WNBA Playoff Race Heats Up: Five Teams Battle for Final Spots

As the WNBA regular season enters its final stretch, the playoff picture is becoming clearer. While the top teams are jockeying for seeding and home-court advantage, five teams—Seattle Storm, Indiana Fever, Golden State Valkyries, Los Angeles Sparks, and Washington Mystics—are locked in a fierce battle for the remaining playoff spots. Here's a closer look at each team's chances and key players.

Seattle Storm (20-18)

Chance to make the playoffs: 95.1% Playoff outlook: The Storm have been inconsistent this season, but they've rebounded with four wins in their last five games. They need to maintain their momentum to avoid a tough first-round matchup. Pivotal player: Dominique Malonga has emerged as a key contributor, with multiple 20-point games in August. Remaining games (6): @ IND (Aug. 26), @ MIN (Aug. 28), vs. CHI (Aug. 30), vs. LA (Sept. 1), vs. NY (Sept. 5), vs. GS (Sept. 9)

Indiana Fever (19-18)

Chance to make the playoffs: 88.2% Playoff outlook: Injuries have hampered the Fever, but they remain in the hunt. The return of Caitlin Clark could be a game-changer. Pivotal player: Caitlin Clark's potential return could provide the spark Indiana needs. Remaining games (7): vs. SEA (Aug. 26), @ LA (Aug. 29), @ GS (Aug. 31), @ PHX (Sept. 2), vs. CHI (Sept. 5), @ WAS (Sept. 7), vs. MIN (Sept. 9)

Golden State Valkyries (19-18)

Chance to make the playoffs: 76.8% Playoff outlook: The Valkyries have exceeded expectations in their inaugural season and are aiming to make history by reaching the playoffs. Pivotal player: Veronica Burton has been a standout, leading the team in scoring, assists, and steals. Remaining games (7): vs. WAS (Aug. 30), vs. IND (Aug. 31), vs. NY (Sept. 2), vs. DAL (Sept. 4), vs. MIN (Sept. 6), @ SEA (Sept. 9), @ MIN (Sept. 11)

Los Angeles Sparks (17-18)

Chance to make the playoffs: 39.3% Playoff outlook: The Sparks have been inconsistent but still have a shot at the playoffs. They need to capitalize on their remaining games. Pivotal player: Rickea Jackson has been crucial in the Sparks' recent surge. Remaining games (9): vs. PHX (Aug. 26), vs. IND (Aug. 29), vs. WAS (Aug. 31), @ SEA (Sept. 1), @ ATL (Sept. 3), @ ATL (Sept. 5), vs. DAL (Sept. 7), @ PHX (Sept. 9), vs. LV (Sept. 11)

Washington Mystics (16-22)

Chance to make the playoffs: 0.6% Playoff outlook: The Mystics are long shots for the playoffs but have shown promise with their young core. Pivotal players: Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, and Shakira Austin have been key contributors. Remaining games (6): @ NY (Aug. 28), @ GS (Aug. 30), @ LA (Aug. 31), vs. PHX (Sept. 4), vs. IND (Sept. 7), @ NY (Sept. 9)

As the regular season winds down, every game counts for these five teams. The race for the final playoff spots promises to be thrilling.