WNBA Playoffs 2025: Shocking Predictions You Need to See
Journey Tribune – The 2025 WNBA playoffs are finally here, and the atmosphere surrounding the league is as intense as it has ever been. The postseason begins against the backdrop of something bigger than basketball: the players are in the middle of negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, with a looming deadline at the end of October. That means every game carries an extra layer of weight, as the fight on the court mirrors the larger fight for the league’s future.
This year’s bracket may be missing some of the new faces fans are eager to see—Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese are not part of this playoff picture—but the league is still stacked with star power. A’ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier, Alyssa Thomas, Breanna Stewart, and Sabrina Ionescu will carry the torch, ensuring that the postseason remains compelling. The big questions write themselves: Can the Liberty defend their crown? Will the Lynx redeem themselves after heartbreak in last year’s Finals? Can the Aces, who surged to the finish line, keep their dominance alive? Or will someone else crash the party?
Legacies on the line. Dreams in reach.
It all begins Sunday, September 14.
The 2025 #WNBAPlayoffs presented by Google 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8MJnSRx86S
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 12, 2025
Minnesota enters the playoffs as the top seed, drawing the expansion Golden State Valkyries. On paper, the Lynx look unshakable: they finished with the league’s best defensive rating and a balanced attack that few opponents have solved. Golden State deserves credit for making the playoffs in its inaugural season, but experience is the real currency in postseason basketball. The Valkyries defend with grit and will not roll over, yet without the home-court advantage of Chase Center due to scheduling conflicts, they are climbing uphill. Almost everyone expects Minnesota to close the series in two games.
The defending champions from Las Vegas meet the Seattle Storm in the two–seven matchup. The Aces are as dangerous as they have ever been, ending the regular season on a 16-game win streak. Wilson continues to play at an MVP level, Jackie Young is in her prime, and Chelsea Gray brings the kind of playoff poise that wins close games. Seattle had bright stretches, including a blowout of the Aces early in the season, but inconsistency has defined their year. The Storm simply do not have enough on both ends to withstand Las Vegas’ firepower. The Aces are heavy favorites to sweep, though the shot-blocking battle between two of the league’s best defensive teams should deliver plenty of highlights.
The three–six matchup pits Atlanta against Indiana, a series that looks destined to go the distance. The Dream’s calling card is clear: they stretch the floor with three-point shooting, dominate the boards, and generate turnovers at an elite rate. They also have depth across the roster, which is invaluable this time of year. Indiana’s story is more about resilience than firepower. Despite losing Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and several others to injury, the Fever managed to scrape their way into the postseason. That achievement in itself feels like a victory. But moral victories don’t advance you past the first round. With fewer weapons available, Indiana will be hard-pressed to contain Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Brionna Jones, and Brittney Griner. The Dream should have enough to advance, likely in three games.
The most tantalizing matchup is Phoenix against New York. A four–five series is almost always the most volatile, and this one has the makings of a classic. Phoenix relies on the physical presence of Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally to set the tone in the paint, while New York counters with Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Ionescu. The Liberty were not at full strength during their two regular-season losses to Phoenix, but now they are finally healthy. They also boast top-tier efficiency at the free-throw line and beyond the arc. If they keep their composure, the Liberty should take the series, though it will likely stretch to three grueling games.
Looking ahead, opinions are split on who reaches the Finals. Some predict a rematch between New York and Las Vegas, pointing to the Aces’ blistering form and the Liberty’s loaded roster. Others believe Minnesota will not repeat last year’s mistakes, that the Lynx’s consistency and hunger will carry them to the championship stage.
As for the trophy itself, the debate is just as divided. The Liberty are tempting as repeat champions, especially if their health holds, while the Lynx seem like the safer bet as the most disciplined team in the league. Finals MVP speculation adds another layer: Natasha Cloud could be the X-factor for New York, while Courtney Williams’ aggressive play makes her the heartbeat of Minnesota’s hopes.
No matter how the bracket unfolds, the 2025 WNBA playoffs promise high drama and defining moments. The Aces are charging, the Lynx are hunting redemption, the Liberty want to prove last year was no fluke, and teams like Atlanta or Phoenix could tilt the balance. This postseason isn’t just about crowning a champion—it’s about setting the stage for the league’s next era.
