The top eight teams in the 2019 WNBA standings will make the playoffs. The Seattle Storm and Las Vegas Aces currently hold those spots. There are still some surprises in the standings. Phoenix and Las Vegas are struggling to close out games on the roads, while Minnesota's Big Three have been a constant Achilles Heel all season. Let's look at the other league teams.
Phoenix has been inconsistent in its offense
Although the team's offensive output has been inconsistent, the team's forwards have been a shining spot. Brianna Turner averages 17.2 point per game but her efficiency is lacking. She only shoots 38 percent from behind the arc and 27 percent in three-point shooting. Coach Sandy Brondello has 17 career playoff wins and has been successful at developing younger players. She also has a youthful energy that inspires others.
While Phoenix has been a relatively consistent team on defense, it has struggled to score in recent games. Despite Diana Taurasi recording her 10th consecutive win with 20 points, Sunday's Mercury loss was to Atlanta Dream. The Mercury's offensive rating is just 103.3, while their defensive rating is 103.5. Skylar Dipgins-Smith is another player worth your attention, scoring an average of 36 fantasy points per contest.
Las Vegas has struggled with closing road games
Las Vegas is currently in the thicket of the playoff race with three games remaining. It is just half a point behind Connecticut for the Eastern Conference's 2nd seed. For the fourth and fifth seeds respectively, Seattle and Washington are half-a game behind each other. Dallas is likely to be the sixth seed. The playoff race is wide open with only one game separating seventh place Atlanta from No. 11-seed Los Angeles.
The Aces are unstoppable at home, despite losing several games on the road. The Aces have won four straight games against the Bulls, and they have won nine of their last 11. Although they are still in contention to climb the standings, their three most recent losses were in the postseason. Their recent win in hostile conditions could give them momentum as they head into the postseason.
All season, Minnesota's Big Three were Minnesota's Achilles heel.
The health problems at the wide receiver, running back and running back positions have caused problems for the Gophers' running games. Mohamed Ibrahim, a true rookie, was hurt in the opening game. Three running backs remain out of the team's top three positions. Chris Autman Bell was injured and missed the first two games. He is expected to return Saturday. However, the remaining scholarship backs aren’t as fit as they were during the first season.
The Achilles heel of the offense line this season was Garrett Bradbury, but the team has made progress in the last week. Christian Darrisaw will be the full-time left tackle, while Garrett Bradbury returns to center. Ezra Cleveland is still getting used to his position at left guard. Jesse Davis and Ed Ingram will compete for the right-guard spot.