The top eight teams in the 2019 WNBA standings will make the playoffs. These spots currently belong to the Las Vegas Aces, and Seattle Storm. However, a few surprises can still lurk in the standings. Phoenix and Las Vegas have struggled to close games on the road, while Minnesota's Big Three has been a constant Achilles heel all season. Let's examine some of the other teams within the league.
Phoenix's offense is inconsistent
Although the team has had inconsistent offensive production, its forwards have been a bright light. Brianna Turner averages 17.2 ppg, but her efficiency has been poor. She is only shooting 38 percent from the field and is shooting 27 percent from three-point range. Sandy Brondello is an experienced coach who has developed younger players and won 17 career playoffs. She has a youthful energy and inspires others.
Phoenix has been a fairly consistent defense team but has struggled with scoring in recent games. On Sunday, the Mercury fell to the Atlanta Dream, despite having Diana Taurasi record her 10th straight game with 20 points. The Mercury's defensive rating stands at 103.5 while their offensive rating sits at 103.3. Skylar Diggins-Smith, who averages 36 fantasy points per game, is another player to keep an eye on.
Las Vegas has not been able to win games on the road.
Las Vegas is at the forefront of the playoff race, with only three games left this week. It is just half-game ahead of Connecticut for the Eastern Conference second seed. Washington and Seattle are about half-a-game behind each other for the fourth- and fifth seeds. Dallas, however, has already secured a playoff spot and will likely be the sixth seed. The playoff race is wide open with only one game separating seventh place Atlanta from No. 11-seed Los Angeles.
The Aces are unstoppable at home, despite losing several games on the road. The Aces have won four straight games against the Bulls, and they have won nine of their last 11. Although they are still in contention to climb the standings, their three most recent losses were in the postseason. They may gain momentum heading into next season if they win in a hostile environment.
Minnesota's Big Three have been Minnesota’s Achilles' heel throughout the entire season
The health problems at the wide receiver, running back and running back positions have caused problems for the Gophers' running games. True freshman Mohamed Ibrahim was injured in the opener and is currently out of action. Chris Autman Bell is expected play Saturday, despite missing the first two matches due to injury. However, the remaining scholarship running backs are not as healthy as they were in the beginning of the season.
The Achilles heel of the offense line this season was Garrett Bradbury, but the team has made progress in the last week. Christian Darrisaw, the left tackle, will take over. Garrett Bradbury is back at the center. Ezra Cleveland still needs to settle into his left guard role. Jesse Davis and Ed Ingram will compete for the right-guard spot.