Predicting Every Series in the 2024 WNBA Playoffs

As the highly anticipated 2024 WNBA postseason begins, fans are curious to see if the defending champion Las Vegas Aces can continue their dominance by winning three championships, if the New York Liberty can build on their regular season successes, or if a surprise team emerges. After an exciting regular season, each team in the WNBA playoffs has its own narrative. Here is my breakdown and predictions for each franchise.

First Round Predictions

(1) New York Liberty vs. (8) Atlanta Dream

The Liberty have been the best team all season and started the WNBA playoffs strong with an 83-69 win over the Dream on Sunday. With the Liberty led by Breanna Stewart (who finished third in the WNBA MVP voting), New York has both the offensive firepower and defensive versatility to handle Atlanta. The Dream, while resilient, don’t seem to have enough to stop New York’s deep lineup. The two teams will face off again Tuesday in New York in Game 2 of the best-of-seven series.

Forecast: Liberty will win the overall series 2-0.

(4) Las Vegas Aces vs. (5) Seattle Storm

Las Vegas, fresh off two consecutive championships, showed its championship DNA with a convincing 78-67 win in Game 1 against Seattle. The Aces, led by unanimous WNBA MVP A’Ji Wilson, have too much firepower for the Storm to overcome. Seattle’s defense will continue to struggle to contain Wilson and Tiffany Hayes, and their offense lacks the depth to compete during the series. The series could be decided Tuesday when the Aces face the Storm again on their home court.

Forecast: Las Vegas will win 2-0.

(2) Minnesota Lynx vs. (7) Phoenix Mercury

Minnesota dominated play in a 102-95 win over the Mercury. MVP-winning Napheesa Collier’s season (she finished second in voting) has carried the Lynx this far, and her leadership will be the difference in this series. Phoenix, despite the efforts of Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, lacks the depth to keep up with Minnesota. The Lynx will play the Mercury at home in Game 2 on Wednesday.

Forecast: Minnesota wins the series 2-1.

(3) Connecticut Sun vs. (6) Indiana Fever

The Fever are a team on the rise, finishing the season 11-5, and Caitlin Clark is electrifying. But the Suns’ defense and coaching were too weak for the Fever in Game 1, which Connecticut won 93-69 on Sunday. While Indiana could steal the game thanks to Clark’s brilliance, the Suns’ overall defense and experience should carry them through. The two teams will play in Game 2 on Wednesday in Connecticut.

Prediction: Connecticut will win 2-1.

Semi-final predictions

The first semi-final matches are scheduled for Sunday, September 29.

(1) New York Liberty vs. (4) Las Vegas Aces

In the most anticipated matchup of the WNBA playoffs, the Liberty and Aces will face off in a battle of titans. New York has been one of, if not the best teams all season, but Las Vegas is peaking at just the right time. A’Ja Wilson’s dominance, aided by the shooting of Hayes and Chelsea Gray, will carry the Liberty to the brink of collapse. But with Stewart and Leonie Fiebich leading the way, the Liberty should be able to outdo the defending champions in a five-game thriller. The latter scored 21 points in Game 1 of the first round.

Forecast:New York wins the series 3-2.

(2) Minnesota Lynx vs. (3) Connecticut Sun

This series will hinge on Collier’s ability to break through the Sun defense. The Lynx have the tools to compete, and Collier was playing the best basketball of her career. While Connecticut’s defense will keep them in the game, the Lynx’s balanced attack and Collier’s leadership will prove to be the difference in a close series.

Forecast: Minnesota wins the series 3-1.

WNBA Finals Prediction

(1) New York Liberty vs. (2) Minnesota Lynx

This matchup will feature two teams that have dominated in different areas throughout the season. It will be a rematch for this year’s WNBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The Liberty were the best team on paper, but the Lynx have Collier’s momentum and leadership, as well as a previous 94-89 Commissioner’s Cup win over the Liberty, to back them up. While Stewart’s MVP-style play and the rest of the Liberty’s supporting cast will keep New York in the series, Minnesota’s team chemistry and depth will ultimately carry them to victory.

The Lynx have consistently risen to the occasion in the playoffs, and this year will be no different. Collier is in contention for Finals MVP honors, and her all-around game will lead Minnesota to its first championship since 2017.

Forecast: Minnesota wins the WNBA Finals 3-2.

The 2024 WNBA Playoffs are shaping up to be one of the most exciting in league history. With powerhouse teams like the Liberty and Aces facing off, and surprising teams like the Lynx and Fever pushing the envelope, anything is possible. But when it’s all said and done, I believe the Minnesota Lynx will hoist the trophy thanks to Collier’s incredible play.