After an intense 44-game regular season, the 2025 WNBA playoffs are set to begin. Eight teams will battle it out for the championship, starting with a four-game slate on Sunday. The field includes the defending champion New York Liberty, the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, and the red-hot Las Vegas Aces, who are riding a 16-game winning streak.

Key Changes in the Playoff Format

This season, the WNBA Finals have expanded to a best-of-seven series, and the first-round format has changed to 1-1-1, ensuring every playoff team gets at least one home game. This change is particularly significant for the Indiana Fever, who ended a seven-year playoff drought last year and will host their first playoff game since 2016.

Team Breakdowns

Minnesota Lynx

First-round opponent: Golden State Valkyries (91.6% chance of advancing) Title chances: 50.0% The Lynx have been dominant all season, finishing with a 34-10 record. Led by MVP candidate Napheesa Collier, who averages 23.0 points per game, Minnesota boasts the best offensive and defensive ratings in the league. Their depth and resilience make them a formidable contender.

Las Vegas Aces

First-round opponent: Seattle Storm (61.4% chance of advancing) Title chances: 9.3% The Aces enter the playoffs on a 16-game winning streak, driven by A'ja Wilson's stellar performance. Wilson, a potential MVP, has elevated her game in the second half of the season, making the Aces a dangerous opponent.

Atlanta Dream

First-round opponent: Indiana Fever (66.9% chance of advancing) Title chances: 13.8% The Dream have had a remarkable turnaround under first-year coach Karl Smesko, finishing with 30 wins. Their guard play, led by Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, is among the best in the league, but their post players will be tested in the playoffs.

Phoenix Mercury

First-round opponent: New York Liberty (26.5% chance of advancing) Title chances: 1.1% The Mercury have shown resilience despite injuries, with Alyssa Thomas leading the charge. However, their struggles against top-seeded teams could hinder their playoff run.

New York Liberty

First-round opponent: Phoenix Mercury (73.5% chance of advancing) Title chances: 19.9% The defending champions are loaded with talent, including Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu. However, injuries and inconsistency have plagued them this season, making their title defense a challenging task.

Indiana Fever

First-round opponent: Atlanta Dream (33.1% chance of advancing) Title chances: 2.9% Despite losing Caitlin Clark to injury, the Fever have shown resilience. Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell lead the charge, but their lack of depth could be a significant hurdle.

Seattle Storm

First-round opponent: Las Vegas Aces (38.7% chance of advancing) Title chances: 2.9% The Storm have a talented roster, including Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike, but their struggles in the half-court offense could be a liability in the playoffs.

Golden State Valkyries

First-round opponent: Minnesota Lynx (8.4% chance of advancing) Title chances: 0.1% The Valkyries have made history by reaching the playoffs in their inaugural season. Their strong defense could keep them competitive, but their lack of offensive firepower might limit their playoff success.

Predictions and X-Factors

Each team has its strengths and weaknesses, but the Lynx and Aces are the frontrunners for the championship. The Lynx's depth and consistency give them the edge, while the Aces' momentum and Wilson's dominance make them a serious threat. The Dream and Liberty could also make deep runs if they can overcome their respective challenges.

The 2025 WNBA playoffs promise to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament, with every team vying for the ultimate prize. Stay tuned for what is sure to be a thrilling postseason.