The WNBA is taking a 17-day pause for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, but there’s still plenty to sort out before the playoffs. With just four games remaining when the league returns, Zena and Sabreena break down the current standings, potential playoff matchups, and which teams have the most at stake down the stretch. They look at the biggest strengths and weaknesses across the playoff field, the defensive adjustments that could make a difference, and the players and rivalries that could shape the postseason.
Before getting into the playoff race, the duo reacts to the news that A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will miss the FIBA World Cup, with Plum also set to miss the remainder of the WNBA season. They then turn to another major blow for the Las Vegas Aces, as NaLyssa Smith is officially out for the rest of the season with a leg injury. What does her absence mean for the defending champions heading into the playoffs?
Plus, Zena and Sabreena discuss Angel Reese’s rescinded technical foul and what the original ruling could have meant for the Atlanta Dream.
And finally, they open up the mailbag to break down temporary suspensions in the WNBA and how they can impact a team’s roster.
WNBA stars A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum out for FIBA Women’s World Cup by Annie Costabile
NaLyssa Smith has been ruled out for the season. What now for the Aces’ lineup? By Sabreena Merchant
Angel Reese avoids automatic suspension after technical foul quickly rescinded by Sabreena Merchant
Can Valkyries overtake Lynx’s top playoff seed? Our WNBA playoff picture forecast by Sabreena Merchant
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(01:51) A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum to miss FIBA Women’s World Cup
(04:11) Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron added to Team USA roster
(07:14) NaLyssa Smith suffers season-ending injury
(13:27) WNBA rescinds Angel Reese’s technical foul
(18:17) WNBA playoff structure
(19:48) How WNBA playoff home-court advantage works
(20:09) WNBA tiebreaker scenario explained
(25:43) Exploring the Wing’s playoff approach
(31:02) Inside the Valkyries and Mystics defensive styles
(32:57) Examining the Valkyries and Mystics offense
(38:35) Could the Liberty be trouble for the Aces?
(45:35) What gives the Dream an edge over the Fever?
(50:56) The impact of the FIBA World Cup break on teams
(54:36) Mailbag Question
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