The 2025 WNBA regular season ends on Sept. 11. That’s exactly one month from today, which means the final sprint to the finish line begins now.
Here’s where the postseason races stand with a month to play:
In The Driver’s Seat: With a 6.5-game lead on the rest of the field, the Lynx’s path to the No. 1 overall seed is clear. With 12 games to play and an 11.5-game advantage on the 9-seed, the Lynx will likely have a chance to clinch a playoff berth this week.
Race For Home Court: Five teams – the Liberty, Dream, Mercury, Fever and Aces – enter the week at least four games over .500 and are separated by just 2.5 games in a race for the 2-4 seeds that earn home-court in the first round of the playoffs.
Race For The Playoffs: Four teams – the Valkyries, Storm, Sparks and Mystics – all hovering around .500 and separated by just 1.5 games are battling to secure a top eight finish.
Running Out Of Time: Three teams – the Sky, Wings and Sun – are each at least 7.5 games back of the current 8-seed. While no teams have been eliminated from playoff contention yet, these are the first three teams in danger.
1. Minnesota Lynx (27-5)
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201634" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-41.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-41.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-41-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-41-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-41-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-41-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-41-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Last Week: 1 ↔️
This Week: Sat. vs. NYL
Despite the loss of league-leading scorer (and May, June and July Western Conference Player of the Month) Napheesa Collier to an ankle sprain on Aug. 2, the Lynx have kept rolling. Minnesota went 3-0 on the week to push their win streak to five straight, capped off by their second Finals rematch win over New York on Sunday behind Kayla McBride’s 18 points and four triples.
2. Atlanta Dream (20-11)
Last Week: 2 ↔️
This Week: Wed. at SEA, Fri. vs. SEA, Sun. at GSV
The Dream match the Lynx for the longest active win streak in the league at five in a row as they continue to climb the standings, pulling into a tie with the Liberty for the second-best record in the W. Atlanta also joins Minnesota as the only two teams with double-digit road wins, winning five straight outside of the A. The Dream will try to push both of their streaks (overall and road) to six when they visit the Storm on Wednesday, but may be without Jordin Canada, who left Sunday’s win with a right leg injury.
3. New York Liberty (20-11)
Last Week: 3 ↔️
This Week: Tue. at LAS, Wed. at LVA, Sat. at MIN
The Liberty have held the No. 2 spot in the standings every day since July 16, but their grip on that spot is in danger of slipping. New York is fending off Atlanta – both are 20-11 to open the week – via the head-to-head tiebreaker, while Phoenix is only a game back. After sweeping a home-and-home with the Wings, the Liberty fell to the Lynx at home in the second of four Finals rematches in a three-week span. Their next chance is Saturday in Minnesota, but the Liberty will still be without Breanna Stewart, who is targeting a return from a knee injury by the end of August.
4. Phoenix Mercury (19-12)
Last Week: 5 ⬆️
This Week: Fri. vs. LVA, Sun. at SEA
Sunday’s loss to Atlanta snapped a three-game win streak for Phoenix. In the game, the Mercury shot just 6-of-23 from 3-point range (they are 8-10 when hitting fewer than 10 3s, and 11-2 when making 10 or more) and scored just 66 points (they are 4-9 when scoring under 80, 13-5 when they score 80+). Already a top-tier defense (Phoenix’s 98.8 defensive rating ranks second in the W), finding consistency on offense will be key for the Mercury down the stretch.
5. Las Vegas Aces (18-14)
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201633" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-40.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-40.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-40-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-40-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-40-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-40-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-40-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Last Week: 7 ⬆️
This Week: Wed. vs. NYL, Fri. at PHX, Sun. vs. DAL
A’ja Wilson made history on Sunday – posting the first 30/20 game in WNBA history as she finished with 32 points, 20 rebounds and 5 assists in Vegas’ win over Connecticut. It marked the Aces’ fourth straight win for their longest win streak of the 2025 season. Las Vegas’ hot streak will be challenged quickly as four of the Aces’ next five games come against opponents at least seven games over .500 entering this week – the Liberty, Mercury, Dream and Mercury (again).
6. Indiana Fever (18-14)
Last Week: 4 ⬇️
This Week: Tue. vs. DAL, Fri. vs. WAS, Sun. at CON
After putting together a season-long five-game win streak, the Fever dropped two straight before righting the ship on Sunday with a win over the Sky in the opening game of WNBA Rivals Week. Unfortunately, Indiana’s run of losing guards to injury continues as both Sydney Colson (ACL) and Aari McDonald (broken foot) have been ruled out for the season – along with the ongoing absence of Caitlin Clark. Indy signed veteran guard Odyssey Sims to a hardship contract to help fill the void.
7. Los Angeles Sparks (15-16)
Last Week: 9 ⬆️
This Week: Tue. vs. NYL, Fri. at DAL, Sun. at WAS
The busiest team in the league last week, the Sparks went 3-1 to improve to 9-2 over their last 11 games following their 6-14 start to the season through 20 games. During this 11-game stretch, the Sparks have been led by former Vegas teammates Kelsey Plum (19.5 ppg, 6.5 apg, 2.5 3pm) and Dearica Hamby (19.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 62.6% FG). Meanwhile, Cameron Brink has made an impact in her first six games back from last year&#8217;s torn ACL, averaging 7.0 points, 2.2 blocks and 46.7% 3P% in limited minutes (14.2 mpg).
8. Golden State Valkyries (15-15)
Last Week: 8 ↔️
This Week: Mon. vs. CON, Wed. at WAS, Fri. at CHI, Sun. vs. ATL
Saturday’s win over the Sparks helped the Valkyries avoid a three-game skid and get back to .500 ball in their inaugural season. Golden State is set to be the busiest team this week with four games on the schedule – including the first three against opponents under .500 as the Valkyries attempt to gain some separation in the jam-packed middle of the playoff race.
9. Seattle Storm (16-16)
Last Week: 6 ⬇️
This Week: Wed. vs. ATL, Fri. at ATL, Sun. vs. PHX
So far, August has not been kind to the Storm, who have dropped their first five games of the month – all by four points or less. No team has played in more clutch games – score within five points in the final five minutes – than the Storm with 22, but Seattle is just 10-12 in those games. While the wins have not gone in Seattle’s favor, this month has been a breakout for rookie Dominique Malonga. The 6-6 center from France is averaging 14.4 ppg on 64.6% shooting with 7.8 rpg in just 22.3 minutes in August, while becoming the youngest player in WNBA history (19 years old) to post back-to-back 20+ point games.
10. Washington Mystics (14-17)
Last Week: 10 ↔️
This Week: Wed. vs. GSV, Fri. at IND, Sun vs. LAS
Rookie All-Stars Kiki Iriafen (career-high 23 points, 10 reb) and Sonia Citron (18 pts, 6 ast) shined on Sunday as the Mystics defeated the Wings to snap a four-game losing streak. It was Washington’s first win since trading All-Star Brittney Sykes to the Storm in exchange for three-time WNBA champ Alysha Clark, young guard Zia Cooke and a 2026 first-round draft pick.
11. Chicago Sky (8-23)
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201635" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-42.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-42.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-42-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-42-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-42-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-42-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Thumbnail-42-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Last Week: 12 ⬆️
This Week: Wed. at CON, Fri. vs. GSV
The Sky’s win over the Mystics on Tuesday was Chicago’s only win over the past 11 games. All-Star Angel Reese has only appeared in three of those 11 games due to a back injury that has kept Chicago’s leading scorer (14.2 ppg) and the league’s leading rebounder (12.6 rpg) out of the Sky lineup.
12. Dallas Wings (8-24)
Last Week: 11 ⬇️
This Week: Tue. at IND, Fri. vs. LAS, Sun. at LVA
Dallas enters the week looking to snap one streak while extending another. The Wings will look to end a five-game losing streak on Tuesday when they visit the Fever. During that game, rookie Paige Bueckers will look to score 10+ points for the 26th straight game to begin her WNBA career, which would break a tie with Ruthie Bolton for the fourth longest such streak in league history. The only players with more are Cynthia Cooper (92), A&#8217;ja Wilson (37) and Candace Parker (32) – a trio of legends that each won multiple MVPs and championships.
13. Connecticut Sun (5-25)
Last Week: 13 ↔️
This Week: Mon. at GSV, Wed. vs. CHI, Sun. vs. IND
The Sun close out a four-game road trip tonight against the Valkyries in San Francisco, looking to snap a pair of losing streaks – four straight overall and 12 straight on the road as the Sun’s only road win of the season came back on May 30. Tonight’s game will be the second in a Sun uniform for Aaliyah Edwards, who Connecticut acquired at the trade deadline. The former UConn standout was the sixth overall pick in the 2024 Draft.

2025-wnba-power-rankings-week-10

2025 WNBA Power Rankings: Week 10

Before the first-ever WNBA Rivals Week tips off on Saturday, we’ll break down one must-see nationally-televised matchup over the next seven days.
Sky at Fever | Saturday, Aug. 9 | 8 ET, CBS
Rivals Week begins in Indiana with the Fever hosting the Sky in a matchup that would usually feature the college-to-pro rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. However, with those two All-Stars currently out due to injury, let’s focus on the matchup in the middle between Indiana’s Aliyah Boston (No. 1 pick in 2023) and Chicago’s Kamilla Cardoso (No. 3 pick in 2024) – who are both ranked in the top five in double-doubles this season.
Indiana is 3-0 against Chicago this season and has won four straight games overall in the rivalry. After dropping two straight to end their West Coast road trip, can the Fever get back on track at home? Or can Chicago – which is 3-2 in its last five games with Ariel Aktins in the lineup – pull off the road win?
&nbsp;
Dream at Mercury | Sunday, Aug. 10 | 6 ET, NBA TV
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201536" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Article_Images-Recovered.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Article_Images-Recovered.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Article_Images-Recovered-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Article_Images-Recovered-768x512.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
The Dream and Mercury enter their final regular-season matchup tied in the standings at 19-11, with Atlanta holding the head-to-head tiebreaker for third place in the W. The Dream enter Sunday having won six of their last seven games – with two of those wins coming against the Mercury – with All-Star Allisha Gray leading the way (20.0 ppg, 50% FG, 51.3% 3P). 
Meanwhile, Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas just became the first player in WNBA history to record three straight triple-doubles and can extend that record streak on Sunday against one of the three teams she has yet to post a triple-double against (ATL, GSV, WAS).
This game marks the potential second game for former Mercury star Brittney Griner back in Phoenix. Griner is listed as day-to-day after missing Thursday’s game due to a neck injury. She had 17 points and eight rebounds in her first visiting game in the Valley on July 23.
&nbsp;
Liberty at Sparks | Tuesday, Aug. 12 | 10 ET, NBA TV
In a moment where the WNBA is growing at an exciting pace – set to reach 16 teams by 2030 – we can’t forget where it all started. On June 21, 1997 in Los Angeles, the first-ever WNBA game tipped off between the Liberty and Sparks. Now, 28 years later, these two OG franchises meet in the league’s first-ever Rivals Week.
How close has this matchup been historically? The Liberty hold a 34-33 lead in regular season games. But, if we include the postseason, the advantage flips to the Sparks – who swept NY in the 2002 WNBA Finals – for a 35-34 edge in all head-to-head matchups.
The 2025 edition of this rivalry features the league’s top two scoring guards – LA’s Kelsey Plum (20.4 ppg, 3rd in WNBA) and NY’s Sabrina Ionescu (20.0 ppg, 4th in WNBA) – meeting for the final time this regular season after splitting their first two games. Over their careers, Plum and Ionescu are 7-7 against each other in regular season meetings and 4-4 in playoff meetings. Who will get the edge on Tuesday?
&nbsp;
Liberty at Aces | Wednesday, Aug. 13 | 9:30 ET, ESPN
Many of the top rivalries in sports are forged in the playoffs – when players and teams face each other with the stakes at their highest. For these two teams – the winners of the past three WNBA titles – their paths have crossed on the way to the mountaintop.
They met in the 2023 WNBA Finals, when the Aces defeated the Liberty in four games to become the first WNBA team in over two decades to win back-to-back titles. They met again in the 2024 Semifinals, when the Liberty got their revenge by defeating the Aces in four games to return to the Finals for the sixth time in franchise history, while also ending Las Vegas’ bid for a three-peat. After ousting the Aces, the Liberty defeated the Lynx in five games to win their first WNBA title.
While Breanna Stewart will miss this Rivals Week meeting (bone bruise in knee), the past two WNBA Finals MVPs – A’ja Wilson and Jonquel Jones – will take center stage.
&nbsp;
Storm at Dream | Friday, Aug. 15 | 10 ET, ION
The WNBA’s first regular-season in Canada comes in the middle of Rivals Week and features two teams that have a historic connection as well as a current back-and-forth.
Back in 2010, a Storm team led by Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson swept the upstart Dream in the WNBA Finals after Atlanta reached the championship series in only its third year of existence.
Fast forward to today, and these two teams have traded wins for 10 straight games – dating back to July 2022 – including each of the past four games decided by seven points or less. This will be the fourth and final meeting of the regular season between these teams, who are separated by just three games in the standings, as both eye a return to the playoffs.
&nbsp;
Liberty at Lynx | Saturday, Aug. 16 | 2 ET, CBS
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201538" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Article_Images-Recovered-2.png" alt="" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Article_Images-Recovered-2.png 960w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Article_Images-Recovered-2-300x200.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/Article_Images-Recovered-2-768x512.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Rivals Week wouldn’t be complete without a rematch of last year’s WNBA Finals between Minnesota and New York – who enter this week ranked 1st and 2nd in the league standings, respectively. 
After New York defeated Minnesota in a classic five-game Finals last October, the Lynx won the first rematch on July 30 at home. Powered by Napheesa Collier’s 30 points and Kayla McBride’s 24 points and five 3s, the Lynx overcame Sabrina Ionescu’s game-high 31 points in a 100-93 win.
NY was without Breanna Stewart in that game and will be once again as she recovers from a bone bruise in her knee. Minnesota will be without Collier, who suffered an ankle injury last week. The Lynx are 3-1 this season without the league’s leading scorer, while the Liberty are 2-3 without Stewart.
&nbsp;
Wings at Aces | Sunday, Aug. 17 | 3:30 ET, ABC
We close out the first Rivals Week with the first pick in the most recent WNBA Draft – Dallas’ Paige Bueckers, who is just beginning to establish rivals in her debut WNBA season. This matchup with Las Vegas sees Bueckers have to face three other former No. 1 picks – Jewell Loyd (2015), A’ja Wilson (2018) and Jackie Young (2019) – for the fourth and final time this season.
While the Wings are still looking for their first win over the Aces this season, the two games that Bueckers played came down to clutch time, with Vegas prevailing by four points each time. Bueckers is averaging team highs of 18.0 points and 6.5 assists against the Aces this season, while Wilson has paced Vegas at 25.5 points, 10 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
&nbsp;
Longtime WNBA reporter Brian Martin writes articles on WNBA.com throughout the season. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

WNBA_25_Rivals Weeks_Ally_Primary_White

rivals-week-2025-key-games-to-watch

Key Games to Watch: WNBA Rivals Week Presented by Ally

Get ready for the inaugural WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally.
<hr />
What is WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally?
WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally is a time when the league’s superstars and rising stars are in the spotlight, when teams compete for statement wins and playoff positioning, and fans rally for bragging rights. WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally will highlight both classic and emerging rivalries between teams and players, as some of the league’s superstars will go head-to-head in marquee matchups that define the intensity and passion of the league.
<hr />
When is WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally?
WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally is slated for August 9 through August 17, 2025.
<hr />
What are the matchups for WNBA Rivals Week presented by Ally?
All times eastern
Saturday, August 9
Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever (8 pm, CBS) 
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Golden State Valkyries (8:30 pm, League Pass)
Sunday, August 10
Minnesota Lynx vs. New York Liberty (12:30 pm, ABC) 
Washington Mystics vs. Dallas Wings (4 pm, CBS Sports Network) 
Atlanta Dream vs. Phoenix Mercury (6 pm, NBA TV) 
Seattle Storm vs. Los Angels Sparks (8 pm, League Pass) 
Connecticut Sun vs. Las Vegas Aces (9 pm, NBA TV) 

Monday, August 11
Connecticut Sun vs. Golden State Valkyries (10 pm, League Pass)
Tuesday, August 12
Dallas Wings vs.  Indiana Fever (7:30 pm, ESPN) 
New York Liberty vs. Los Angeles Sparks (10 pm, NBA TV)
Wednesday, August 13
Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun (7 pm, League Pass) 
Golden State Valkyries vs. Washington Mystics (7:30 pm, League Pass) 
New York Liberty vs. Las Vegas Aces (9:30 pm, ESPN) 
Atlanta Dream vs. Seattle Storm (10 pm, League Pass)
Friday, August 15
Washington Mystics vs. Indiana Fever (7:30 pm, ION) 
Golden State Valkyries vs. Chicago Sky (7:30 pm, ION) 
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Dallas Wings (7:30 pm, ION) 
Seattle Storm vs. Atlanta Dream (10 pm, ION) 
Las Vegas Aces vs. Phoenix Mercury (10 pm, ION)
Saturday, August 16
New York Liberty vs. Minnesota Lynx (2 pm, CBS)
Sunday, August 17
Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun (1 pm, NBA TV) 
Los Angeles Sparks vs. Washington Mystics (3 pm, League Pass) 
Dallas Wings vs. Las Vegas Aces (3:30 pm, ABC) 
Phoenix Mercury vs.  Seattle Storm (6 pm, League Pass) 
Atlanta Dream vs. Golden State Valkyries (8:30 pm, NBA TV)
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

rivals-week-2025-faq-and-things-to-know

WNBA Rivals Week Presented by Ally: FAQ and Things to Know

We’re a day removed from the WNBA trade deadline, and the moves mattered — contenders leveled up! The league-best Lynx bolstered their roster with DiJonai Carrington, last year’s Most Improved Player, while Seattle grabbed Brittney Sykes to tighten up a playoff-bound rotation. With just over a month left in the regular season, August’s where things get real — for teams chasing seeding, players grinding for postseason form, and fans (and bettors) locking in. Also, there’s been some shakeup on the WNBA Champion Odds at DraftKings Sportsbook!
Let’s take a look at the latest <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA odds</a> for WNBA Champion, give a weekend preview, and I’ll share my WNBA best bets for Friday&#8217;s games on DraftKings Sportsbook. You can also find more WNBA previews, picks, and daily content on <a href="https://dknetwork.com/?source=WNBAArticlebyMeghan">DraftKings Network.</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=team-futures&amp;subcategory=champion">2025 WNBA Champion Odds</a>
The Favorite: NY Liberty (+170)
I&#8217;ll say it again: we have movement, people! Just a week ago, the Minnesota Lynx were holding steady as the favorites to win the 2025 WNBA Championship at +180, with the Liberty close behind at +190. Fast forward to August 8th, and it’s the reigning champs who’ve jumped ahead — New York is now sitting at +170 to go back-to-back. If you&#8217;re just box score watching, that might not make much sense. Minnesota leads the league with 25 wins, while New York is 5.5 games back at 19. And yeah, the Lynx will be without MVP frontrunner Napheesa Collier for a couple weeks (ankle sprain), but the Liberty aren’t exactly healthy either. They dropped four straight before picking up back-to-back wins — so what’s driving this odds shift?
Well, even without Breanna Stewart, who’s missed five games with a bone bruise, New York’s been illustrating their depth. Sabrina Ionescu took over for a stretch, dropping 31 in a Finals rematch vs. Minnesota and 36 against Connecticut, and when she cooled off Tuesday (just 9 points), the rest of the squad stepped up. Leonie Fiebich, Jonquel Jones, Natasha Cloud, and new-comer Emma Meesseman all put up 12+ to power another win. It&#8217;s worth noting, Meesseman isn’t just another depth piece — she’s a former Finals MVP, and her late-season addition gives New York a boost on both ends of the floor. This team’s bench showed up in a big way this week, but we probably won’t see full championship form until Stewie is back in the mix.
 
WNBA Best Bets and Weekend Preview
New York Liberty at Dallas Wings — Friday, August 8, 7:30 PM ET
These two teams square off again after New York’s 85-76 home win on Tuesday, a balanced showing from a squad that’s navigating games without their second-leading points scorer. In that game, Paige Bueckers did Paige Bueckers things — 21 points, 8 rebounds — but struggled from deep (1-5) and reportedly tweaked her back. She’s considered day-to-day, though she’s expected to play on Friday. On the bright side, Dallas did get Maddy Siegrist back after an 18-game absence (knee). She came off the bench and dropped 13 points in Tuesday’s loss — solid return.
With New York in control from tip to buzzer last time out and building a bit of momentum, I’m leaning toward a similar outcome tonight. But to keep things spicy, I’m eyeing the under. Neither team has cracked 90+ in their last three games, and both are dealing with key injuries — Stewart for the Liberty, and a possibly limited Bueckers for the Wings. Under 172 is the play.
Lean: NY -8.5
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/ny-liberty-%40-dal-wings/32617721?category=odds&amp;subcategory=popular">PICK: Total Under 172 (-110)</a>
 
Seattle Storm at Las Vegas Aces — Friday, August 8, 10:00 PM ET
The Storm enter Friday’s matchup fresh off a trade deadline pickup, acquiring guard Brittney Sykes from the Mystics. It’s a move that won’t fix their middling three-point shooting (currently 7th in the league at 33.4%), but it does give Seattle a proven two-way contributor. Sykes is averaging 15.4 PPG and brings elite defensive presence, adding to a Storm squad that already ranks 2nd in defensive rating (98.5). With Sykes and Gabby Williams sharing the floor, Seattle now boasts two All-Defensive-caliber perimeter stoppers.
Meanwhile, the Aces are heating up, winning 7 of their last 10. They beat Golden State 78-72 on Wednesday behind A’ja Wilson’s 27-point performance, and she added two blocks to become just the 10th player in WNBA history to hit 500 career blocks.
Seattle’s dropped three straight and just slipped behind the Fever in the standings, making this feel like a must-win. The Aces have the league’s top shot blocker in Wilson (2.3 BPG), but Seattle holds the defensive edge overall — 2nd in defensive rating, 4th in opponent PPG, and loaded with disruptors: Gabby Williams leads the WNBA in steals (2.6), and Ezi Magbegor is second in blocks (2.2), just behind Wilson. The issue? Offense. The Storm have dipped to 9th in points per possession and 9th in offensive rating (101.6). That said, this game should be tight, and Sykes could be the X-factor to spark a Seattle squad that needs momentum.
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/sea-storm-%40-lv-aces/32617723">PICK: SEA Storm +1</a>
&nbsp;
All season long, I’ll be tracking the <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA Odds</a> for MVP, Finals Winner and more right here!
All odds and lines provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (<a href="tel:18004262537">1-800-426-2537</a>) (AZ/CO/DC/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/ME/MI/NC/NJ/NH/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), <a href="tel:8003275050">(800) 327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY / text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
Please Gamble Responsibly. Call <a href="tel:18887897777">1-888-789-7777</a> / visit <a href="http://ccpg.org/">ccpg.org</a> (CT), or visit <a href="http://www.1800gambler.net/">www.1800gambler.net</a> (WV). Void where prohibited.
21+ (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/DC/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/KY/LA(select parishes)/MA/MD/ME/MI/NC/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at <a href="http://draftkings.com/sportsbook">draftkings.com/sportsbook</a>. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino &amp; Resort (KS).

wnba-best-bets-for-august-8

WNBA Best Bets for August 8: Weekend Preview and WNBA Champion Odds

— Trade Jacy Sheldon and Right to Swap 2026 First Round Pick to Washington —
Uncasville, CT (August 7, 2025) – Today, the Connecticut Sun announced that the organization has acquired forward Aaliyah Edwards from the Washington Mystics, in exchange for Jacy Sheldon and the right to swap Washington’s 2026 1st round pick (Minnesota’s) for Connecticut’s 2026 1st round pick (New York’s).
“We are incredibly grateful for everything Jacy has given to the Connecticut Sun,” said Morgan Tuck, Connecticut Sun General Manager. “She brought passion, professionalism, and heart to this organization every time she stepped on the court, and her impact was felt far beyond the box score. While it’s always difficult to say goodbye, we’re excited for what’s ahead for Jacy and wish her nothing but success on her new team.”
Edwards joins the Sun after spending her WNBA career thus far with the Washington Mystics. She was drafted by the Mystics as the sixth pick overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft and averaged 7.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists on 18.5 minutes per game during her time in Washington. The 6-3 forward played four seasons with the University of Connecticut Huskies and averaged 13.4 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game over 132 career games. Edwards left Storrs with a plethora of honors including WBCA All-American (2024), USBWA Second Team All-America (2024), AP Third Team All-America (2023), All-BIG EAST First Team (2023, 24), BIG EAST Most Improved Player (2023), BIG EAST Sixth Woman of the Year (2021) and BIG EAST All-Freshman Team (2021). At the time she left Storrs, Edwards also ranked 15th in program history in scoring (1,861), eighth in rebounds (1,020) and sixth in double-doubles (35). Edwards helped lead UConn to four BIG EAST Regular Season and Tournament Championships, along with three NCAA Final Fours and one NCAA National Championship game appearance. The Kingston, Ontario native has also represented her country at the international level, notably being the youngest member of the 2020 Canadian Olympic squad in Tokyo and making a second appearance in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Bringing Aaliyah to the Connecticut Sun is more than just a roster move; it’s a statement about where we’re headed as a franchise. Aaliyah is a transformational talent with the mindset and drive that aligns with our vision of building a championship culture. What truly sets her apart is the way she leads, connects, and competes. Aaliyah is the kind of person and player who can help redefine the future of this organization and we’re ready to build that future together.” – Morgan Tuck, Connecticut Sun General Manager
###

connecticut-sun-acquire-aaliyah-edwards

Connecticut Sun Acquire Aaliyah Edwards

SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm today announced the team has acquired 2025 All-Star Brittney Sykes in a trade with the Washington Mystics. In exchange, the Mystics will receive 3x WNBA Champion Alysha Clark, guard Zia Cooke and one of Seattle’s 2026 first round draft picks.  
Sykes has averaged 15.4 points, 4.3 assists and 1.2 steals per game, while shooting 31.8% from beyond the arc. This season, she received her first All-Star selection, and has four WNBA All-Defensive Team selections, twice to the First Team (2021, 2023) and twice to the Second Team (2020, 2022). In 2021 and 2022, Sykes was the WNBA leader in steals, and in 2017, she received a selection to the WNBA All-Rookie team after averaging 13.9 points and shooting 40.8% from the field.  
Over the course of her two stints in Seattle (2012-2020, 2025), Clark played 300 games, the fifth most in franchise history. She also played a pivotal role in helping the Storm win two WNBA championships (2018, 2020). This season, Clark has averaged 3.5 points, 2.4 rebounds and 0.7 steals per game. While in Seattle, Clark was just as impactful in the community as she was on the court. She was instrumental in starting the organization’s annual toy drive benefiting Seattle Children’s Hospital.    
Cooke has averaged just over 10 minutes of play per game in 2025 and has been shooting a career-high 38.2% from the three. Cooke was the No. 10 overall pick in the 2023 draft selected by the Los Angeles Sparks. There, she spent two seasons playing a total of 68 games, averaging 11.9 minutes, 4.3 points and shot 30% from the field. Cooke, a former South Carolina Gamecock, won a national championship with the team in 2022 and was a Third-Team All-American in 2023.

seattle-storm-acquire-brittney-sykes

Seattle Storm Acquire Brittney Sykes

With the WNBA trade deadline on Thursday, August 7 at 3 p.m. ET, now is the time for contending teams to bolster their rosters for the stretch run.
The deadline coincides with the season reaching 70% completion, meaning there will be less than a third of the schedule remaining for teams to secure their playoff position and ready their playoff rotations.
The league-leading Lynx were the first team to make a move on Sunday, acquiring guard/forward DiJonai Carrington – the 2024 Most Improved Player and All-Defensive First Team selection – from Dallas for former No. 2 overall pick Diamond Miller, an injured Karlie Samuelson and a 2027 second-round pick.
The Lynx already own the league’s top defense in terms of opponent points allowed (75.4 ppg), defensive rating (95.1) and opponent effective field goal percentage (46.8%). Now, they add a strong on-ball defender to the mix as they eye the top seed in the playoffs (they currently hold a 5.5-game lead) and pursue a record fifth WNBA title.
With Minnesota setting the tone, how will fellow contenders respond before Thursday’s deadline? We’ll dive into that next week. For now, here’s how the field stacks up this week.
&nbsp;
<h2>1. Minnesota Lynx (24-5) ↔️</h2>
Last Week: 1 
This Week: Tue. at SEA, Fri. vs. WAS, Sun. at NYL
While the Lynx are coming off a historic 111-58 win in Las Vegas on Saturday – the 53-point margin of victory is the largest for any road team, the second-largest for any game in WNBA history, a franchise record 17 triples, including eight in the 1st half from Kayla McBride – all eyes are focused on the right ankle of Napheesa Collier. The league’s leading scorer and MVP frontrunner suffered the injury late in the 3rd quarter against the Aces and did not return. No timetable has been set for her return.
&nbsp;
<h2>2. Atlanta Dream (18-11) ⬆️</h2>
Last Week: 3 
This Week: Thur. at CHI, Sun. at PHX
After falling to Golden State in the closing seconds on Tuesday, the Dream won three straight to close the week and have won five of their last six games overall. Allisha Gray leads the WNBA in 3-pointers made (73) and ranks 12th in 3-point percentage (40.8%) for the season. Over the past six games, she’s been on fire, hitting 50% of her triples (17-of-34), while leading five Dream players averaging 12+ points with 19.2 ppg.
&nbsp;
<h2>3. New York Liberty (18-10) ⬇️</h2>
Last Week: 2 
This Week: Tue. vs. DAL, Fri. at DAL, Sun. vs. MIN
Sunday’s win over Connecticut helped the Liberty snap a four-game losing streak – New York’s longest skid since July 2022. With Breanna Stewart diagnosed with a right knee bone bruise and no timetable for a return, the Liberty added another former Finals MVP to their frontline with 2019 winner Emma Meesseman joining Jonquel Jones (2024) and Stewart (2018, 2020). The defending champs open the week with a home-and-home set with Dallas before hosting the Lynx in the second of four 2024 Finals rematches in the span of three weeks (July 30-Aug. 19).
&nbsp;
<h2>4. Indiana Fever (17-12) ⬆️</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-201377" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227107833-1-scaled.jpg" alt="Aari McDonald #2 of the Indiana Fever " width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227107833-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227107833-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227107833-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227107833-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227107833-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227107833-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Last Week: 6 
This Week: Tue. at LAS, Thur. at PHX, Sat. vs. CHI
The title of “hottest team in the league” entering this week belongs to the Fever, who have won five straight games and eight of their last 10. Tomorrow in L.A., the Fever will look to match their longest win streak in a decade as they visit the Sparks seeking a sixth straight W. This streak has come while Caitlin Clark remains sidelined (groin) as Indiana is now 9-7 without the reigning Rookie of the Year this season.
&nbsp;
<h2>5. Phoenix Mercury (17-11) ⬇️</h2>
Last Week: 4 
This Week: Tue. vs. CON, Thur. vs. IND, Sun. vs. ATL
Behind 25 points from Kahleah Copper and Alyssa Thomas’ league-record 13th career regular season triple-double (10 pts, 10 reb, 10 ast), the Mercury defeated the Sky on Sunday to avoid an 0-3 week. However, Phoenix is just 2-5 of its last seven games following a 9-2 run that had the Mercury in second place in the league at 15-6 in mid-July. Phoenix opens a four-game homestand on Tuesday, looking to build on a 9-4 home record this season compared to 8-7 on the road.
&nbsp;
<h2>6. Seattle Storm (16-13) ⬇️</h2>
Last Week: 5 
This Week: Tue. vs. MIN, Fri. at LVA, Sun. at LAS
The Storm are just 2-4 since the All-Star break and are coming off back-to-back close losses – a two-point loss to L.A. in a double-overtime thriller despite a season-high 37 points from Nneka Ogwumike, and a four-point loss to red-hot Indiana. Seattle sits in the middle of a crowded pack from No. 2 New York to No. 10 Los Angeles in the standings – the No. 6 Storm are 2.5 games back of the Liberty and 3.0 games up on the Sparks.
&nbsp;
<h2>7. Las Vegas Aces (15-14) ↔️</h2>
Last Week: 7 ↔️
This Week: Wed. at GSV, Fri. vs. SEA, Sun. vs. CON
The Aces had a rollercoaster week. They began with a 15-point win over L.A., snapping the Sparks’ five-game win streak behind Jackie Young’s first triple-double and A’ja Wilson’s 34 points. They followed that with the second-largest loss in league history (-53) to Minnesota. Then, they rebounded with a 24-point win over Golden State to close the week 2-1 despite a minus-14 point differential. Despite the up-and-down week, they maintain their hold on the No. 7 spot in the power rankings.
&nbsp;
<h2>8. Golden State Valkyries (14-14) ⬆️</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-201375" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227474424-scaled.jpg" alt="Tiffany Hayes #15 of the Golden State Valkyries" width="960" height="640" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227474424-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227474424-300x200.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227474424-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227474424-768x512.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227474424-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227474424-2048x1365.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Last Week: 10 
This Week: Wed. vs. LVA, Sat. vs. LAS
Sunday’s loss to the Aces snapped a three-game win streak for the Valkyries and was the only thing that kept them from leaping Las Vegas in these rankings. After a 3-1 week, the Valkyries are 14-14 on the season – putting them in contention for the best inaugural season by a WNBA expansion team ever. Only three teams have won more than 14 games – the 1999 Lynx and Miracle each went 15-17, while the 1998 Shock went 17-13. That Shock team is the only expansion team to finish above .500, which is in play for the Valkyries.
&nbsp;
<h2>9. Los Angeles Sparks (12-15) ⬇️</h2>
Last Week: 8 
This Week: Tue. vs. IND, Thur. vs. CON, Sat. at GSV, Sun. vs. SEA
The Sparks had their five-game win streak snapped by Las Vegas, but bounced back with a double-overtime win over the Storm in one of the top games of the season. Dearica Hamby hit the game-winning layup with 4.3 seconds left, but it was L.A.’s balance with four 20+ point scorers that shined in the win. Leading the way with 27 points was Rickea Jackson, who has had four 20+ point games during L.A.’s current hot streak. After going 6-14 in their first 20 games, the Sparks are 6-1 in their last seven.
&nbsp;
<h2>10. Washington Mystics (13-15) ⬇️</h2>
Last Week: 9 
This Week: Tue. at CHI, Fri. at MIN, Sun. at DAL
After a 6-2 stretch lifted the Mystics over .500 prior to All-Star, Washington has gone 2-5 in its last seven games and – at No. 9 in the standings – is currently the first team on the outside looking in on the playoff picture. Something to watch down the stretch is how the Mystics fare in close games. They have played in a league-high seven games decided by three points or less, and are 3-4 in those games so far.
&nbsp;
<h2>11. Dallas Wings (8-21) ⬆️</h2>
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-201378" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227938248-scaled.jpg" alt="Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings" width="960" height="595" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227938248-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227938248-300x186.jpg 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227938248-1024x635.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227938248-768x476.jpg 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227938248-1536x952.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/08/GettyImages-2227938248-2048x1270.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />
Last Week: 12 
This Week: Tue. at NYL, Fri. vs. NYL, Sun. vs. WAS
The Wings have the frontrunner in the Rookie of the Year race in No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers – who not only leads all rookies but ranks in the top 10 in the entire league in points (18.5 ppg, 7th), assists (5.5 apg, 9th) and steals (1.8 spg, 3rd). Now, they add another lottery pick to the roster in 2023 No. 2 pick Diamond Miller from Minnesota in the trade for DiJonai Carrington. Will an expanded role in Dallas help Miller showcase her full potential?
&nbsp;
<h2>12. Chicago Sky (7-21) ⬇️</h2>
Last Week: 11 
This Week: Tue. vs. WAS, Thur. vs. ATL, Sat. at IND
The Sky have dropped eight straight games – their longest losing streak since dropping nine straight in 2012. Angel Reese (back) has missed five of Chicago’s last seven games as the Sky are now 0-5 without her on the season and 1-10 without her for her career. Chicago will look to end the slide this week with home games against the Mystics and Dream before heading to Indiana on Saturday to face the Fever.
&nbsp;
<h2>13. Connecticut Sun (5-22) ↔️</h2>
Last Week: 13 
This Week: Tue. at PHX, Thur. at LAS, Sun. at LVA
Since Marina Mabrey returned to the lineup following the All-Star break, the Sun have gone 2-3 with home wins over the Valkyries and Liberty. Now, the Sun hit the road for four straight games and will look to improve on their 1-11 mark away from Mohegan Sun this season.
&nbsp;
Longtime WNBA reporter Brian Martin writes articles on WNBA.com throughout the season. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

2025-power-rankings-week-9

2025 WNBA Power Rankings: Week 9

Arlington, TX (Aug. 3, 2025) – The Dallas Wings have traded DiJonai Carrington to the Minnesota Lynx, the teams announced today. The Wings receive third-year forward Diamond Miller, seventh-year guard Karlie Samuelson and Minnesota’s 2027 WNBA Draft Second Round pick. In order to complete the trade, the Wings waived Teaira McCowan.
Miller was the No. 2 overall pick by the Lynx in the 2023 WNBA Draft. The 6-3 forward garnered WNBA All-Rookie Team honors after finishing second in scoring (12.1 ppg), fifth in rebounding (3.5 rpg) and second in assists (2.5 apg) among all newcomers. In 2025, Miller leads all forwards in three-point shooting, making 53.8-percent of her attempts from deep. She has appeared in 25 games this season, averaging 4.1 points while shooting .476 overall.
A 2023 WBCA All-American while at the University of Maryland, Miller was a unanimous First Team All-Big Ten honoree while leading the Terrapins with 19.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game during her senior season. Her 19.7 scoring average was the most by a Terrapin since Brionna Jones averaged 19.9 in 2016-17. The three-time All-Big Ten honoree scored in double figures in 33 of 34 games played in 2022-23.
Samuelson has been limited to 16 games this year following an injury and subsequent surgery on her left foot. The Stanford grad was traded to Minnesota from the Washington Mystics this past April. Over 121 career games, the 6-0 guard has averaged 5.3 points and 2.0 rebounds while shooting .411 from the field and .392 from three.
Carrington was acquired by the Wings in a four-team trade this past February. She has appeared in 20 games in 2025, making 13 starts, averaging 10.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals.
The Wings acquired McCowan in 2022 from the Indiana Fever. She has averaged double-figure scoring and at least 7.0 rebounds per game in six of her first seven seasons in the WNBA. She has finished in the top 13 in rebounding and top eight in field goal percentage in each of her first six seasons heading into 2025. The 6-7 center from Mississippi State has appeared in 17 games in 2025, averaging 5.6 points and 4.6 rebounds while shooting .537 from the field. She was the No. 3 overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the 2019 WNBA Draft. McCowan’s career .570 field goal percentage while in a Wings uniform is a franchise career record. Her 896 Dallas rebounds rank sixth in franchise history, while her 103 blocks list seventh.
Transactions:
Dallas Wings Receive: Diamond Miller, Karlie Samuelson, Minnesota’s 2027 Second Round pick
Dallas Wings Waive: Teaira McCowan
Minnesota Lynx Receive: DiJonai Carrington

dallas-wings-trade-dijonai-carrington

Dallas Wings Trade DiJonai Carrington To Minnesota Lynx

We’re officially two-thirds of the way through the 2025 WNBA season, and the storylines are stacking up. The Sparks have rattled off five straight wins, putting themselves back in the playoff mix, and they just got Cameron Brink back in the lineup. Out East, the Liberty have hit a skid, dropping three in a row, including a high-stakes Finals rematch with the Lynx. And no, I haven’t forgotten about Paige Bueckers. The rookie’s been steady as ever, averaging 18 points and nearly six assists a night over her last four.
Let’s take a look at the latest <a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba">WNBA odds</a> for Finals Winner, give a weekend preview, and I’ll share my WNBA best bets for Friday and Saturday’s slates of games on DraftKings Sportsbook. You can also find more WNBA previews, picks, and daily content on <a href="https://dknetwork.com/?source=WNBAArticlebyMeghan">DraftKings Network.</a>
<hr />
&nbsp;
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=team-futures&amp;subcategory=champion">2025 WNBA Finals Winner</a>
The Favorite: MIN Lynx (+180)
Normally I’d start with the MVP board on DraftKings Sportsbook before moving to Finals odds, but let’s be real: Napheesa Collier (-900) is running away with it. Alyssa Thomas is the closest name at +700, but no one’s touching the reigning Defensive Player of the Year right now. The title race, though? That’s where it gets interesting. The Minnesota Lynx now lead the pack at +180, just ahead of the New York Liberty at +190. These two have owned the top of the standings all season, but Minnesota taking over as the favorite is a new shift. Back on July 11, New York held the edge at +190 with the Lynx behind at +220. So, what changed?
Minnesota’s now 23–5, riding the league’s best record with a five-game cushion over the Liberty. New York’s gone 6–4 in their last ten, but Minnesota? They lead the league in offensive rating (109.1) and defensive rating (95.9). It’s not just Collier — though she did drop 30 in a recent 100–93 win over New York. Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams keep pouring in points, while Collier and Alanna Smith hold it down on defense (Smith’s averaging 2.1 blocks a night). This team isn’t just good — they’re for real.
<hr />
WNBA Best Bets and Weekend Preview
LA Sparks at Seattle Storm — Friday, August 1, 10:00 PM ET
Los Angeles finally got Cameron Brink back after she missed nearly a full year recovering from a torn ACL just a month into her rookie season. The 6&#8217;4&#8243; forward out of Stanford played 14 minutes in her return, easing in with five points and three rebounds. On Friday, she and the Sparks face a Seattle Storm team creeping up the standings after winning six of their last 10. Nneka Ogwumike isn’t showing her age — at 35, she’s putting up 17.4 points, 7.1 boards, and just dropped 26 in Seattle’s blowout win over the Sun.
Seattle’s still just 9th in offensive rating (101.7), but defensively they’re elite — second in the league with a 97.7 rating and allowing only 77.6 points per game. LA, meanwhile, saw its five-game win streak snapped by a 34-point barrage from A’ja Wilson on Tuesday and now has to dig in for another tough matchup. Offensively, the Sparks rank 8th, but they’ve struggled to take care of the ball, posting a TOV% of 19.5% —second-worst in the league. Look, I’m thrilled Brink is back. She’s essential to what LA wants to do defensively, but there’s no shot Lynne Roberts unleashes her for heavy minutes just yet. And against a disciplined, defensive-minded Seattle team? Yeah, I’m taking the Storm.
Lean: SEA -5.5
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-points&amp;subcategory=points-o%2Fu">PICK: Nneka Ogwumike Over 16.5 Points (-125)</a>
&nbsp;
Minnesota Lynx at Las Vegas Aces — Saturday, August 2, 3:00 PM ET
What’s better than a showdown between the reigning MVP and the current MVP frontrunner? Maybe a Finals rematch… but we already got that. So next up? Lynx vs. Aces. A’ja Wilson is coming off a monster 34-point, double-double performance in a win over the red-hot Sparks. She was also one of our two Queens of the Court during DraftKings Sportsbook’s July 22 promo <a href="https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/2025/07/22/draftkings-queen-of-the-court-wnba-picks-for-july-22/">(you saw that, right?).</a> Jackie Young has been quietly leveling up too, dropping her first career triple-double in that same win and averaging 17.0 PPG — the second-best mark of her career.
The Aces are riding real momentum heading into Saturday, but this isn’t just any opponent — they’re running into the MVP favorite and the Finals favorite. Minnesota’s defense is no joke, allowing just 76 points per game, anchored by Alanna Smith’s rim protection and Napheesa Collier’s perimeter lockdown work. So here’s the question: can the Lynx contain A’ja Wilson? Because if they can’t, Vegas might just flip the script on the top seed.
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/event/min-lynx-%40-lv-aces/32593377?category=odds&amp;subcategory=game-lines">PICK: MIN LYNX -6 (-110)</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://sportsbook.draftkings.com/leagues/basketball/wnba?category=player-points&amp;subcategory=points-o%2Fu">PICK: Paige Bueckers Over 17.5 Points (+100)</a>
After digging into this weekend’s slate, there’s one more pick I’ve got to lock in, and it’s all about Ms. Buckets. Paige Bueckers has been everything the Wings could’ve hoped for in her rookie season: averaging 18.3 points, 5.5 assists, and logging ten 20+ point games already. She became just the 10th rookie to ever start a WNBA All-Star Game, and she’s doing it all efficiently — shooting 45.2% from the field, 34.6% from three, and keeping her turnovers low at just 2.1 per game.
She’s been steady, smart, and adapted well. With that in mind, I’ve got no hesitation backing her to hit over 17.5 points against the Fever on Friday. Give Paige her flowers!
<hr />
All odds and lines provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and are subject to change.
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER (<a href="tel:18004262537">1-800-426-2537</a>) (AZ/CO/DC/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/ME/MI/NC/NJ/NH/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY), <a href="tel:8003275050">(800) 327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY / text HOPENY (467369) (NY).
Please Gamble Responsibly. Call <a href="tel:18887897777">1-888-789-7777</a> / visit <a href="http://ccpg.org/">ccpg.org</a> (CT), or visit <a href="http://www.1800gambler.net/">www.1800gambler.net</a> (WV). Void where prohibited.
21+ (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Physically present in AZ/CO/DC/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/KY/LA(select parishes)/MA/MD/ME/MI/NC/NH/NJ/NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/VT/WV/WY only. Void in ONT. Eligibility restrictions apply. See terms at <a href="http://draftkings.com/sportsbook">draftkings.com/sportsbook</a>. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino &amp; Resort (KS).

wnba-best-bets-for-august-1

WNBA Best Bets for August 1: Weekend Preview and Finals Winner Odds

<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-199787" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/06/2560-x-100-1.png" alt="" width="2560" height="100" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/06/2560-x-100-1.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/06/2560-x-100-1-300x12.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/06/2560-x-100-1-1024x40.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/06/2560-x-100-1-768x30.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/06/2560-x-100-1-1536x60.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/06/2560-x-100-1-2048x80.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Editor&#8217;s Note: Read more WNBA coverage from the Athletic <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/wnba/">here</a>. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its teams.
***
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-201242" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32.png" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32.png 2560w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32-300x169.png 300w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32-1024x576.png 1024w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32-768x432.png 768w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32-1536x864.png 1536w, https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2025/07/Thumbnail-32-2048x1152.png 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />
Tiffany Hayes breathes harder now.
So hard, she can hear herself. Sometimes, she’ll just be sitting, fully relaxed. But her breathing would sound as if she were running. Like she’s mid-workout. Like it’s a struggle.
It’s been some two months since Hayes took a blow to the nostrils on a post-up by Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin. The injury leaves her nasal passage still restricted. The wheeze lives with her for now, until she can address it comprehensively in the offseason. A black protective mask covers her face during games. Multiple hits to the face since then remind her of its necessity.
“The mask is staying for now,” said Hayes, affectionately dubbed “Tip” by most. “It’s chippy out here. People just do a little too much sometimes. So, yeah, it’s definitely going to stay. I like the mask. ‘Masked Tip’ be hooping.”
The irony, though, is that Hayes is breathing easier than she ever has.
Because what she’s inhaling now isn’t the stale, recycled air of others’ expectations. The pressurized toxicity of outside validation no longer fills her lungs. That was another life. Another version of Tip. The Hayes who did what others thought was best. Who quietly pursued affirmation in praise and accolades, who found value in their attainment.
This Hayes, the one who came out of retirement and won Sixth Woman of the Year in 2024, the one who assumed the leadership role of the expansion Golden State Valkyries, has found something rare in pro sports.
Peace.
“I used to do things that were best for other people, and I regret it,” she says now. “So I just try to do what’s best for me. And it’s been working out great.”
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
Perfect tip to Tip 🎯
Kayla Thornton finds Tiffany Hayes for three!
PHX-GSV | League Pass <a href="https://t.co/Aoavmk8xMv">pic.twitter.com/Aoavmk8xMv</a>
&mdash; WNBA (@WNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1944960882087182531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
The signing of Hayes, infusing her into the building blocks of this infant franchise, has been one of the best moves in this surprising season.
It took Hayes a long time to reach this enlightenment. She’ll be 36 in September. She’s in her 13th season. But she looks and plays 10 years younger thanks to the fresh air she’s found above the fray. Her value, she’s convinced, is independent of accolades. Her game, her character, her contributions to whatever team she’s on — they’re valuable no matter who sees them.
The peace she owns made jumping into the expansion life an easy call for Hayes. It explains why she seems to be loving it, why she embraces being in the center of this patchwork huddle.
<div class="ad-container">
<div class="ad-wrapper article-treatment">
<div class="ad-slug-container">
She came to the Bay without fanfare. No billboard. Just a lowkey deal between a veteran who’d seen it all and a franchise just opening its eyes. Golden State needed credibility. Someone who wouldn’t flinch at what was to come. Hayes needed freedom to be herself, play her game. A place where she could be Tip.
They found each other at the perfect time.
“To be a pioneer is hard,” Valkyries general manager Ohemaa Nyanin said. “This was an opportunity to co-create an experience that would be beneficial for both. She has a beautiful entrepreneurial spirit. And what I pretty much told her was that this is a class in entrepreneurship — 101 to 501 in one year. To really put an idea to paper. To give us a precious year of her career to help build what we thought would be something amazing. … And she took a chance.”
Expansion teams can be a mess. Overwhelmed to the point of disorganization. A locker room lacking cohesion from its hurried collaboration, loaded with misfit pieces and fringe players hoping to carve out relevance.
But the Valkyries? They’ve been shockingly cohesive. Professional. Even joyful at times. They hit a rough patch before the All-Star break, losing five of six. But they’re still in the playoff hunt.
Somehow, Golden State has made it work. In part because of Hayes.
Hayes starred at UConn — from the 90 straight wins era — and spent 10 years with the Atlanta Dream. She made her lone WNBA All-Star appearance in 2017. Should have been more than one, if you ask her. Hayes is now on her third team in three seasons. She retired and came back. She’s started and come off the bench. She excelled at scoring and played defense. She’s played for Team USA and the Azerbaijan women’s national team. Her wealth of experiences made her ideal for this inaugural season. She came in equipped to deal with just about whatever would come.
Including the warmth she’s found. The camaraderie of being on a team furnished with overcomers.
“I still believe that I was an underdog in most of my career,” Hayes said, “and kind of unseen for most of my career. I’ve been having my head down and being a good professional and playing my hardest every single season I’ve been in the league. So to be on a team full of people like that, and a team full of people who want everybody to the left and right to succeed, it’s super dope to be part of. So I’m grateful.”
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase predicted this. She told Nyanin to go and get Hayes. Nyanin didn’t know Hayes. She knew she’d never heard a bad word about her, and remembers appreciating her reasoning for opting out of the WNBA bubble in 2020.
But Nakase was with Hayes last season in Las Vegas. Nakase was an assistant coach as Hayes came out of retirement to average 9.5 points in 21 minutes off the bench — shooting 50 percent from the field and 40.2 percent from 3.
According to Nyanin, Nakase was certain Hayes would be ideal for the locker room. Nakase knew she’d need a true vet. She also knew Hayes deserved an opportunity like this, to be liberated as a player and leader.
Nakase was proven right immediately. One illustrative moment came after she sustained a nose injury. Hayes missed the next three games. Upon her return, coaches were considering lineup combinations — including Hayes coming off the bench. An early chance to create tension in this new relationship.
But Hayes was clear. She told coaches she didn’t come to the Valkyries to start. She came to win. Whatever it takes.
“And to hear that from your ultimate vet, the person who took a chance on this new franchise,” Nyanin explained. “There’s been a ton of growth (in Hayes), and I’m just grateful to be a part of it.”
Her teammates call her auntie. Auntie Tip.
Auntie is a term of endearment, a reference to the mom-aged woman young people like being around. Aunties are cool, with their cocoa butter and classic music. They don’t call her Auntie Tip just because she’s the eldest on the squad and eight years above the league average. It’s an appreciation of her sophistication and polish. Recognition of the swag that comes with her experience.
“I don’t mind it though,” Hayes said. “It’s whatever. I don’t look like your auntie. I probably look younger than you. But go off.”
Hayes embodies the Valkyrie’s personality. The urgency. The rebellious energy. The aggressiveness. It’s the character of the roster and the foundation of the new franchise. The freedom to compete, to be uninhibited in pursuit of victory.
One play in Minnesota earlier this month, she lost her shoe during a possession and tossed it aside. She ended the same possession by draining a 30-footer. The type of moment to laugh about in film sessions. The type of moment that’s memorable because it meant more than it looked. It was gritty. Unorthodox. Unbothered. Just like this team.
Hayes sets the whatever-it-takes tone. Whether being glued to Caitlin Clark — which is why she’s 7 of 26 from the field against the Valkyries this season, including 2 of 12 from 3 — or lighting up Seattle like she did at Chase Center in June. Hayes’ energy, which still seems endless, feeds the team.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
TUFF BUCKET TIFFANY HAYES!
Tip is up to 14 PTS and counting for the <a href="https://twitter.com/valkyries?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@valkyries</a> 
NYL-GSV | League Pass <a href="https://t.co/Iz8xT2a2R9">pic.twitter.com/Iz8xT2a2R9</a>
&mdash; WNBA (@WNBA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1938066307871584733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Mask on, motor humming, cutting through defenders like it’s 2015 again. There’s still fire in her game. She still boasts the first-step quickness that made her a menace in Atlanta. But what Hayes has now is a calm spirit to match.
Hayes worked for this peace. Earned it. Built it brick by brick out of heartbreak, hard lessons, and a whole lot of self-reflection. Emotionally. Mentally. She’s never been clearer.
She meditates. She prays. She enjoys uplifting music. She savors good food. She consumes fashion. And that’s not to say she likes nice clothes. She can rock gigantic fur pants, or shorts with a blazer, or incorporate 10 ties into her outfit — and make it all look fly.
It’s all part of her bent to stimulate her mind and body.
“I don’t even like to be associated with negativity,” Hayes continued. “Nowadays it’s just like people feed off that, especially in the W. People, the fans, feed off of negativity, and it just seems like that’s growing a little too much for me. And I don’t really like that. So I try to stay out of it. I try to duck the smoke, like the kids say, whatever that is.”
It’s easier to breathe that way.
<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/marcus-thompson-ii/">Marcus Thompson II</a> is a lead columnist at The Athletic. He is a prominent voice in the Bay Area sports scene after 18 years with Bay Area News Group, including 10 seasons covering the Warriors and four as a columnist. Marcus is also the author of the best-selling biography &#8220;GOLDEN: The Miraculous Rise of Steph Curry.&#8221;
</div>
</div>
</div>