2011 WNBA Playoffs Predictions:

Though our beloved Sky have not made the postseason this year, the 2011 WNBA playoffs are shaping up to be particularly exciting. Can explosive third year forward Angel McCoughtry, who seemingly singlehandedly turned the Dream’s season around, return to the Eastern Conference Finals? Will the defending champion Seattle Storm recreate last year’s magic? The WNBA Playoffs feature the best of the best, so it will likely come down to who wants it the most. Keep reading for a playoff preview.

First Round:

Indiana Fever versus New York Liberty— This is going to be one Fever that is hard to catch. New York and Indiana have squared off four times so far this season, splitting the season series, but the final game didn’t include perennial MVP candidate Tamika Catchings who had her biggest game of the year against the Liberty in August, dropping 32 points from inside and out and getting to the free throw line an incredible 19 times. Coupled with arguably the best starting lineup in the Eastern Conference and the most effective defense, the Fever should win the first round in two no matter how many incredible baskets New York’s Cappie Pondexter can muster.

Connecticut Suns versus Atlanta Dream—Atlanta’s Angel McCoughtry tied for the scoring lead at 21.2 points per game this season, but averaged a gaudy 26.4 points per game in September including three 30+ point performances. Putting her team on her back, the Dream became one of the hottest teams in the WNBA winning nine of their last eleven games including an 11 point victory over the Sun. While Connecticut and Atlanta split their series 2-2, Atlanta is peaking at the right time to handle Tina Charles and the excellent perimeter shooting of the Connecticut Sun. Atlanta will win in three games.

Minnesota Lynx versus San Antonio Silver Stars—The Lynx are hungry, and it is noticeable. Despite clinching the top seed in the playoffs early, Minnesota has not taken their foot off the gas pedal (or their opponents’ throats) as they’ve won nine of their last ten games. They are 4-0 this season against San Antonio, and the last two were double digit victories when the Silver Stars were reeling during a 3-9 stretch in August. While the Silver Stars appear to have righted the ship, it would be quite the underdog story if San Antonio advanced. Minnesota has the star studded lineup and will take this one in two games.

Seattle Storm versus Phoenix Mercury—Probably the most recognizable stars in the WNBA will go head to head in this pairing. During the regular season, Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird both play at a level few with which few can compete, but in the playoffs these two go to an even higher level, and both players have the championship rings to prove it. In 2011, Bird and the Storm have the edge however. The defending WNBA champions won the season series 3-1 against Phoenix and have gotten stronger with Lauren Jackson back in the lineup. Meanwhile Phoenix has been 8-7 since trading away starting center Kara Braxton. While they will likely be high scoring close games, Seattle Storm should beat Phoenix in three games.