WNBA Standings
1- Min- 30-7– —
2- Atl- 24-13— 6.0
3- LV- 24-14— 6.5
4- Phx- 22-14— 7.5
5- NY—-22-15— 8.0
6- Sea- 20-18— 10.5
7- GS—19-18— 11.0
8- Ind—19-18– 11.0
9- LA—-17-18– 12.0
Remaining Schedules
Min—- SEA, @Con, Dal, @LV, @GS, @Ind, GS
Atl——LV, @Con, LA, LA, Con, @Con
LV——@Chi, @Atl, MIN, Chi, Chi, @LA
Phx—-@LA, Chi, NY, Ind, @Was, @Con, LA, @Dal
NY——Con, Was, @Phx, @GS, @Sea, Was, @Chi
Sea—-@Ind, @Min, Chi, LA, NY, GS
GS——Was, Ind, @NY, Dal, Min, @Sea, @Min
Ind—-Sea, @LA, @GS, @Phx, Chi, @Was, Min
LA—- Phx, Ind, @Sea, @Atl, @Atl, Dal, @Phx, LV
Tie Breakers
Golden State over Indiana
Indiana over Seattle
Los Angels over Indiana
This Week
Indiana plays the three teams they are competing for the last play-off spot this coming week. They get Seattle at home then go to Los Angeles and Golden State.
In addition, they continue onto Phoenix to complete their west coast trip.
Draft Lottery
Even if Indiana does not make the play-offs, they will not qualify for the draft lottery. The four lottery teams will be Minnesota (from Chicago), Dallas, Chicago (from Conn), and Washington. So it could be the first place team, Minnesota. Or Dallas, Chicago, or Washington adding to their young talent.
Other Disappointments
It has not just been bad for Indiana and Clark. The early season growth that Boston showed has been hurt. Boston worked on playing out of the ball screen with Clark. Basically that part of the Indiana offense is gone.
New York Liberty have faded badly with Stewart out. Sabrina Ionescu about 3 weeks ago was considered as a possible MVP candidate, her play has faded. Stewart is expected back soon, and my guess is that will help not only the Liberty but specifically Ionescu.
Celebrations
Los Vegas and Wilson have roared back into contention.
Seattle thru trades appear to be moving up.
Los Angeles has an impressive second half.
Golden State just won’t fade.
Young Stars
With Clark’s absence, Paige Buecker and Sonia Citron have emerged as the exciting, young faces of the WNBA. Paige has not disappointed, and has an All-WNBA type season.
No one’s stock has risen more than Citron. She had a greater college career and was the #3 pick in the draft, but her performance as a rookie has been greater than most expected. Her rookie stat line is better than her college stat line.
Going forward, both Buecker and Citron will be players that draw crowds to see them.
Matchups if Playoffs Started Today
#1 Minnesota vs #8 Indiana
#4 Phoenix vs. #5 New York
#2 Atlanta vs #7 Golden State
#3 Las Vegas vs #6 Seattle
Since I have nothing better to do, my first round picks would be- Minnesota, New York, Atlanta and Las Vegas.
Podcast Worth Listening to
If you have a chance, listen to Napheesa Collier on Birds Eye View. There are a lot good nuggets about what makes UConn successful, and the mindset of an elite player.
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