The Teams Poised To Shake Up The Playoff Seeding
The WNBA is taking a 17-day pause for the FIBA Womens Basketball World Cup, but theres still plenty to sort out before the playoffs. With just four games remaining when the league returns, Zena and Sabreena break down the current standings, potential playoff matchups, and which teams have the most at stake down the stretch. They look at the biggest strengths and weaknesses across the playoff field, the defensive adjustments that could make a difference, and the players and rivalries that could shape the postseason. Before getting into the playoff race, the duo reacts to the news that Aja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will miss the FIBA World Cup, with Plum also set to miss the remainder of the WNBA season. They then turn to another major blow for the Las Vegas Aces , as NaLyssa Smith is officially out for the rest of the season with a leg injury. What does her absence mean for the defending champions heading into the playoffs? Plus, Zena and Sabreena discuss Angel Reeses rescinded technical foul and what the original ruling could have meant for the Atlanta Dream . And finally, they open up the mailbag to break down temporary suspensions in the WNBA and how they can impact a teams roster. No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network: Sign up for the No Offseason Newsletter: Rundown (times are approximate): 00:00 - Intro 01:51 - Aja Wilson, Kelsey Plum to miss FIBA Womens World Cup 04:11 - Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron added to Team USA roster 07:14 - NaLyssa Smith suffers season-ending injury 13:27 - WNBA rescinds Angel Reeses technical foul 18:17 - WNBA playoff structure 19:48 - How WNBA playoff home-court advantage works 20:09 - WNBA tiebreaker scenario explained 25:43 - Exploring the Wings playoff approach 31:02 - Inside the Valkyries and Mystics defensive styles 32:57 - Examining the Valkyries and Mystics offense 38:35 - Could the Liberty be trouble for the Aces? 45:35 - What gives the Dream an edge over the Fever ? 50:56 - The impact of the FIBA World Cup break on teams 54:36 - Mailbag Question Related links and articles: REFERENCES: WNBA stars Aja Wilson, Kelsey Plum out for FIBA Womens World Cup by Annie Costabile NaLyssa Smith has been ruled out for the season. What now for the Aces lineup? By Sabreena Merchant Angel Reese avoids automatic suspension after technical foul quickly rescinded by Sabreena Merchant Can Valkyries overtake Lynxs top playoff seed? Our WNBA playoff picture forecast by Sabreena Merchant Follow and listen to the audio podcast: Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever youre listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com Show Links: -YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason [ -TikTok: @no_offseason [ Credits: -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings -Layshia on IG: @layshiac -Annie on X: @anniecostabile -Produced by Taneka Burrell -Executive Produced by Andrea B. Scott Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports Hub: Full Episodes Playlist: Shorts Playlist:
