If the WNBA playoffs began today, here’s who would face off...

The WNBA playoffs are scheduled to begin on September 14th, featuring 8 teams competing in best-of-three first-round series. This year introduces a home-away-home format for the first round, ensuring the lower-seeded team hosts at least one game.

If the playoffs started today, the matchups would be:

**Minnesota Lynx (1) vs. Washington Mystics (8):** The league-leading Lynx (21-4), featuring MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier and All-Stars Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams, aim to rebound from last year's Finals loss. The surprising Mystics, propelled by rookie All-Stars Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, along with Brittney Sykes having a career year, would be significant underdogs but celebrate their playoff position.

**New York Liberty (2) vs. Las Vegas Aces (7):** This series would pit the last two WNBA champions. The Liberty (16-6), who recently added Emma Meesseman, have won four straight after a slide during Jonquel Jones' ankle injury. The Aces (12-12) have been underwhelming, with Jewell Loyd struggling to replace Kelsey Plum, but still boast three-time MVP A'ja Wilson and stars Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, making this a star-studded matchup.

**Phoenix Mercury (3) vs. Indiana Fever (6):** The Mercury (15-8) have been quietly dominant, led by Satou Sabally and Alyssa Thomas, with Kahleah Copper returning from injury and DeWanna Bonner excelling since joining. The Fever (13-12) have faced frustration due to injuries to star Caitlin Clark (only 13 games played). If Clark returns, they remain a wildcard, supported by All-Stars Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston. This series also offers Bonner a chance to face her former team.

**Seattle Storm (4) vs. Atlanta Dream (5):** The Storm (15-10), holding fourth place by winning 6 of 10, rely on their All-Star trio: Skylar Diggins-Smith, Gabby Williams (having a career year defensively), and Nneka Ogwumike. The Dream (14-10), after a hot start, have cooled off (4 wins in last 10). However, Allisha Gray's MVP-level play, Rhyne Howard's first All-Star nod, and additions Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner have elevated them into contention, promising a highly competitive series.