Kevin Cottrell Jr., Special to NBA.com

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The U.S. Women&#8217;s National Team is officially journeying to Rio, beginning with the team&#8217;s first practice. Headlined by MVP candidates Tina Charles and Maya Moore, future Hall of Famers Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird and Tamika Catchings, and rookie sensation Breanna Stewart, Team USA is seeking a sixth straight gold. They&#8217;re led by UConn head coach and 11-time NCAA national champion, Geno Auriemma, who led the squad to gold in 2012.
In 2012, Team USA led all countries in scoring, field-goal percentage, defensive field-goal percentage, rebounding, defensive rebounding, rebounding margin, blocks, assists, steals and assists-to-turnover ratio. With the 2016 Summer Games officially here, take a look into the sights, sounds and images of Team USA&#8217;s Road To Rio:
That&#8217;s a wrap for Day 1 of practice. Breanna Stewart and the squad are back at it tomorrow!
https://vine.co/v/5mdtpzaUjlP
&#8216;USA on 3!&#8217;
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A couple of old friends catching up before <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USABWNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USABWNT</a> practice. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToRio?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToRio</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unite?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unite</a> <a href="https://t.co/LoFVZpikyH">pic.twitter.com/LoFVZpikyH</a>
&mdash; USA Basketball (@usabasketball) <a href="https://twitter.com/usabasketball/status/757018535700799488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
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Diana Taurasi hits Brittney Griner with the no-look dime
https://vine.co/v/5mdO0UqtXbT
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Lot of talent getting ready for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToRio?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToRio</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USABWNT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USABWNT</a> <a href="https://t.co/JwISy88V4i">pic.twitter.com/JwISy88V4i</a>
&mdash; WNBA (@WNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/757019950364004352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2016</a></blockquote>
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https://www.instagram.com/p/BIOAHb5Ak8A/?hl=en
Reigning WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne shares her Team USA jersey
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIOIbLdBQ4n/?hl=en
It&#8217;s raining triples in the Select Team&#8217;s practice
https://vine.co/v/5mwndJ30iYQ
Jewell Lloyd laces up her kicks before Select Team practice
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIOLmv3Dlyq/?taken-by=wnba
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
The <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianaFever?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianaFever</a>&#39;s own and 3X Olympian, <a href="https://twitter.com/Catchin24?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Catchin24</a> introduced to fans in LA. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoadToRio?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoadToRio</a> <a href="https://t.co/XfTbdsDTCc">pic.twitter.com/XfTbdsDTCc</a>
&mdash; WNBA (@WNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/756947345577652224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2016</a></blockquote>
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The playoff picture is beginning to come into focus. In the past week, the Lynx clinched the best record in the league, while the Aces, Dream and Mercury all punched their tickets to the playoffs.
That means we have four teams in, we have four teams out and four spots left with five teams still in the mix.
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Who’s In: Lynx (clinched No. 1 seed), Aces, Dream, Mercury</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Who’s Out: Mystics, Sun, Sky, Wings</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Who’s In The Mix: Liberty, Storm, Valkyries, Fever, Sparks</li>
</ul>
<hr />
<h2>Who’s In: Clinched Playoff Berth</h2>
<h3>1. Minnesota Lynx (31-8) ↔️</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202817" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232324175-1.jpg" alt="Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx handles the ball" width="960" height="640" />
Last Week: 1 
This Week: Mon vs. DAL, Thur. at LVA, Sat. at GSV
Minnesota’s win over Connecticut on Saturday not only clinched the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, it also set a Lynx franchise record for wins in a season (31), surpassing the mark they set last year (30) with five games to play. One of those remaining games is a marquee matchup with the red-hot Aces on Thursday. While the game won’t affect Minnesota’s playoff position, it can impact both the scoring title and MVP races between Napheesa Collier (23.41 ppg) and A’ja Wilson (23.36) – who enter the week in a dead heat in scoring average while Minnesota leads the season series 3-0.
&nbsp;
<h3>2. Las Vegas Aces (26-14) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 2
This Week: Thur. vs. MIN, Sun. vs. CHI
Tiebreakers (Top 4 Race): 3-0 vs. ATL, 3-1 vs. PHX, 1-2 vs. NYL
It was another perfect week for the Aces with road wins at Chicago and Atlanta to extend their win streak to a franchise-record-tying 12 games. Wilson continues to dominate both ends of the court – averaging 26.8 points, on 50.4% FG, 45% 3P, 87.9% FT shooting splits, along with 12.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.5 steals. Las Vegas will look to set a new mark in Thursday’s showdown with Minnesota.
&nbsp;
<h3>3. Atlanta Dream (25-14) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 3 
This Week: Mon at CON, Wed. vs. LAS, Fri. vs. LAS
Tiebreakers (Top 4 Race): 3-0 vs. PHX, 2-2 vs. NYL, 0-3 vs. LVA
At 12-5, the Dream have been the second best team since the All-Star break. However, three of those five losses have come to the Aces, who have passed the Dream in the standings and own the head-to-head tiebreaker should it be needed at season’s end. Atlanta enters the week tied with Phoenix at 25-14, but holds the No. 3 spot in the standings after sweeping the season series with the Mercury (3-0).
&nbsp;
<h3>4. Phoenix Mercury (25-14)</h3>
Last Week: 4 ↔️
This Week: Tue. vs. IND, Thur. at WAS, Sat. at CON
Tiebreakers Top 4 Race: 3-1 vs. NYL, 1-3 vs. LVA, 0-3 vs. ATL
The Mercury are riding a four-game win streak as they look to secure a top-four finish and home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. Phoenix enters this week tied with Las Vegas and Atlanta in the loss column (14) but does not hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over either team, making a climb to No. 2 or No. 3 more challenging. However, Phoenix does hold a two-loss edge and the tiebreaker over No. 5 New York as the Mercury try to hold off the defending champs.
<hr />
<h2>Who’s In The Mix: Race For Playoffs</h2>
<h3>5. New York Liberty (24-16) ↔️</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202818" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232368398.jpg" alt="Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty looks on during the game against the Phoenix Mercury" width="960" height="640" />
Last Week: 5 
This Week: Tue. at GSV, Fri. at SEA
Tiebreakers (Top 4 Race): 2-1 vs. LVA, 2-2 vs. ATL, 1-3 vs. PHX
Tiebreakers (Playoff Race): 3-0 vs. GSV (1 left), 3-1 vs. IND, 2-1 vs. LAS,  0-2 vs. SEA (1 left)
The Liberty enter this week in a unique position – they are the only team that is still in contention for a top-four finish while not having clinched a playoff berth. New York enters this week with a magic number of one, meaning they need one win (first chance is Tuesday at Golden State) or one Sparks loss (first chance is Monday at Seattle) to punch their fifth straight postseason ticket. After getting Natasha Cloud back on Saturday, New York hopes to get back to full health with Sabrina Ionescu (toe) and Nyara Sabally (knee) soon.
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<h3>6. Golden State Valkyries (21-18) ⬆️</h3>
Last Week: 7
This Week: Tue. vs. NYL, Thur. vs. DAL, Sat. vs. MIN
Tiebreakers (Playoff Race): 3-0 vs. IND, 3-1 vs. LAS, 2-1 vs. SEA (1 left), 0-3 vs. NYL (1 left) 
A three-game win streak has helped Golden State’s effort to become the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in its inaugural season, but there is still work to be done. Four of the Valkyries’ final five games come against teams that have either clinched a playoff berth (two games vs. Minnesota) or remain in the playoff mix (New York and Seattle). Can Veronica Burton continue dishing dimes &#8212; she has 13+ assists in three of her last five games &#8212; and help Golden State make history?
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<h3>7. Seattle Storm (22-19) ⬇️</h3>
Last Week: 6
This Week: Mon. vs. LAS, Fri. vs. NYL
Tiebreakers (Playoff Race): 2-0 vs. NYL (1 left), 1-2 vs. GSV (1 left), 1-2 vs. LAS (1 left), 0-3 vs. IND
On Thursday in Minnesota, the Storm overcame a 21-point deficit to rally past the league-leading Lynx for a statement road win after Seattle entered the game 0-10 on the season when trailing by 16+ points. That was one of the Storm’s five wins over their last six games as they look to close the season strong and secure their playoff berth. Tonight’s game against Los Angeles is big as a loss would drop Seattle to 20 losses (even with L.A.) and give the Sparks the head-to-head tiebreaker.
&nbsp;
<h3>8. Indiana Fever (21-19) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 8
This Week: Tue. at PHX, Fri. vs. CHI, Sun. at WAS
Tiebreakers (Playoff Race): 3-0 vs. SEA, 1-3 vs. NYL, 1-3 vs. LAS, 0-3 vs. GSV
After opening the week with wins over Seattle and Los Angeles to climb to sixth place in the standings, the Fever lost Sunday’s game against Golden State to drop back down to eighth. While the Fever hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over Seattle, they do not have tiebreakers against the Liberty, Sparks or Valkyries, which are the three teams closest to Indy in the playoff race. This week, the Fever head to Phoenix to face the playoff-bound Mercury before a pair of games against teams that have already been eliminated.
&nbsp;
<h3>9. Los Angeles Sparks (18-20) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 9
This Week: Mon. at SEA, Wed. at ATL, Fri. at ATL, Sun. vs. DAL
Tiebreakers (Playoff Race): 3-1 vs. IND, 2-1 vs. SEA (1 left), 1-2 vs. NYL, 1-3 vs. GSV
No team has a busier remaining schedule than the Sparks – who have played in a league-low 38 games and have six games over the season’s final 11 days, including four this week – as L.A. looks to snap a four-year playoff drought. Monday night&#8217;s game at Seattle is crucial as a win will prevent L.A. from dropping further from the pack in the loss column, while tying the season series with the Storm. It is the first of four remaining road games for the Sparks, who have been better away (10-8) than at home (8-12) this season.
<hr />
<h2>Who’s Out: Eliminated From Playoffs</h2>
<h3>10. Washington Mystics (16-25) ↔️</h3>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202819" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232431372.jpg" alt="Sonia Citron #22 of the Washington Mystics dribbles the ball against the Seattle Storm" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232431372.jpg 4570w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/09/GettyImages-2232431372-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Last Week: 10
This Week: Thur. vs. PHX, Sun. vs. IND
Saturday&#8217;s loss at Golden State not only marked Washington&#8217;s largest margin of defeat (-37) since 2008, it also officially eliminated the Mystics from the playoffs. Sunday’s loss in L.A. made it seven straight for the Mystics, who will finish 10th in the standings regardless of the outcome of all remaining games – they can’t catch any team in the top nine and can’t be caught by any of the teams below them.
&nbsp;
<h3>11. Connecticut Sun (10-29) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 11
This Week: Mon. vs. ATL, Wed. at CHI, Sat. vs. PHX
Despite Sunday’s loss to Minnesota, the Sun have played their best ball of the season down the stretch – going 5-3 in their last eight games. During this stretch, veterans Tina Charles (17.3 ppg) and Marina Mabrey (15.1 ppg) have led the way, but they are followed in scoring by a trio of rookies &#8212; Leïla Lacan (11.6 ppg, 5.8 apg, 2.6 spg), Saniya Rivers (10.0 ppg, 44.8% 3P) and Aneesah Morrow (8.6 ppg, 9.3 rpg).
&nbsp;
<h3>12. Chicago Sky (9-30) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 12
This Week: Wed. vs. CON, Fri. at IND, Sun. at LVA
Monday’s game against Las Vegas saw the Sky retire Candace Parker’s No. 3 jersey during a halftime ceremony. That game also saw Angel Reese pass Tina Charles (45) for the most double-doubles through a player’s first two seasons in WNBA history. With two more double-doubles last week, Reese is up to 48 and counting. The Sky enter this week looking to snap a four game slide as Chicago has gone just 2-17 in its last 19 games.
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<h3>13, Dallas Wings (9-31) ↔️</h3>
Last Week: 13
This Week: Mon. at MIN, Thur. at GSV, Sun. at LAS
The injuries and the losses continue to climb for Dallas, which has eight players listed on its injury report entering Monday’s game in Minnesota. That includes rookie sensation Paige Bueckers (left calf), who is on pace to finish in the top 10 in scoring (18.9 ppg), assists (5.4 apg) and steals (1.6) in her first season as a pro. The Wings have dropped seven straight and are 3-18 over their last 21 games.

2025-power-rankings-week-13

2025 WNBA Power Rankings: Week 13

The 2025 WNBA regular season is in its final stretch, and the competition is HOT. The expansion Golden State Valkyries are chasing history as they fight to clinch a postseason berth in their inaugural year, while Indiana’s Caitlin Clark inches closer to a long-awaited return. Meanwhile, Alyssa Thomas continues to redefine versatility with a record-breaking seventh triple-double, fueling Phoenix’s late push.
With the playoff picture tightening and sportsbooks adjusting daily, this weekend offers bettors compelling angles tied directly to the league’s biggest headlines
Let’s take a look at the latest <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA odds</a> for the WNBA Finals, give a weekend preview, and I’ll share my best bets for Friday and Saturday&#8217;s games on DraftKings Sportsbook You can also find more WNBA previews, picks, and daily content on <a href="https://dknetwork.com/?source=WNBAArticlebyMeghan">DraftKings Network.</a>
<hr />
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=team-futures&amp;subcategory=champion">2025 WNBA Finals Odds</a>
The Favorite: MIN Lynx (+135)
Minnesota remains the Finals favorite at +135, and for good reason. The Lynx sit atop the league at 30-7 with a six-game cushion, having beaten the defending champion Liberty three times this season and held down the best defense and offense in the league.
Napheesa Collier’s return only strengthens their case, dropping 32 points and nine rebounds in her first game back, reasserting her MVP status. With a playoff berth locked and depth pieces like Jessica Shepard and Courtney Williams delivering in big spots, Minnesota’s mix of elite scoring, defense, and veteran leadership makes them the clear team to beat.
<hr />
 
WNBA Best Bets and Weekend Preview
Dallas Wings at Atlanta Dream — Friday, August 29, 7:30 PM ET
The Atlanta Dream enter the weekend looking to rebound after falling to the red-hot Las Vegas Aces, who have ripped off 12 straight wins. Rhyne Howard and Brionna Jones each dropped 19 points in that loss, but Atlanta has now failed to crack 80 points in five straight contests despite still owning the third-best offensive rating in the league (106.4).
The Dallas Wings, meanwhile, are trending in the opposite direction, dropping six in a row and 11 of their last 12, sliding to the bottom of the standings. Scoring hasn’t been their issue, but their second-worst defense — especially in transition — continues to sink them. That’s a suboptimal matchup against an Atlanta team that thrives when they can get out and run.
From a betting perspective, this feels like a spot where the Dream should control the pace and cover. Look for Allisha Gray (18.8 PPG, 38.8% from three) to shine in a revenge game against her former team, making her scoring props an intriguing angle alongside a play on Atlanta against the spread.
Lean: ATL -13
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-points&amp;subcategory=points-o-u">PICK: Allisha Gray Over 16.5 Points (-115)</a>
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Indiana Fever at Los Angeles Sparks — Friday, August 29, 10:00 PM ET
The Indiana Fever are in must-win mode to stay in the playoff picture, but injuries have taken a toll. They’ve gone 10–11 without Caitlin Clark and just 3–6 in their last nine, though Clark’s recent return to non-contact drills hints she could be back soon. The Los Angeles Sparks, meanwhile, sit ninth in the standings but have already swept the season series 3-0, including a 100–91 win on Aug. 5. With Kelsey Plum averaging 20.4 PPG (23.1 over her last six), L.A. has the momentum and matchup edge. From a betting standpoint, even with Indiana’s desperation factor, the Sparks on the moneyline remain the play I&#8217;m eyeing.
Lean: LA ML
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-threes&amp;subcategory=threes-o-u">PICK: Kelsey Plum Under 2.5 Three-Pointers Made (-140)</a>
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Washington Mystics at Golden State Valkyries — Saturday, August 30, 8:30 PM ET
The Golden State Valkyries are closing in on history, sitting seventh in their inaugural WNBA season and looking to become the first expansion team to reach the playoffs in Year 1. They’ll lean heavily on Veronica Burton, who’s already delivered two of the only eight games in league history with 24+ points and 13+ assists, as they try to lock in that postseason spot down the stretch.
The Washington Mystics, meanwhile, are reeling after an 89–63 blowout loss to the Liberty on Thursday, their fifth straight defeat. With a bottom-third offense (10th in rating) and only average defense (7th), they’ll need big nights from rookie standouts like Sonia Citron (15.2 PPG) and Kiki Iriafen to stay alive in the playoff hunt.
From a betting lens, momentum leans heavily toward Golden State. The Valks’ depth and Burton’s elite playmaking make them a strong pick against a struggling Mystics squad.
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/was-mystics-%40-gs-valkyries/32720915">PICK: GS -5.5 (-105)</a>
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All season long, I’ll be tracking the <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA Odds</a> for MVP, Finals Winner and more right here!
All odds and lines provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change.
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wnba-best-bets-august-29

WNBA Best Bets for August 29: Weekend Preview and WNBA Finals Odds

With less than two weeks remaining in the regular season, every game takes on added importance when it comes to reaching the postseason and securing playoff position.
We continue our series of players to watch with another mix of superstars and x-factors that will help determine their team’s fate.
Stats, rankings and standings through games played on Aug. 28, 2025
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<h2>1. Minnesota: Alanna Smith &amp; DiJonai Carrington</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202614" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230504475.jpg" alt="Alanna Smith #8 of the Minnesota Lynx looks on during the game against the New York Liberty" width="960" height="640" />
Despite Thursday’s loss to Seattle, the Lynx remain on track to lock up the No. 1 overall seed in the playoffs. Napheesa Collier’s return from an ankle injury is huge, as is the play of fellow All-Stars Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams (who we highlighted last week). Two more key players on this deep squad are starting center Alanna Smith and newcomer DiJonai Carrington off the bench. Both were All-Defensive Team selections last season (Smith alongside Collier in Minny, while Carrington was in Connecticut) and have helped the Lynx to a league’s best 97.7 defensive rating. Smith joins Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson as the only players averaging 2+ blocks and 1+ steals this season.
<h2>2. Las Vegas: A’ja Wilson</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202612" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2232442140.jpg" alt="A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces reacts after their 81-75 win over the Atlanta Dream" width="960" height="647" />
The reigning MVP is making a run for her fourth such honor with a post All-Star tear that has coincided with Vegas’ 12-game win streak to race up the standings. Wilson and the Aces are off until next Thursday when they host the Lynx in a clash of the top two teams in the standings and the top two scorers in the league. Wilson is averaging 26.8 points with six 30+ point games during Las Vegas’ win streak, boosting her season average to 23.4 ppg, just 0.2 ppg  behind Collier in the race for the scoring title. Wilson also ranks second in rebounding (10.1), first in blocks (2.2) and eighth in steals (1.6). 
<h2>3. Atlanta: Allisha Gray</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202615" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230332656.jpg" alt="Allisha Gray #15 of the Atlanta Dream shoots a free throw during the game against the Las Vegas Aces" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230332656.jpg 5763w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230332656-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230332656-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
No player in the WNBA has played more total minutes this season than Gray’s 1,337. The ironwoman has appeared in all 38 of Atlanta’s games (after playing all 40 last season). Only two players have splashed more 3-pointers than Gray’s 92 as the 3-time All-Star is averaging a career-best 2.4 triples per game on 38.8% shooting – her highest mark in three seasons with the Dream and second-highest in her nine-year career. She’s on pace to set career-best marks in points (18.7), rebounds (5.4) and assists (3.6) and has Atlanta in contention for a top-four playoff berth.
<h2></h2>
<h2>4. Phoenix: Kahleah Copper &amp; Satou Sabally</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202616" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2220323852.jpg" alt="Satou Sabally #0 of the Phoenix Mercury goes around a screen by Kahleah Copper #2" width="960" height="678" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2220323852.jpg 4013w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2220323852-300x212.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2220323852-1024x723.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2220323852-1536x1085.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Copper played only five games in June after missing the first month of the season with a knee injury. She played only five games in July due to a rib injury. In August, she has played 12 games, averaging 16.7 ppg, including Thursday’s 28-point performance against Chicago. As for Sabally, who is averaging a team-high 16.7 ppg – keep an eye on her points column. When she scores over 15 points, the Mercury are 11-4 this season, compared to 9-9 when she scores 15 or less.
<h2>5. New York: Breanna Stewart</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202617" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231845933.jpg" alt="Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty handles the ball during the game against the Washington Mystics" width="960" height="640" />
After missing a month with a bone bruise in her right knee that cost her 13 games, Stewart returned to the court this past week. With a minutes restriction keeping her under 25 minutes in her first two games back, Stewart still averaged 15.5 points and seven rebounds in a pair of New York wins. How will her knee respond to an increase in minutes and an increase in pressure once the Liberty begin their title defense in the postseason? With key members of the roster out – Sabrina Ionescu (toe), Jonquel Jones (illness), Natasha Cloud (nose) and Nyara Sabally – can Stewart and the rest of the Liberty maintain their playoff position over these closing weeks?
<h2>6. Indiana: Aliyah Boston &amp; Odyssey Sims</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202618" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230296917.jpg" alt="Aliyah Boston #7 and Odyssey Sims #1 of the Indiana Fever celebrate a basket" width="960" height="663" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230296917.jpg 8100w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230296917-1024x707.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
In Tuesday’s win, the Fever got 20+ point games from Boston, Sims and Kelsey Mitchell (who we discussed last week) as Indy avoided a three-game skid. Boston has been a constant for the Fever – a top 20 scorer, a top 10 rebounder and shot blocker – while racking up the 4th most double-doubles in the league (15). Sims, on the other hand, has had to strike fast. Working on her third 7-day contract with a Fever team ravaged by guard injuries, Sims has averaged 9.8 points, 4.2 assists and 38.5% 3-point shooting over six games, with a top-20 assist/turnover ratio (2.48), giving the Fever a veteran presence in the backcourt.
<h2>7. Seattle: Gabby Williams</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202613" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231165234.jpg" alt="Gabby Williams #5 of the Seattle Storm poses for a photo during the game against the Washington Mystics" width="960" height="640" />
In Thursday’s comeback win over the Lynx, Williams put up 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, two blocks, one steal and four 3-pointers in 30 minutes. It was the type of stuff-the-box-score performance that earned Williams the nickname “French Army Knife” from her head coach Noelle Quinn. The All-Star’s versatility can be seen in her season averages – 12.0 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 4.3 apg and 2.3 spg – marks that have only been hit by two other players in WNBA history: Tamika Catchings in 2007 and Angel McCoughtry in 2013. And neither of them averaged Williams’ 1.2 3-pointers per game.
<h2>8. Golden State: Tiffany Hayes &amp; Iliana Rupert</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202619" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230839283.jpg" alt="Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries looks on against the Atlanta Dream" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230839283.jpg 6000w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2230839283-1024x682.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Already wearing a mask to protect a broken nose, Hayes went down with a knee injury during a collision with Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper last week. She’s listed as day-to-day with seven games to play. Her return will be critical as Golden State finds itself in a four-team battle for the final three spots in the playoff picture. With the Valkyries potentially making history as the first WNBA expansion franchise to reach the playoffs, getting Hayes back on court, and continued production and shooting from Rupert will be key. Rupert – a 6-foot-4 center from France, is the WNBA leader in 3-point percentage (31-of-67, 46.3%), giving Golden State a proven stretch five.
<h2>9. Los Angeles: Dearica Hamby &amp; Azurá Stevens</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202620" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2215292233.jpg" alt="Azura Stevens #23, Head Coach Lynne Roberts , and Dearica Hamby #5 of the Los Angeles Sparks " width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2215292233.jpg 4946w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2215292233-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
When looking at this year’s season leaders across seven key categories – averages in points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, as well as field goal percentage and 3-point percentage – only seven players appear in the top 10 in at least three categories:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">5 Categories: Napheesa Collier</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">4 Categories: A&#8217;ja Wilson, Alyssa Thomas, Dearica Hamby</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">3 Categories: Aliyah Boston, Paige Bueckers, Azurá Stevens</li>
</ul>
Two of those seven players – and the only teammates on this list – are Hamby (18,1 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.6 SPG, 57.5 FG%) and Stevens (7.8 RPG, 1.1 BPG, 41.0 3P%) – who have both used their diverse talents to keep the Sparks in the hunt for a playoff berth.
&nbsp;
<h2>10. Washington: Shakira Austin</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202621" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231845741.jpg" alt="Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics looks on during the game against the New York Liberty" width="960" height="639" />
On Sunday, Austin put up a career-best 30 points (10-15 FG, 10-10 FT) with five boards and four blocks, but her effort was thwarted by Nneka Ogwumike&#8217;s game-winning buzzer-beater for Seattle. In her fourth season after being selected 3rd overall in 2022, Austin&#8217;s scoring has risen each year, up to this season&#8217;s 12.9 ppg to go with 6.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks. Can Austin help Washington snap its five-game losing streak and avoid playoff elimination this weekend when the Mystics visit Golden State and Los Angeles?
<h2>11. Connecticut: Tina Charles &amp; Marina Mabrey</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202622" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231542513.jpg" alt="Tina Charles #31 and Marina Mabrey #3 of the Connecticut Sun play against the Washington Mystics" width="960" height="640" />
Last week, we highlighted a pair of promising rookies for the Sun. This week, it’s time to show some love to the vets. Tina Charles enters the weekend needing 19 field goals to pass Diana Taurasi (3,341) for the most in WNBA history. Averaging 5.9 buckets per game, Charles is on pace to break the record in four games. Meanwhile, Mabrey has been key to Connecticut’s late season resurgence. The Sun are 7-9 since she returned from injury on July 24 after going 3-19 prior.
<h2>12. Chicago: Kamilla Cardoso</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202623" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231393934.jpg" alt="Kamilla Cardoso #10 of the Chicago Sky looks on against the New York Liberty" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231393934.jpg 4794w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231393934-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2231393934-1024x683.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
After discussing Angel Reese last week, it’s time to add Cardoso to the watch list. I’m particularly intrigued by watching more of Cardoso and Reese sharing the court and playing off one another. So far this season, Cardoso has assisted Reese 18 times, while Reese has returned the favor 23 times. While Chicago has been eliminated from the playoffs, the development of this front line tandem is key to the Sky’s future success.
<h2>13. Dallas: Maddy Siegrist</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-202624" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2232075735.jpg" alt="Maddy Siegrist #20 of the Dallas Wings shoots the ball against the Golden State Valkyries " width="960" height="623" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2232075735.jpg 7297w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2232075735-768x498.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
With eight players listed on the injury report ahead of Friday&#8217;s game in Atlanta, Siegrist will have the opportunity to build on her already career-best numbers &#8212; 12.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 0.6 steals, 0.6 blocks &#8212; when the Wings face the Dream. Siegrist, the third overall pick in the 2023 Draft, is averaging 15.3 points on 56.2% shooting over 10 games in August. Can she close out the month strong as the season winds down?

players-to-watch-final-two-weeks-2025

Players To Watch Over The Season’s Final Two Weeks

The stage is set for a thrilling finish to the 2025 regular season with playoff spots and positioning on the line in just about every single game over the final two-plus weeks.
For this week’s rankings, we’re breaking down the field into four groups – each one representing a different race for the teams included. 
<hr />
Group 1: Race to clinch No. 1 overall seed
The smallest of these groups belongs solely to the Lynx, who have a magic number of two (Lynx wins or Dream losses) to clinch the No. 1 overall seed and home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. How important is home-court? The Lynx are 18-1 at Target Center this season.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-202340" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-73.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" />
1. Minnesota Lynx (30-7)
Last Week: 1 ↔️
This Week: Thur. vs. SEA, Sat. at CON
The Lynx opened the week with their first consecutive losses of the season – falling at New York and Atlanta – before bouncing back by sweeping a home-and-home with Indiana. Sunday’s game marked the return of Napheesa Collier, who dropped 32 points in her first game after missing three weeks with an ankle injury. Minnesota went 5-2 without the league’s leading scorer and MVP candidate.
<hr />
Group 2: Race for home-court advantage in First Round
Next up, we have four teams – the Aces, Dream, Mercury and Liberty – separated by just two games and all seeking a top-four finish in order to secure home-court in the opening round of the playoffs.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-202341" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-74.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-74.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-74-1536x864.png 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
2. Las Vegas Aces (24-14)
Last Week: 3 ⬆️
This Week: Mon. at CHI, Wed. at ATL
No team in the league is hotter than the Aces, who won their 10th straight game on Saturday – marking the longest win streak of the Vegas era and the second longest in franchise history (12 by the 2012 Silver Stars). The eighth win of this streak came against the Dream as the Aces rallied back from 10 down in the fourth quarter to clinch the head-to-head tiebreaker (lead season series 2-0 with one game to play). Vegas also holds the tiebreaker over Phoenix, but not New York.
3. Atlanta Dream (24-13)
Last Week: 2 ⬇️
This Week: Wed. vs. LVA, Fri. vs. DAL
With only 13 losses on the season – second only to Minnesota – the Dream control their own destiny down the stretch. If they win out, they’ll be the No. 2 seed (assuming Minnesota doesn’t collapse). Atlanta has won nine of its last 11 games with its only loss this week coming at the hands of red-hot Las Vegas. The Dream will look to avenge that loss on Wednesday when they host the Aces in their final meeting of the regular season. While Atlanta does not have the tiebreaker with Vegas, they do hold it over Phoenix and split its season series with New York.
4. Phoenix Mercury (22-14)
Last Week: 5 ⬆️
This Week: Tue. at LAS, Thur. vs. CHI, Sat. vs. NYL
This month, Phoenix has gone 0-4 against Las Vegas and Atlanta, but 6-0 against all other teams. However, dropping two games apiece to the Aces and Dream means that the Mercury lost the head-to-head tiebreakers with both teams, which could hurt them if the race remains this tight down the stretch. Phoenix leads its season series with New York (2-1) and can clinch that tiebreaker in their final meeting on Saturday.
5. New York Liberty (22-15)
Last Week: 4 ⬇️
This Week: Mon. vs. CON, Thur. vs. WAS, Sat. at PHX
The Liberty are 2-5 in their last seven games and 5-9 since losing Breanna Stewart to a bone bruise in her knee on July 26 (I’m including that game in the record since Stewart only played three minutes). Stewart isn&#8217;t the only player the Liberty are missing. Nyara Sabally (knee) remains out for likely another week, while Sabrina Ionescu (foot), Natasha Cloud (nose) and Isabelle Harrison (concussion) are all listed as questionable for Monday&#8217;s game against the suddenly-scorching Sun. Saturday’s game at Phoenix is one to watch as NY can clinch the head-to-head tiebreaker with a win, giving the Liberty two tiebreakers (also over Vegas) in this group.
<hr />
Group 3: Race for final three playoff spots
Next up, we have five teams still in the mix for the final three playoff berths, including four teams – the Storm, Valkyries, Fever and Sparks – all with exactly 18 losses entering this week. The Mystics are still alive, but sit four losses behind this group’s lead pack.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-202342" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-75.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-75.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-75-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-75-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
6. Seattle Storm (20-18)
Last Week: 9 ⬆️
This Week: Tue. at IND, Thur. at MIN, Sat. vs. CHI
Nneka Ogwumike came through in the clutch on Sunday, knocking down a15-foot fadeaway at the buzzer to seal Seattle’s third straight win and fourth in the last five games as the Storm have bounced back from a six-game losing streak to open August. Can the Storm keep rolling with three teams right on their heels? They’ll have to since Seattle will not hold any head-to-head tiebreakers over this field – Seattle lost its season series with Indiana and must beat Golden State and L.A. in order to even those two series.
7. Golden State Valkyries (19-18)
Last Week: 6 ⬇️
This Week: Sat. vs. WAS, Sun vs. IND
There have only been eight games in WNBA history with a player racking up 24+ points and 13+ assists – Veronica Burton has two of those games in Golden State’s last three outings. Sunday’s win at Dallas snapped a three-game slide for the Valkyries, who remain in the hunt to become the first WNBA expansion team to qualify for the playoffs in their inaugural season. Golden State has tiebreakers on its side, locking up the head-to-head edge over Indiana and Los Angeles and leading Seattle (2-1) with one game to play.
8. Indiana Fever (19-18)
Last Week: 7 ⬇️
This Week: Tue. vs. SEA, Fri. at LAS, Sun. at GSV
This is an important week for the Fever as they face each of the other three teams that open the season’s penultimate week with 18 losses – hosting Seattle on Tuesday before a California road trip to face the Sparks on Friday and Valkyries on Sunday. The Fever enter this crucial point of the schedule having gone just 2-6 in their last eight games following a season-best five-game win streak. As injuries continue to ravage the team – Sophie Cunningham is the latest to be lost for the season – can the Fever fight their way to a top-eight finish? When it comes to tiebreakers, Indy holds it over Seattle, but lost its season series to both L.A. and Golden State.
9. Los Angeles Sparks (17-18)
Last Week: 8 ⬇️
This Week: Tue. vs. PHX, Fri. vs. IND, Sun. vs. WAS
From July 13-Aug. 7, the Sparks went on a run of eight wins over a nine-game span, with win streaks of five and three games. Since then, they have not been able to string together back-to-back wins as they have alternated wins and losses over each of their past six games. In such a tight playoff race, a timely win streak can make all the difference. Coming off a Kelsey Plum game-winner in their only game last week, can the Sparks make it two straight when they host the Mercury on Tuesday? In terms of tiebreakers, the Sparks hold it over the Fever and lead the Storm (2-1 with one game to play), but lost to the Valkyries.
10. Washington Mystics (16-22)
Last Week: 10 ↔️
This Week: Thur. at NYL, Sat. at GSV, Sun. at LAS
Results: L vs. CON 80-69, L at CON 67-56, L vs. LVA 91-81, L vs. SEA 84-82
Notes: lost 4 straight, in danger of playoff elimination
Just like a timely win streak can boost a team during a tight playoff race, an untimely losing streak can be a damaging blow to a team’s playoff hopes. Case in point – the Mystics – who have dropped four straight games to fall four losses behind the pack in the race for the final three playoff spots. Washington has no margin for error down the stretch, including a pair of must-win road games this week at Golden State and Los Angeles.
<hr />
Group 4: Officially out of playoff contention
Three teams – the Sun, Sky and Wings – have been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention with two weeks to play. With each roster featuring young talent, these final games can be useful tools for player development that can carry over to next season.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-202343" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-76.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" />
11. Connecticut Sun (9-27)
Last Week: 13 ⬆️
This Week: Mon. at NYL, Wed. at DAL, Sat. vs. MIN
Results: W at WAS 80-69, W vs. WAS 67-56, W at CHI 94-84
Notes: won 3 straight, 1st win streak of season, 6-8 since ASG
The Sun enter this week riding their first win streak of the season – having strung together three straight victories over the Mystics (twice) and Sky. Leading the way during the streak has been Tina Charles (19.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg), Saniya Rivers (12.3 ppg, 1.7 spg) and Marina Mabrey (12.0 ppg, 5.0 apg). Overall, the Sun are 6-8 since All-Star compared to 3-19 prior to the break.
12. Chicago Sky (9-27)
Last Week: 12 ↔️
This Week: Mon vs. LVA, Thur. at PHX, Sat. at SEA
A pair of 20/10 games from Kamila Cardoso (22 pts, career-high 16 reb) and Angel Reese (21 pts, 10 reb) helped the Sky top the Liberty in Brooklyn to snap a five-game losing streak. The Sky open the week hosting the red-hot Aces in the first of three matchups over a 15-day span.
13. Dallas Wings (9-29)
Last Week: 11 ⬇️
This Week: Wed. vs. CON, Fri. at ATL
The Wings have dropped five straight and 10 of their last 11 games to fall to the bottom of the standings this week. Wednesday&#8217;s loss to the Sparks saw Kelsey Plum hit a game-winner to spoil Paige Bueckers’ brilliant 44-point effort – the most points scored in any WNBA game this season and the most ever scored by a rookie in league history. Things don’t get any easier as Dallas faces one of the most difficult remaining schedules, with five of their final six games coming against teams in the playoff hunt. The other? Wednesday against the suddenly-hot Connecticut Sun.

2025-wnba-power-rankings-week-12

2025 WNBA Power Rankings: Week 12

The 2025 WNBA regular season is entering its final stretch, with a weekend slate full of matchups that could reshape the playoff race. The Liberty and Dream clash Saturday in a pivotal fight for the potential No. 2 seed behind the already-clinched Lynx, while rookie Paige Bueckers just turned heads with a stunning 44-point outburst. With WNBA Finals odds shifting, this weekend offers not only high-stakes action on the court but also some of the best bets of the season for fans and bettors.
Let’s take a look at the latest <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA odds</a> for the WNBA Finals, give a weekend preview, and I’ll share my best bets for Friday and Saturday&#8217;s games on DraftKings Sportsbook You can also find more WNBA previews, picks, and daily content on <a href="https://dknetwork.com/?source=WNBAArticlebyMeghan">DraftKings Network.</a>
<hr />
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=team-futures&amp;subcategory=champion">2025 WNBA Finals Odds</a>
The Favorite: MIN Lynx (+145)
<hr />
For the first time in three weeks, the favorite to win the WNBA Finals remains on top, and it’s Minnesota (+145) holding the crown. The Lynx have not only separated from the pack but dominated it, sitting first in the league at 26-7 and 5.5 games clear of their closest challenger, Atlanta. They’ve beaten the defending champion New York Liberty three times this season, continue to own the best offense and defense in the league, and have done it all without MVP front-runner Napheesa Collier. 
With a playoff berth already secured, Minnesota continues to prove they’re the most formidable opponent in the postseason. A balanced roster built on elite scoring, suffocating defense, and veteran leadership has carried them this far, and Collier’s return will only make them more dangerous.
WNBA Best Bets and Weekend Preview
Seattle Storm at Dallas Wings — Friday, August 22, 7:30 PM ET
Dallas knew what it was getting when it drafted Paige “Ms. Buckets” Bueckers No. 1 overall, and she delivered in a big way with 44 points against the Sparks, tying Cynthia Cooper’s 28-year-old rookie scoring record. Still, the 9-27 Wings couldn’t close, losing 81-80 and have officially been bounced from playoff contention. 
They now face a Seattle team that’s stumbled of late, dropping seven of its last ten to fall back to .500, though veterans Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike helped notch a crucial win over Chicago earlier this week. Offensively, both teams rank near the bottom (Dallas 9th, Seattle 8th in offensive rating), but the Storm hold the edge defensively. With Ezi Magbegor holding down the paint (2.1 BPG), Gabby Williams locking down the perimeter (2.4 SPG), and the team holding opponents to 80.1 points per game (5th), Seattle has the talent to rewrite the ship 
With their playoff lives on the line, the Storm are the safer lean tonight. That said, Bueckers proving she’s a bucket every night? I’m backing that, too. 
Lean: Storm ML
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-points&amp;subcategory=points-o%2Fu">PICK: Paige Bueckers Over 19.5 Points (+100)</a>
&nbsp;
Minnesota Lynx at Indiana Fever — Friday, August 22, 7:30 PM ET
Even without MVP front-runner Napheesa Collier, the Lynx have looked like a well-oiled machine, leaning on their depth and a next-player-up mentality to go 4-2 in her absence. After being taken down Thursday by a surging Atlanta Dream, Minnesota now faces an Indiana Fever team that has been hit hard by injuries. Sophie Cunningham is out for the season with a torn MCL — the third Fever guard lost in just two weeks — while Caitlin Clark remains sidelined with a bone bruise suffered on August 7.
Still, the Fever have managed to win six of their last 10 and currently sit sixth in the league standings, with Golden State and Seattle close behind. The challenge Friday is steep: the Lynx remain the championship favorite, boasting both the league’s best defense (96.7 rating) and best offense (109.7 rating) even without Collier on the floor. With their depth, consistency, and proven ability to handle adversity, Minnesota has the edge to overpower an injury-riddled Fever squad tonight.
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/min-lynx-%40-ind-fever/32680530">PICK: MIN Lynx -6 (-110)</a>
&nbsp;
New York Liberty at Atlanta Dream — Saturday, August 23, 2:00 PM ET
Talk about a matchup. The Dream have surged into second place behind Minnesota, winning eight of their last 10 and edging out the Finals-favorite Lynx 75-73 on Thursday. The Liberty, meanwhile, continue to stumble without Breanna Stewart — just 5-5 over their last 10 — showing lapses in fundamentals. While they’re only allowing 81.7 points per game, New York leads the league in opponent rebounds (36.4), saw their defensive rating balloon to 110.9 at a point in August, and remains plagued by turnovers. 
Allisha Gray has been on fire, averaging 18 points per game over her last 10 and dropping 27 against the league’s top defense in her last outing. With New York’s defense slipping, Gray looks primed for another big performance. I’m backing her to light it up again Saturday afternoon.
Lean: ATL ML
<hr />
All season long, I’ll be tracking the <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA Odds</a> for MVP, Finals Winner and more right here!
All odds and lines provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change.
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weekend-preview-and-wnba-champion-odds

WNBA Best Bets for August 22: Weekend Preview and WNBA Champion Odds

The WNBA MVP race could be heating back up during the final weeks of the 2025 regular season.
Since late May, Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier has been the betting favorite to win MVP at the BetMGM <a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports">online sportsbook</a>. She remains a -325 favorite, giving her an implied probability of 76.47%, despite being out for more than two weeks with an ankle injury.
While Collier has missed the past five games for Minnesota, a pair of contenders have started to apply pressure on her in this race. 
Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson is second in the latest <a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog/wnba/wnba-mvp-odds-prediction-bm23/">WNBA MVP odds</a> with a price tag of +450, giving her an implied probability of 18.18%. Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas is +600, which suggests an implied probability of 14.29%.
No other player is listed better than 150/1 to win the award at BetMGM. Only six options are remaining in this market.
Collier’s case could be the easiest, assuming she’s able to return to action soon. She’s the best player on the best team in the league. Minnesota is 6.5 games clear of anyone else with a 28-6 overall record.
After finishing as a runner-up in last year’s MVP race, Collier leads the league with an average of 23.5 points per game while shooting 53.7% from the floor. She’s played 26 contests this year, averaging 7.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.8 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game.
Wilson has recently emerged as Collier’s primary challenger after scoring 30-plus points in three consecutive games. She’s led the Aces (22-14) to eight wins in a row, as they have surged to fifth in the WNBA standings.
Wilson, who won last year’s award over Collier, is trying to become the first player in WNBA history to win four MVP awards, averaging 22.9 points, 10 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.2 blocks in 32 games.
Thomas has remained in the mix throughout her first season with the Mercury, who sit fourth in the updated WNBA playoff picture at 21-13. She’s pacing the league with a career-best nine assists per game in this system, while averaging 16.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 29 contests.
Thomas, who finished runner-up in the 2023 MVP race, has recorded five triple-doubles this year. No other WNBA player has more than four in their entire career.
With the way these three stars are playing this year, the WNBA MVP race could become a compelling conversation down the stretch.
WNBA MVP Odds 2025
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Napheesa Collier -325</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">A’ja Wilson +450</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Alyssa Thomas +600</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Sabrina Ionescu +15000</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Allisha Gray +30000</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Caitlin Clark +50000</li>
</ul>
Visit the BetMGM sportsbook throughout the season for updated WNBA futures, including <a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/sports/basketball-7/betting/usa-9/wnba-402">WNBA Finals odds</a>. You can also view updated <a href="https://sports.betmgm.com/en/blog/latest-sports-betting-promotions-offers-betmgm-2/">sportsbook promos</a>, including a First Bet Offer for eligible new customers.

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