iliana Rupert plus Riquna Williams back from her injury will boost their odds of getting a top seed in the playoffs.
3. Seattle Storm (24-12)
Last 10 games: 8-2
Remaining schedule prediction: 7-4 (twice against Chicago, Las Vegas, Washington and Minnesota).
The acquisition of Tina Charles has made the Storm one of the deepest teams in the league. Their remaining schedule isn’t easy. They face the Sky, Aces, Mystics and Lynx twice, plus games against the Sun, Mercury and Dream. Splitting their games against each of the double opponents seems likely and should secure the Storm the third seed come the playoffs. MVP candidate Breanna Stewart needs to maintain her level of play for the Storm to be a top 3 team come the playoffs.
Free-agent center Tina Charles has signed a rest-of-season contract to join the Seattle Storm, the team announced.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) June 28, 2022
As per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Charles and the Phoenix Mercury agreed to part ways on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/qfzYpOpuNK
4. Connecticut Sun (23-13)
Last 10 games: 5-5
Remaining schedule prediction: 6-4 (twice against Chicago, Phoenix and Los Angeles, three times against Minnesota).
Jonquel Jones was recently placed in health and safety protocols and cost them their game against the Las Vegas Aces. The Sun also recently lost to the Dallas Wings and Washington Mystics. With their loss of Jasmine Thomas for the season, the question of, “Are the Sun deep enough to win a title”? Sun should get homecourt advantage for the first round, but will it be enough to see them into the semi-finals? Their recent signing of veteran guard Bria Hartley just bought out of her contract from the Indiana Fever should give the Sun much-needed depth for these final four weeks.
5. Washington Mystics (22-14)
Last 10 games: 6-4
Remaining schedule prediction: 6-4 (twice against Seattle and Indiana).
Elena Delle Donne’s health is still questionable. With her recurring back issues, she’s been opting not to travel for specific away games. However, the Mystics only have nine remaining games left over the final four weeks. Relatively easy schedule, right? They play Seattle twice as well as the Indiana Fever. They’ll also face the Liberty, Wings, Sparks, Sky and Aces. Finishing with the same record as Connecticut would see the Sun with homecourt advantage as they took the series already, two games to one. With a healthy Delle Donne and rookie Shakira Austin dominating inside, the Mystics could make a few upsets to reach the WNBA Finals again.
6. Minnesota Lynx (16-20)
Last 10: 6-4
Remaining schedule prediction: 6-3 (twice against Atlanta and Seattle, three times against Connecticut).
Since Sylvia Fowles returned from her injury, the Lynx are one of the hottest teams in the league. The most challenging part of their remaining schedule will be their three games against the Sun and twice against the Storm. The Lynx will also face the Mercury and Sparks in their final home stretch. They should advance to the playoffs as long as Minnesota can stay healthy. Potentially getting Napheesa Collier back before the regular season wraps up would be a tremendous advantage to help the Lynx get into the playoffs.
7. New York Liberty (15-21)
Last 10: 4-6
Remaining schedule prediction: 6-4 (twice against Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Chicago)
The Liberty may be that surprise team to slide into the playoffs. New York recently had two tough losses to the Las Vegas Aces. However, Jocelyn Willoughby is set to return to action as soon as today’s game against Connecticut. Adding Crystal Dangerfield and Marine Johannès to their roster has increased the Liberty’s offensive output. Not to take their remaining schedule lightly, but the Liberty end their season playing the Mercury, Sparks, Wings and Dream twice. If New York can find their groove again to close out the season, they should make the playoffs again.
8. Atlanta Dream (15-21)
Remaining schedule prediction: 4-6 (twice against Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minnesota and New York).
The Dream benefitted from an easy early start to the season. Now their final ten games will make or break their playoff hopes. Atlanta will play the Aces, Lynx, Wings and Liberty twice. They’ll also play Seattle, Los Angeles and Indiana once more. Having Tiffany Hayes back from her knee injury it gives them added depth at the guard position. However, Atlanta probably faces the toughest remaining schedule left but should still slide into the playoffs.
9. Dallas Wings (14-22)
Last 10: 4-6
Remaining schedule prediction: 3-8 (twice against Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Indiana)
The Wings have one of the toughest remaining schedules left. They are playing the Sky, Liberty, Sparks and Fever twice. They also have games against Washington, Atlanta and Phoenix. Their inconsistent play could hinder whether or not they make the playoffs, The logjam from sixth through eleventh place currently makes for very little room for error and the Wings need to be on their best to qualify for the playoffs for a second straight season.
10. Phoenix Mercury (14-22)
Last 10: 5-5
Remaining schedule prediction: 3-6 (twice against Connecticut and New York).
The Mercury’s 2022 season has been plagued by drama. No Brittney Griner, Tina Charles opting out of the team to eventually sign with Seattle and significant tension between Skylar Diggins-Smith and the team. They’ve managed to secure wins against a few top teams this season, including against Seattle (twice) and most recently, the Mystics. Still, Phoenix faces an uphill battle. Playing Sophie Cunningham at power forward works against some teams, but the Mercury still have to face the Sun, Sky, Sparks, Lynx and Storm again. All with deep post rotations that will be tough for Phoenix to defeat.
.@SkyDigg4 been goin’ crazy on both ends of the floor.
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) July 18, 2022
The 6x All-Star and 2022 ESPY Best WNBA Player nominee is your Western Conference Player of the Week!#4TheValley pic.twitter.com/TtZOCm12ZB
11. Los Angeles Sparks (13-23)
Last 10: 5-5
Remaining schedule prediction: 3-9 (twice against Connecticut, Dallas and New York).
The Sparks have been nothing but inconsistent this season. A team with this much talent to only be a borderline playoff team is questionable with how much further they’ll go. A mid-season coaching change has helped slightly. Due to health and safety protocols, Liz Cambage appears to be out a few more games. They could secure a playoff berth if they can regroup for the final 12 games. Sparks still have to face the Sun and Liberty (twice), the Aces, Mystics, Dream, Mercury and Lynx. A very tough uphill battle.
12. Indiana Fever (7-29)
Last 10: 1-9
Remaining schedule prediction: 2-7 (twice against Washington and Dallas, three times against Las Vegas).
Currently, at 5-22, the Fever’s season appears all but over. They are having to face the Aces three times and the Mystics and Wings twice. However, the Fever may sneak in another win or two before the end of the season. Their rookies have been their bright spot and something to build upon. Kelsey Mitchell, snubbed All-star, is having a breakout season. However, with just nine games remaining, Indiana would need to nearly win out the rest of the season to stand a chance at making the playoffs.
Follow Beyond Women’s Sports for 2022 WNBA content. Todd Roman is on Twitter too. Follow Todd @TBRBWAY.
