The 2019 WNBA Playoffs start today and if you're looking for updated odds check out freetips.com. The first round consists of two single-elimination games where the winners advance to the second round of two more do-or-die contests before full series in the semifinals and WNBA Finals later this month.
Tonight, the Phoenix Mercury take on the Chicago Sky. followed by the Minnesota Lynx battling the Seattle Storm. The lower-seeded team travels to Los Angeles to take on the Sparks, while the other heads to Las Vegas to face the Aces. Before the games begin, TSFJ would like to prime our readers for some things to expect, as well as catch up on a few things that have happened.
EDD for MVP
The Washington Mystics claimed the top seed, finishing with an astonishing 26-8 record. While that team is very talented and head coach Mike Thibault has instilled a highly-efficient offense, everything runs through forward Elena Delle Donne. The Mystics are first in the W in points per game, field goal percentage and assists, but Delle Donne has been especially wonderful this year. She had the first 50-40-90 season in WNBA history, which includes her shooting at an insane 97.1 percent clip from the line. Delle Donne's versatility is a key component of Washington ascending to the league's best record, even doing so while point guard Kristi Tolliver went down with injury. She is likely the frontrunner for the MVP award and looks to lead the Mystics back to the Finals.
One Night In Vegas
As previously mentioned, the first two rounds are single-game elimination. So after the winners of tonight's games are celebrating their advancement, they have to turn right around to prepare to play again with the same stakes. I think this adds a lot of intensity and drama to the early rounds of the postseason and forces teams to be on point. With that said, tonight's winners traveling to Vegas for one game is a tall order. The Aces are arguably the most talented team in the W, led by Liz Cambage and A'ja Wilson. To mentally focus to win the first game and then face the Aces when they're rested and at home is brutal. However, it can be done as the Aces lost four times at home. We'll see who advances and if that team can band together to continue their momentum after tonight.
DC's to Lose
This is the Mystics' title to lose. After coming up short against the Seattle Storm last year, it appears the team has been motivated to get back to the Finals and win it this time. They've truly been the best team all year. In addition to the offensive stats, they're the only team with a winning record on the road. At 12-5, they're at least four games better than anyone else. So they'll be tough to beat in a best-of-3 or eventual best-of-5 series. The Mystics are also heading into the playoffs hot, winning nine of their last ten, including six in a row to end the season. Consistency, rest, talent and chemistry are major attributes for a championship team. Washington checks all of them. We'll see if they finish last year's mission.
Hopefully, this will get you ready for the postseason. Enjoy the WNBA Playoffs, folks.
