Image Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

Why the WNBA Playoffs Picture Could Shift Dramatically Thanks to Teams Already out of Postseason Contention

Eliminated teams and rookies are reshaping playoff hopes and seedings

Image Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images

The WNBA playoffs race is reaching its final week, and even teams out of contention are influencing the standings. The Los Angeles Sparks, all but eliminated, still hold small hope, though the task ahead is near impossible.

After back-to-back losses to the Atlanta Dream, Los Angeles sits ninth in the standings and must win its remaining three games to stay alive. At the same time, the Sparks need both the Indiana Fever or Seattle Storm to lose all their remaining contests.

The Sparks face the Dallas Wings on Sunday, but even before tipoff, their hopes may collapse. Earlier that day, Indiana plays the Washington Mystics in Baltimore. A Fever win clinches their playoff berth and reduces the Sparks’ fate to Seattle’s result against Golden State on Tuesday.

VALKYRIES. YEAR ONE. PLAYOFFS. ✅

The @valkyries are the first expansion team in WNBA history to reach the postseason in their inaugural season.#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/zK94XY6SKV
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 5, 2025

Los Angeles must also close its schedule against the Phoenix Mercury and Las Vegas Aces, daunting opposition for a team struggling to find form. The Sparks’ only saving grace may be rediscovering the defensive focus they lacked while surrendering 44 points to Dallas rookie Paige Bueckers and 37 to Rhyne Howard on Friday.

Rookies Step Up As Spoilers in Big Games

Even as teams fall short of the postseason, their young players continue to leave a mark. Paige Bueckers could again spoil the Sparks’ chances in their next meeting, while Mystics rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen may halt Indiana’s path to the WNBA playoffs.

On Saturday, the Connecticut Sun rookie Leila Lacan played spoiler, scoring six points in the final minute to push the Sun past Phoenix, 87-84. The loss dropped the Mercury to the No. 4 seed instead of drawing level with Atlanta Dream for second place, while ending their six-game winning streak.

Lacan’s clutch moment capped a strong showing by the Sun’s rookie trio. Aneesah Morrow added nine points and 13 rebounds, while Saniya Rivers filled the stat sheet with six points, six rebounds, five assists, two blocks, and a steal. Veterans Tina Charles and Marina Mabrey also guided the effort with 22 and 23 points, respectively.

Chicago may attempt a similar spoiler act on Sunday night against the Aces, who seek their 14th straight win and a share of the No. 2 seed. Without Angel Reese in the first half, the Chicago Sky face tough odds, leaving Las Vegas favored to keep its streak alive.