WNBA Playoffs 2025: Sunday's First-Round Showdowns, Key Matchups, and Predictions

Get ready for the WNBA Playoffs 2025! Dive into Sunday's first-round games, explore key matchups, and discover expert predictions for each series.

The WNBA Playoffs 2025 kick off this Sunday with four thrilling first-round games. The top four seeds enjoy home-court advantage, but the underdogs are eager to steal the spotlight. Here's a detailed look at what to expect:

Sunday's Schedule

  • 1 p.m. ET (ESPN): No. 8 seed Golden State Valkyries at No. 1 seed Minnesota Lynx
  • 3 p.m. ET (ABC): No. 6 seed Indiana Fever at No. 3 seed Atlanta Dream
  • 5 p.m. ET (ESPN): No. 5 seed New York Liberty at No. 4 seed Phoenix Mercury
  • 10 p.m. ET (ESPN): No. 7 seed Seattle Storm at No. 2 seed Las Vegas Aces

Key Matchups to Watch

  1. Breanna Stewart (NY Liberty) vs. Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury): Two of the WNBA's most versatile players clash in a battle of finesse and power.
  2. Jonquel Jones (NY Liberty) vs. Alyssa Thomas (Phoenix Mercury): Size meets skill in this intriguing frontcourt duel.
  3. Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever) vs. Allisha Gray (Atlanta Dream): A historic season for Mitchell faces off against Gray's All-WNBA caliber performance.
  4. A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces) vs. Nneka Ogwumike (Seattle Storm): Can the Storm slow down Wilson's otherworldly play?

Expert Predictions

ESPN analysts weigh in on the first-round outcomes:

  • Lynx vs. Valkyries: Lynx in 2
  • Aces vs. Storm: Aces in 3
  • Dream vs. Fever: Dream in 2
  • Mercury vs. Liberty: Liberty in 3

Storylines to Follow

  • Golden State Valkyries: The first expansion team to reach the playoffs in their inaugural season.
  • Indiana Fever: Overcoming five season-ending injuries to make the postseason.
  • New York Liberty: Defending champions facing a tough road without home-court advantage.
  • Seattle Storm: Seeking their first postseason win since Sue Bird's retirement.

Stay tuned for postgame analysis and updates throughout Sunday's games. The WNBA Playoffs 2025 promise to deliver unforgettable moments and intense competition.

What to Read Next

WNBA Playoff Showdown: Can the Lynx Fend Off the Aces for the Championship?
WNBA

WNBA Playoff Showdown: Can the Lynx Fend Off the Aces for the Championship?

As the WNBA playoffs commence, all eyes are on the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces. Will the Lynx maintain their dominance, or can the Aces stage an upset?

Seattle Storm Secures Final WNBA Playoff Spot with Thrilling 74-73 Victory Over Golden State Valkyries
WNBA

Seattle Storm Secures Final WNBA Playoff Spot with Thrilling 74-73 Victory Over Golden State Valkyries

The Seattle Storm clinched the final WNBA playoff spot with a nail-biting 74-73 win over the Golden State Valkyries, thanks to Erica Wheeler's clutch performance.

WNBA 2025 Final Power Rankings: Las Vegas Aces Surge to Top Spot as Playoffs Loom
WNBA

WNBA 2025 Final Power Rankings: Las Vegas Aces Surge to Top Spot as Playoffs Loom

Discover the final WNBA Power Rankings for 2025 as the Las Vegas Aces claim the top spot heading into the playoffs. Insights on all 13 teams and their season highlights.

WNBA 2025 Season Final Stretch: Teams' Best-Case Scenarios and Playoff Predictions
WNBA

WNBA 2025 Season Final Stretch: Teams' Best-Case Scenarios and Playoff Predictions

As the WNBA 2025 season nears its end, we analyze the best-case scenarios for all 13 teams, from securing home-court advantage to playoff hopes.

Record-Breaking Performances: A'ja Wilson and Jewell Loyd Lead WNBA Scoring in 2024 Season
WNBA

Record-Breaking Performances: A'ja Wilson and Jewell Loyd Lead WNBA Scoring in 2024 Season

A'ja Wilson and Jewell Loyd set new benchmarks in the WNBA's 2024 season, showcasing their scoring prowess and solidifying their legacy in women's basketball.

2025 WNBA Playoffs: Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces Secure Early Spots
WNBA

2025 WNBA Playoffs: Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces Secure Early Spots

Discover how Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces clinched their spots in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs, with key performances from A'ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier.

2025 WNBA Playoffs: Schedule, Matchups, and Key Teams to Watch
WNBA

2025 WNBA Playoffs: Schedule, Matchups, and Key Teams to Watch

The 2025 WNBA playoffs begin on September 14. Follow the schedule, key matchups, and teams like the Minnesota Lynx and Connecticut Sun in this postseason.

WNBA 2025 Season Final Month: Bold Predictions and Playoff Scenarios
WNBA

WNBA 2025 Season Final Month: Bold Predictions and Playoff Scenarios

Explore bold predictions and playoff scenarios for the final month of the WNBA 2025 season, including team standings and player comebacks.

WNBA Power Rankings: Dream Surge, Lynx and Liberty Battle Injuries
WNBA

WNBA Power Rankings: Dream Surge, Lynx and Liberty Battle Injuries

As the WNBA regular season winds down, the Atlanta Dream rises while Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty face challenges with key injuries. Discover the latest power rankings and playoff race updates.

Ultimate Guide to the 2025 WNBA Playoffs: Dates, Format, and Key Insights
WNBA

Ultimate Guide to the 2025 WNBA Playoffs: Dates, Format, and Key Insights

Discover everything you need to know about the 2025 WNBA playoffs, including key dates, format, and insights into the championship race.

WNBA Power Rankings: Sparks Soar, Valkyries Struggle in Divergent Paths
WNBA

WNBA Power Rankings: Sparks Soar, Valkyries Struggle in Divergent Paths

The Los Angeles Sparks are riding a five-game win streak, while the Golden State Valkyries face challenges after losing key players. Explore the latest WNBA Power Rankings.

Liberty vs. Lynx: Key Factors in the WNBA Finals Rematch
WNBA

Liberty vs. Lynx: Key Factors in the WNBA Finals Rematch

A detailed analysis of the highly anticipated WNBA Finals rematch between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, focusing on key players and matchups.

WNBA Second Half Showdown: Can the Lynx Hold Their Lead? Key Questions for Every Team
WNBA

WNBA Second Half Showdown: Can the Lynx Hold Their Lead? Key Questions for Every Team

As the WNBA season resumes, we explore the biggest challenges facing each team, including the Minnesota Lynx's championship potential and Caitlin Clark's injury status.

Emma Meesseman's Return: A Game-Changer for the 2025 WNBA Championship Race?
WNBA

Emma Meesseman's Return: A Game-Changer for the 2025 WNBA Championship Race?

Emma Meesseman's signing with the New York Liberty could shift the balance in the 2025 WNBA title race, making them the new favorites.

WNBA Showdown: Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers - Live Updates, Highlights, and Analysis
WNBA

WNBA Showdown: Caitlin Clark vs. Paige Bueckers - Live Updates, Highlights, and Analysis

Catch the thrilling WNBA face-off between Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. Live updates, highlights, and in-depth analysis from the Indiana Fever vs. Dallas Wings game.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.