The WNBA playoffs are approaching quickly. Which eight teams will secure a spot? That’s a significant question.

With only two weeks remaining in the regular season, which concludes on September 19, the playoffs will commence on September 22 with three-game series hosted by the top-seeded teams. Seven out of the 12 teams in the league have already secured their playoff berths, including the Indiana Fever, who feature Caitlin Clark, a leading candidate for Rookie of the Year.

The other teams that have made it are New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, Las Vegas, Seattle, and Phoenix, while the battle for the eighth and final playoff spot is still wide open.

Here’s what you need to know:

How Do the WNBA Playoffs Function?

In the WNBA, which consists of just 12 teams, the top eight qualify for the playoffs, irrespective of their conference. When the teams are set, the top seed battles the No. 8 seed in a three-game series, the No. 2 seed goes against the No. 7 seed, and so on. The first round features a three-game series, with the higher seed hosting the first two games. The semifinals and finals transition to five-game series, where the top seeds host games 1, 2, and 5.

If needed, the latest possible date for Game 5 of the WNBA Finals is October 20.

Current WNBA Standings

As of Thursday night:

• 1. X-New York (27-6)
• 2. X-Connecticut (24-9)
• 3. X-Minnesota (24-9)
• 4. X-Las Vegas (21-12)
• 5. X-Seattle (20-13)
• 6. X-Indiana (18-16)
• 7. X-Phoenix (17-17)
• 8. Chicago (11-22)
• 9. Atlanta (11-22)
• 10. Washington (10-23)
• 11. Dallas (9-24)
• 12. Los Angeles (7-26)
• (Teams marked with an “X” have clinched a playoff position)

Challengers for the Last WNBA Playoff Position

The competition for the last playoff spot will be fierce. Let’s analyze the challengers.

Chicago Sky

Chicago’s recent performance has been shaky, with seven consecutive losses and a 2-8 record in their last ten games. The team features talented rookies like Angel Reese, a standout in rebounding, and Kamilla Cardoso, a stronginside player, yet they seem to lack experienced veteran guards who can perform under pressure. Their play often feels fragmented and unfocused offensively. First-year coach Teresa Weatherspoon is known for her motivational skills, but can she create effective game plans to help the Sky score in critical moments?

The Sky is desperately holding onto the eighth position. A positive note for them is that four of their final seven games are against lower-ranked teams. They currently lead Atlanta 2-1 this season, with their last match-up scheduled for September 17, a game they must win.

Atlanta Dream

Atlanta certainly has talent on its roster. The Dream features Rhyne Howard, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, along with Allisha Gray, a 3×3 gold medalist, and Tina Charles, one of the league’s all-time leading scorers and rebounders. However, they have struggled to find their rhythm, especially with Howard missing games due to an injury before the Olympic break.

After losing their last game against Phoenix, Atlanta has a 4-6 record in their last ten matches. Fortunately, five of their remaining seven games will be held at home, potentially giving them an advantage. The September 17 match against Chicago is critical, but winning both games against the Mystics could provide valuable momentum heading into the contest against the Sky. Additionally, pulling off an upset against either Minnesota or New York would be a significant boost.

Washington Mystics

Recent performances show the Mystics holding a 4-6 record in their last ten games, suggesting they are not deliberately losing to secure what could be a top draft pick, like Paige Bueckers. While making the playoffs seemed unlikely earlier in the season, it has now become a possibility.

However, four of their final seven games are against teams already assured playoff spots, making victories difficult to come by. Surprising wins in their recent back-to-back games against Seattle and Chicago could serve as a confidence boost. For Washington to clinch the final playoff spot, players like Ariel Atkinson and Brittney Sykes need to consistently perform at a high level.

Dallas Wings

The Dallas Wings present an intriguing case. Their star Arike Ogunbowale is noted as the league’s top individual player and currently ranks as the second-leading scorer in the WNBA, averaging 22.6 points per game. However, injuries to key players—Natasha Howard, Maddy Siegrist, and Satou Sabally—have negatively impacted their season.

Now that their roster is healthy, the Wings look to demonstrate that their 9-24 record doesn’t reflect their potential. A clear indication of this was their impressive 94-76 victory over championship contender Minnesota. Despite a tough remaining schedule with two matches against New York and games in Indiana and Las Vegas, Ogunbowale and her teammates have the capability to surprise teams and make a late playoff push.

Los Angeles Sparks

The beleaguered Sparks will be relieved when the 2024 WNBA season concludes, as they face challenges and injuries that may see them struggle to secure even 10 wins this year.

This season, they are not serious candidates for the last playoff position.