WNBA Playoffs 2026: First-Round Series Predictions
As parity grips the league, this year's WNBA playoffs promise close matchups and potential upsets.
The 2026 WNBA playoffs are set to begin, featuring a league marked by unprecedented parity, where the gap between top and bottom seeds is smaller than ever. This season's postseason promises intense competition and the potential for surprising upsets as multiple teams vie for the championship.
No. 1 Minnesota Lynx vs. No. 8 New York Liberty
The top-seeded Minnesota Lynx will face the New York Liberty in the opening round. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on ABC, followed by Game 2 on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET on USA/CNBC, with a potential Game 3 back in Minnesota on Thursday. A key matchup to watch is how the Liberty will attempt to contain Lynx rookie Olivia Miles, a strategy they employed in their last meeting. The question remains whether New York revealed too much of its game plan in that prior encounter. The prediction for this series is the Lynx in three games.
No. 2 Golden State Valkyries vs. No. 7 Dallas Wings
The Golden State Valkyries, boasting the league's premier defense, are set to host the Dallas Wings in Game 1 on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on USA/CNBC. Game 2 will be in Dallas on Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN, with a possible Game 3 on Friday in Golden State. The Valkyries' defensive scheme is designed to neutralize top talent, including the Wings' Paige Bueckers. Given the injury struggles of the Wings, they may lack the necessary firepower to overcome Golden State. The prediction is a swift victory for the Valkyries in two games.
No. 3 Las Vegas Aces vs. No. 6 Indiana Fever
The Las Vegas Aces will host the Indiana Fever in their first-round matchup. Game 1 is scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m. ET on ABC, with Game 2 on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video. The series could conclude with Game 3 in Las Vegas on Thursday. This series features a compelling clash between the Fever's high-powered offense and the Aces' top-five defense. Adding another layer of intrigue is the individual duel between Aces star A'ja Wilson and Fever center Aliyah Boston, both former University of South Carolina standouts. The prediction favors the Fever to win in three games.
No. 4 Atlanta Dream vs. No. 5 Washington Mystics
The final first-round series pits the Atlanta Dream against the Washington Mystics. Game 1 will be in Atlanta on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video, with Game 2 in Washington on Wednesday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. A deciding Game 3 is slated for Friday in Atlanta. This series is anticipated to be a battle of the frontcourts, featuring the Mystics' Shakira Austin and Kiki Iriafen against the Dream's Angel Reese and Naz Hillmon. Controlling the paint will likely determine which team advances. The prediction is for the Dream to win the series in three games.