As the 2024 WNBA season nears its conclusion, the excitement is palpable. The battle for the playoffs is heating up, with teams like the Indiana Fever, Phoenix Mercury, Chicago Sky, and more scrapping for those coveted postseason spots. But this isn’t just any season—this is the season where Caitlin Clark is making waves, and the Fever are fighting tooth and nail to secure their place in WNBA history.
Let’s dive into the latest standings, playoff scenarios, and what it all means for the Fever and Sky, while sprinkling in some fun, humor, and a dash of sarcasm to keep things lively!
The 2024 WNBA Playoff Picture: Updated Standings
The WNBA playoff race is like a high-stakes poker game, with teams trying to outmaneuver each other for the best hands. With fewer than 10 games left, some teams have already secured their spots, while others are still shuffling the deck, hoping for a winning draw.
| Rank | Team | W-L | Win Pct. | GB |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | x-New York Liberty | 27-6 | .818 | — |
| 2 | x-Connecticut Sun | 24-8 | .750 | 2.5 |
| 3 | x-Minnesota Lynx | 24-9 | .727 | 3 |
| 4 | x-Las Vegas Aces | 20-12 | .625 | 6.5 |
| 5 | x-Seattle Storm | 19-13 | .594 | 7.5 |
| 6 | Indiana Fever | 17-16 | .515 | 10 |
| 7 | Phoenix Mercury | 16-17 | .485 | 11 |
| 8 | Chicago Sky | 11-21 | .344 | 15.5 |
| — | Atlanta Dream | 11-21 | .344 | 15.5 |
| — | Washington Mystics | 9-23 | .281 | 17.5 |
| — | Dallas Wings | 9-23 | .281 | 17.5 |
| — | Los Angeles Sparks | 7-25 | .219 | 19.5 |
X: Clinched playoffs
As we look at the standings, it’s clear that the Liberty, Sun, Lynx, Aces, and Storm are sitting pretty with playoff spots secured. But for teams like the Fever, Mercury, Sky, and Dream, it’s still anyone’s game—if they can play their cards right.
Playoff Tiebreakers: WNBA’s High-Stakes Drama
The WNBA has a knack for drama, and their playoff tiebreakers are no exception. If two or more teams finish with the same record, things get interesting—like a sudden-death overtime but with more paperwork. Here’s how the WNBA determines who gets the edge:
For Two Teams:
- Head-to-Head Record: Did they beat the other team? Simple, right?
- Winning Percentage in Conference: Who was the boss in their own backyard?
- Winning Percentage Against .500+ Teams: Did they step up against the big dogs?
- Point Differential in Head-to-Head: Who got the better of the scoreboard?
- Coin Toss: When all else fails, flip it!
For Three or More Teams:
- Head-to-Head Record Among Tied Teams: Who was the best in the messy love triangle?
- Winning Percentage in Conference or Against Opposite Conference: Which team handled their conference better?
- Winning Percentage Against .500+ Teams: Did they handle the heat?
- Point Differential in Games Involving Tied Teams: Who scored more when it mattered?
- Coin Toss: Because sometimes, it’s all about luck.
Fever’s Path to the Playoffs: Can Caitlin Clark Lead the Charge?
The Indiana Fever, powered by Caitlin Clark’s on-court wizardry, are currently sitting in the 6th spot with a 17-16 record. They’re creating some distance from the Dream and Mystics, but the road ahead is anything but smooth. Here’s a look at their remaining schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, Sept. 4 | vs. Sparks | 7 p.m. | CBSSN |
| Friday, Sept. 6 | vs. Lynx | 7:30 p.m. | ION |
| Sunday, Sept. 8 | vs. Dream | 4 p.m. | ESPN3 |
| Wednesday, Sept. 11 | vs. Aces | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Friday, Sept. 13 | at Aces | 7:30 p.m. | ION |
| Sunday, Sept. 15 | vs. Wings | 3 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Thursday, Sept. 19 | at Mystics | 7 p.m. | Prime Video |
Clark has been nothing short of electrifying this season, and with these matchups ahead, she’ll need to be at her best. The Fever’s games against the Sparks and Lynx are especially critical—winning those could solidify their playoff position. But let’s not forget the old adage: “It’s not over until the final buzzer.” Clark and the Fever must stay sharp and focused to avoid any last-minute slip-ups.
Sky’s Survival Mode: Can They Soar into the Playoffs?
The Chicago Sky are in a dogfight for the last playoff spot, currently tied with the Atlanta Dream at 11-21. With Angel Reese leading the charge, they’re not going down without a fight. Here’s what their final stretch looks like:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, Sept. 3 | at Aces | 10 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Friday, Sept. 6 | vs. Sparks | 9:30 p.m. | ION |
| Sunday, Sept. 8 | vs. Wings | 6 p.m. | — |
| Wednesday, Sept. 11 | vs. Mystics | 8 p.m. | — |
| Friday, Sept. 13 | at Lynx | 7:30 p.m. | ION |
| Sunday, Sept. 15 | vs. Mercury | 6 p.m. | — |
| Tuesday, Sept. 17 | at Dream | 7:30 p.m. | — |
| Thursday, Sept. 19 | at Sun | 7 p.m. | — |
With eight games left, the Sky’s fate hangs in the balance. The good news? They have the talent to pull off an upset. The bad news? They’ll have to do it against some of the league’s toughest teams. Reese and the Sky will need to bring their A-game, especially in their upcoming clash against the Aces and their potential winner-takes-all match against the Dream on September 17th.
WNBA Games Today: The Must-Watch Matchups
If you’re a fan of intense competition and high-stakes drama, today’s WNBA games are a must-watch:
| Game | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|
| Storm vs. Sun | 7 p.m. | — |
| Mystics vs. Wings | 8 p.m. | — |
| Sky vs. Aces | 10 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Dream vs. Mercury | 10 p.m. | — |
The game between the Sky and Aces is the one to keep an eye on. With Chicago clinging to the final playoff spot, a win against the powerhouse Aces could be the turning point they desperately need.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Make the Cut?
The 2024 WNBA season has been nothing short of exhilarating. As the playoffs loom, the Fever, Sky, Mercury, and Dream are all fighting for survival. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have been standout performers, but the question remains—who will rise to the occasion and who will fold under pressure?
The next few weeks will be filled with buzzer-beaters, clutch performances, and maybe even a little bit of luck. One thing’s for sure: You won’t want to miss a single moment.
Stay tuned, WNBA fans. The playoff race is on, and it’s going to be a wild ride!
