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August 2025 WNBA Power Rankings: Move Over Napheesa, it’s the A’ja Wilson Show

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Aces star center A’ja Wilson shrugs after she scored 29 points on her 29th birthday August eighth in Seattle.

For most of this season, the unanimous MVP pick has been Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier. Collier is a shut-down defender, an elite scorer and the Lynx’s team leader on every side of the ball. Without Napheesa Collier’s leadership, Minnesota is not seen as a championship contender despite the complimentary players, great coaching and first place record. Collier’s importance can’t be stressed enough.

So when she injured her ankle against the Las Vegas Aces on August 3rd, shockwaves rippled throughout the league. Collier will remain out another week as the Lynx stay on autopilot and try to keep hold of the top playoff seed. The conversation now pivots to who else could win Defensive Player of the Year and MVP. Many will ask and guess which other top players should be considered for the league’s top awards. The longer Collier stays out, the more likely voters go in another direction and choose someone else.

Defensive player of the year could go back to Minnesota’s newly acquired forward DiJonai Carrington. Not only was she the Dallas Wings’ best defender until her trade, she has elevated the Lynx defense since Collier’s absence. Seattle’s Ezi Magbegor and Gabby Williams have kept the Storm competitive in the playoff race as long as possible because of their improved defense. Opposing offenses hate going to the basket when Magbegor’s in the paint, and Williams is a menace one-on-one.

MVP talks may also shift to Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas, who has recorded five triple doubles this season (with four in August). The Mercury are a roller coaster since the signing of DeWanna Bonner, so the Thomas take may not go far. The biggest name that currently stands out for MVP is Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson. Voters could choose her for both MVP and DPoY.

A month ago, many were hoping Wilson wouldn’t injure herself with how many games the Aces had after the All-Star break. Not only has A’ja Wilson been on another level since play resumed, she’s finally getting needed help from the coaches and role players. Las Vegas has played like their former champion selves with how their offense shreds opposing defenses. They can keep up with almost every team on a nightly and weekly basis (except Minnesota) after their recent wins against New York and Phoenix.

Wilson’s performances this month show she’s not just a valid candidate for MVP, but still the league’s best player. Wilson’s 29 point performance on her 29th birthday (August eighth) led to a win in Seattle that gave the Storm their fourth straight loss and the Aces a top eight playoff seed. Two days later against lowly Connecticut, Wilson recorded the league’s first ever 30 point, 20 rebound game. Las Vegas had to fight for the victory, but there was never a doubt which team would win.

The Aces have won seven straight and nine of their last ten games. One factor that should help determine who wins MVP is how both teams would look without their stars. The Aces are not a playoff contender without A’ja Wilson. The Lynx boast one of the WNBA’s best players in Napheesa Collier, but anyone who has watched Minnesota closely knows the most important person on that team is coach Cheryl Reeve. The Lynx still haven’t lost a game since Collier injured her ankle in a 50+ point win against Las Vegas over two weeks ago. If Wilson missed over two weeks of the regular season, the Aces could be one of the worst teams to watch in professional sports.

There is balance and even irony here after Napheesa Collier tried closing the MVP race gap when A’ja Wilson won the award last year, because this year it’s Wilson trying to do the same to Collier. The most important factors will be how much longer Collier sits out and how Minnesota plays after a loss without her. If Las Vegas and Wilson keep winning pivotal games against the other top three teams before September, then the MVP conversation and pick may be a toss-up. Not to mention the other six teams will be upset the Aces are the worst team to play right before the playoffs. Only a well-built, well-coached and organized team could win a series against Las Vegas right now.

Reigning WNBA MVP center A’ja Wilson is second in points and rebounds, fourth in steals, third in blocks and double-doubles, and first in stocks and 30 point games this season.

Time for the final monthly power rankings of the regular season. Some teams will have tiebreakers based on how they perform on a neutral site.

#13 Connecticut Sun (last ranking: 13)

There is no doubt that this season has been one kick to the jewels after another for Connecticut. If it’s not being embarrassed each night and going in the record books for the wrong reasons, the growing takes about a bidding war regarding the Sun staying in Hartford versus moving to Boston dominate headlines. This may be one of the worst seasons a professional U.S. sports team has recorded in a long time.

#12 Dallas Wings (last ranking: 12)

There have been a lot of front office blunders and mis-managment this season. Very few understand why DiJonai Carrington was traded. Unanimous rookie of the year Paige Bueckers continues to play with an injured back. Coach Chris Koclanes seemingly has no idea what he’s doing nor can he utilize the best out of his forwards and centers. I would normally say the offseason would help, but with Dallas messing up more than one offseason, one has to wonder how much worse things can get.

#11 Chicago Sky (last ranking: 10)

Center Kamilla Cardoso has quietly been one of the best bigs since play resumed. Not only is she leading the team each game, she looks more confident and determined. Despite how well she has played, Chicago’s front office did nothing at the trade deadline and didn’t sign a meaningful player. How is it Indiana signed Odyssey Sims by August tenth when Chicago had at least two weeks to make the move? The Sky haven’t scored 80+ points since Angel Reese last played. Coach Tyler Marsh has no answers for how to improve the offense in the second half of each game and the schedule doesn’t get any easier.

#10 Washington Mystics (last ranking: 6)

Originally, the main article in these power rankings was supposed to be a proper conversation about Washington’s improvement since last season’s abysmal start. Then the Mystics traded Brittney Sykes to Seattle and last year’s first round pick Aaliyah Edwards to Connecticut. In the short-term, those moves torpedoed a lot of good feelings and serious playoff chances. What saves the Mystics from being worse than the three teams listed above is their front office’s long-term commitment to building a championship caliber roster via the draft and free agency. Washington drafted two talented rookie guards to build around and have made them the franchise faces. Now the Mystics have to add the proper forward and center depth around them this offseason.

#9 Seattle Storm (last ranking: 4)

In a complete and shocking reverse from last rankings, Seattle has tumbled since the All-Star break. Part of the fall is due to the trade for Brittney Sykes at the trade deadline and coaching. However, I see a more glaring problem: the Storm have an old starting five. Seattle’s double overtime loss to Los Angeles August second may go down as their most important game of this season and possibly this decade given how it exposed the team’s exhaustion against a younger, more inexperienced Sparks each minute. The Storm went from a dark-horse title contender to a probable, easy out if they make the playoffs. That is the biggest shock of the season.

#8 Los Angeles Sparks (last ranking: 11)

On the flip, Los Angeles’s double over-time home win against Seattle on August 2 may be the start of something special with this roster. The decision to give Cameron Brink a minutes restriction was a great call after her recent ankle scare in New York August 12. Brink looks fantastic after missing a year of play, and the starters are a handful for any team. Azura Stevens is an underrated three-point shooter and former Aces Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum compliment last year’s first round pick Rickea Jackson well. Outside of games against the Liberty, Mercury, and a weird loss to the Mystics, Los Angeles could roll into a lower playoff seed as one of the most dangerous teams this postseason.

#7 Indiana Fever (last ranking: 7)

Until they signed Odyssey Sims, injuries to Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson reduced Indiana to one starting guard. McDonald was also in the most improved player conversation after injuries to Kayla Thornton and Angel Reese. Many are left nervously wondering who else goes down to season ending injuries by next month, after guard Sophie Cunningham suffered what looked like a serious knee injury Sunday in Connecticut.

#6 Golden State Valkyries (last ranking: 9)

It’s a shame Kayla Thornton is lost for the rest of the regular season after suffering a knee injury after the All-Star game. It took a few weeks for Golden State to find a suitable replacement. Luckily they have something special with guard Tiffany Hayes. Hayes has played well this month as she’s second in team points and third in assists. The Valkyries drafted some great players their first year and coach Natalie Nakase could be a coach of the year finalist if Golden State hangs on to their current playoff position.

#5 Las Vegas Aces (last ranking: 8)

A’ja Wilson’s MVP-caliber play aside, two changes have made Las Vegas a better, more competitive team: trading for Dallas forward NaLyssa Smith, and coach Becky Hammon relegating Jewell Loyd to the bench.

Smith is already the second best rebounder on the Aces and gives her new teammates a cushion on defense. Her ability to take care of the opposing offense’s top scorer puts Wilson in better defensive positions and analyze how the offense can take advantage in transition.

The second change had to happen before September. Loyd’s play got worse each game and she had to be benched at some point. Then Loyd herself requested that she come off the bench. Having Jewell Loyd watch and analyze what’s going on to start each game, make adjustments and then substitute in could be the difference from Vegas going home early to favored for a deep playoff run.

#4 Phoenix Mercury (last ranking: 2)

I have Phoenix above Las Vegas because they would have the advantage of winning a full series. The Aces struggled most of their last game against the Mercury and many believe forward Kahleah Copper would have a similar, if not better performance (she usually plays well in the postseason). However, Phoenix has been one of the more inconsistent teams since play resumed. One could say the Mercury are trying to figure out how to play veteran DeWanna Bonner with the starters, but that doesn’t explain why they look great for a few games and awful the next one or two. For a team that has one of the most talented rosters in the WNBA, Phoenix has been a disappointment.

#3 New York Liberty (last ranking: 3)

The same can be said with New York, but their excuse is Breanna Stewart hasn’t and probably won’t play this month because of a leg injury. Whenever the Liberty were hot, a crucial player went out for a month with an injury. It’s a shame too because without the injuries, New York could be the league’s best team.

#2 Atlanta Dream (last ranking: 5)

My predictions for Coach of the Year are between Natalie Nakase, Cheryl Reeve, and Karl Smesko. Smesko’s work with Atlanta catapulted the Dream from playoff outlier to second best. Atlanta is the best rebounding team and hard to stop at the three-point line. The Dream also caught a big break considering star guard Jordin Canada is sidelined for two weeks with a hamstring injury. Atlanta can’t afford to be without Canada the whole playoffs.

#1 Minnesota Lynx (last ranking: 1)

It is almost unfair how good Minnesota is despite Napheesa Collier’s ankle injury. Almost. Not even 24 hours after Collier was went down, the Lynx went all-in and picked up the ambitious Dijonai Carrington from Dallas. Minnesota is more aggressive on defense and veteran guard Kayla McBride has stepped up on offense. It is hard to fathom how the Lynx wouldn’t make the championship with how they adapt each game.

Forward Dijonai Carrington was thrilled to be traded to Minnesota since she stated her desire was to win a championship.

2025 WNBA First Half Questions, Power Rankings and All-Star Analysis

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What a fun season first half. Ratings are climbing and there is more demand. Unlike last season, most awards will be toss-ups. Whoever wins the MVP, Rookie of the Year or Most Improved Player award will be talked about for at least half a year. The eight team playoff race should also have an exciting finish. The bottom three spots will be up for grabs and could be determined by which star players miss significant time in the second half of the season. Here are some main questions and talking points that stand out most with the second half of the regular season starting tonight.

Which team has the best chance of winning the championship this year? Could the New York Liberty repeat as champions?

Minnesota and Phoenix are two of the WNBA’s best teams after the All-Star break. It wouldn’t be a surprise if they faced off in the 2025 championship.

If New York wants to repeat their title run, they need star players like center Jonquel Jones fully healthy and role players like Isabelle Harrison scoring and out-rebounding opposing offenses. The Liberty have been streaky but were good enough to be the second best team at the break.

The two teams that have a good chance to reach and win the championship are Minnesota and Phoenix. Despite the number of games the Lynx played the last three weeks, they’re still the league’s best team. Forward Napheesa Collier is (currently) a lock for league MVP and is the first Lynx player to lead the WNBA in scoring since Maya Moore. Cheryl Reeve remains the league’s best coach and gets the most out of a roster where the second best player is veteran guard Kayla McBride.

Yet the Mercury could be the most dangerous team entering the second half. They signed one of the league’s best all-time scorers in DeWanna Bonner not even a week after Indiana waived her. For now, the 16 year veteran comes off the bench (even with Satou Sabally out with an ankle injury). Many expect she’ll be a starter at some point before the playoffs. The starting five of Bonner, Sabally, Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas and Kalani Brown can overwhelm opponents and make Phoenix the most dangerous team entering August.

National media still struggles to cover the WNBA objectively on almost every level

Sports media’s obsession with certain WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark still alienates real and new fans of the sports. The launch of Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman’s StudBudz livestream All-Star weekend could be the push towards refreshing content the league needs to promote from their stars and colorful personalities.

Multiple things can be true: a good amount of the sudden, spike of interest in the WNBA is because of Indiana Fever star point guard Caitlin Clark getting drafted number one overall last year. The last two drafts have introduced stars at multiple positions in multiple cities. There’s also a bias in reporting on certain players, teams and games that have made watching much of the last two seasons difficult.

Say whatever you want about Chicago’s star forward Angel Reese, she is in the news for every possible reason. Audiences know when she doesn’t play well versus when she dominates. Clark was said and promised to be a lot of things during and after last year’s rookie season. Her struggles ranging from dribbling weaknesses to her road game shooting accuracies have silenced major sports outlets like ESPN, FoxSports and CBS. In fact, ESPN’s Andraya Carter made a weird pivot to start July by saying the face of the league (which was said to be Clark) should be a player who’s shown staying power and won championships.

How fascinating that when the topic is the WNBA, actual sports broadcasters, journalists and analysts suddenly don’t know how to do their jobs. They can skip over certain players struggling as much as they’re not praising certain rookie players, improved teams or other issues plaguing the league’s progress. Number one pick of this year’s draft Paige Bueckers has surprisingly become the best player on the Wings (despite how veteran guard Arike Ogunbowale was consistently the best scorer and most well known name for the franchise). Sadly, the media doesn’t cover how well Bueckers plays because she doesn’t feed into certain narratives. Many new fans who would love to hear about Washington rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron. Veteran stars like Kahleah Copper should be as celebrated and talked about on a level similar to A’ja Wilson. Unfortunately, the league and media covering them either lack incentives to promote certain players or seemingly try to sabotage the product put out.

This is why the launch of the recent Twitch livestream StudBudz by Minnesota Lynx players Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman last weekend was important and a rousing success. Not only were the shenanigans, fun, light-hearted or engaging interviews with numerous All-Stars a refreshing watch, they wound up going viral and talked about everywhere in the U.S. sports world. No one would ever do or replicate something as fascinating and must-watch worthy in the NBA. This is what the WNBA needs and should have more focus on instead of traditionally nonchalant (and often woefully ill-informed) outlets spouting their own biases with women’s sports.

The hardest award to determine will be Most Improved Player

Forward Kayla Thornton (5) has been Golden State’s best player this season and is a favorite to be nominated for most improved player.

The WNBA’s Most Improved Player award has a lot of competition this year. All but three women will miss out despite improved stats and contributions to their team’s successes. Right now serious analysts have Chicago’s Angel Reese, Golden State’s Kayla Thornton and Seattle’s Gabby Williams as the top three choices. These three are the top reasons why their teams stay in the playoff race.

  • Angel Reese has taken a big step forward after last year’s season ending wrist injury. Reese has improved her shut-down defense and rebounding presence while improving her shooting and free-throw accuracy. Reese has also refined her passing to open teammates and has more control over the team’s offensive rhythm and her shot selection.
  • Kayla Thornton is Golden State’s motor each game. The brand new Valkyries leading scorer, rebounder and defender came off a 2024 championship determined to repeat or at least drag her team into the playoffs. She was one of the WNBA’s most underrated players and impressed viewers in the All-Star game.
  • Last power rankings gave Gabby Williams the credentials showing why she will be nominated. She is top four in every major stat category for her team. The Storm is also the fourth best team and has more than enough to win a series against New York, Connecticut and Minnesota. That starts with Williams’ multi-faceted play.

Whoever wins this award will be a bigger name next season for both their teams and national ratings. All three teams will be wise to continue building around these stellar stars in the offseason.

The biggest story of the season is under-reported…and could determine what happens the next few years

WNBA player leadership had a daunting task at the recent CBA meetings in Indianapolis. Right now the players (led by President Nneka Ogwumike) and the owners (led by commissioner Cathy Engelbert) are far apart on negotiations.

The WNBA’s two seasons of incredible, new-found popularity have upended a lot of previous discussions about how much revenue share, media rights, free agency, balance and control for both the league’s top corporate promoters and players should share. Three years ago, every side knew the gradually rising popularity would guarantee more rights and proper funding from the owners and league’s front office. It probably wouldn’t have been as bitter a fight given how all sides knew there was a lot at stake for the league.

Gone are those days. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s timid ineptitude at every level of attempting to run an increasingly popular sport continues to hold the league back, even against the wishes of various owners. The players now have more support from the public, partly due to the talented bigger names recently added to the league the last few seasons. Right now, the impasse could be similar to the 2011 NFL CBA talks and what led to lockouts in the NHL back in 2004 and 2012. It may be devastating for the WNBA to have a partial or full lockout after the league has grown this much the last three years.

(From top left to bottom right) WNBA players Caitlin Clark, Nneka Ogwumike, Angel Reese and Breanna Stewart wear shirts advocating for better pay and rights in the All-Star pre-game warmups last Saturday. The move instantly grabbed the mainstream media’s attention.

Now, it’s time for the monthly power rankings. These show where all 13 teams currently stand. Some teams will have tiebreakers based on how they could perform on a neutral site.

#13 Connecticut Sun (last ranking: 13)

Future Hall of Fame center Tina Charles was asked if she considers retirement after 2025. The 15 year veteran responded that she thinks about it everyday. If Charles didn’t consider it before signing with Connecticut last offseason, she definitely has each game with the Sun.

#12 Dallas Wings (last ranking: 12)

Paige Bueckers will easily win rookie of the year. She leads Dallas in points per game (almost three more than her dangerous scorer teammate Arike Ogunbowale), assists and steals. Opposing defenses already struggle to defend Bueckers. If the Wings can add more help at forward and center in the offseason, there might not be a limit to Paige Bueckers’ game.

#11 Los Angeles Sparks (last ranking: 10)

The move to cut forward Satou Sabally after the last rankings was published was weird. Although the move didn’t spark too much of a change, the Sparks remain difficult to read. They cannot get past Chicago but can beat Indiana and a resurgent Washington. I guess when the mentality is to outscore the other team with little defense, it simplifies things.

#10 Chicago Sky (last ranking: 11)

Chicago’s two wins over Los Angeles and a throwaway loss against Atlanta gives them the top ten edge. The loss against the Dream has only one major takeaway: if Ariel Atkins and Angel Reese are out, center Kamilla Cardoso has to play better and be the main star. Cardoso is the highest drafted player on the Sky and was out-hustled by 12 year veteran Brittney Griner the entire game. Perhaps there was some exhaustion given how Cardoso came back from the AmeriCup tournament, but she can’t have another performance like that as the star again.

#9 Golden State Valkyries (last ranking: 7)

Some readers probably thought I was too harsh with the WNBA’s newest team starting off well and how it wouldn’t last, but I wasn’t wrong. The Valkyries are 1-5 in their July games. Fortunately, Golden State finishes the month with Dallas, Connecticut and Atlanta. If they don’t win two of the three, August could be worse.

#8 Las Vegas Aces (last ranking: 8)

Yikes, what a drop! Vegas went from the WNBA’s top team for two years to a three way tie with Indiana and Washington for the 6-8 spot in the rankings.

If the Aces miss the playoffs, missing out on signing DeWanna Bonner after she was waived by the Fever will be a big reason. Center A’ja Wilson is going to have to drag Vegas through five games to end July and she’ll need all the available help. It will be difficult for her to be at 100% all of August.

#7 Indiana Fever (last ranking: 6)

The only reason Indiana hasn’t cratered is because of their bench scoring. Guards Sophie Cunningham, Aari McDonald and forward Damiris Dantas have been underrated in how the Fever steal wins from quality teams like Atlanta. Whether healthy or injured, franchise star point guard Caitlin Clark has cost Indiana a better season. She has a lot to work on by next year or there may be some uncomfortable conversations.

#6 Washington Mystics (last ranking: 9)

Amazing what a year can do for a team. Washington started off the 2024 season winless after one month of play. One year later they’re in the best position to start August on a playoff run against the more favored Aces and Fever. While rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen will make more mistakes during this run, guard Brittney Sykes and center Stefanie Dolson should cancel a good number of them out with their production and drive. Serious basketball fans must watch the Mystics soon.

#5 Atlanta Dream (last ranking: 4)

If we eliminate the easy home win against Chicago, Atlanta has lost three of their last four games. Probably the best example of what the Dream can’t afford to do is what happened in their July 12th loss to Indiana. All-Stars Allisha Gray and Brionna Jones combined for 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Atlanta’s best players were embarrassed by a younger, more determined Fever. They can’t afford to lose games against teams fighting to clinch lower playoff seeds.

#4 Seattle Storm (last ranking: 5)

Seattle is a dark horse to reach and win the WNBA finals. Like Los Angeles, they have been inconsistent in a July split with Connecticut, wins against Minnesota and losses versus Golden State. If the Storm can get on a roll and not be a mystery box every night, this could be the most dangerous team this postseason.

#3 New York Liberty (last ranking: 3)

It took a longer time than expected for New York to play at a high level without center Jonquel Jones for a month. Her return this week and the recent signing of veteran champion forward Emma Meesseman will make the Liberty a more fun and interesting team to watch. No matter what happens this week, their first game of the season against Minnesota will be must-watch t.v.

#2 Phoenix Mercury (last ranking: 2)

I had Phoenix at number one until both Kahleah Copper and Satou Sabally went down with leg and ankle injuries. The timing of signing DeWanna Bonner couldn’t have been better. Bonner not only comes off the bench and plays solid minutes, but she’s easing in as a starter before the playoffs start. This potential run could mean a lot for the Mercury given what veteran forwards Alyssa Thomas and Sabally said about the incoming lockout becoming more real (the latter going as far as calling the league’s new proposal, “a slap to the face”).

#1 Minnesota Lynx (last ranking: 1)

For anyone questioning why Minnesota remains number one, consider they played eight games in 13 days before the All-Star break and won six. The rest came at the best time for the Lynx. One thing Minnesota can add by next month is a center or quality rebounder. If the Lynx can find or trade for one, they will be the unquestionable favorite to win the championship.

MVP favorite Napheesa Collier found out how Sky forward Angel Reese can shut her down in the paint. Collier returned the favor the following game with 29 points in their second win of the season against Chicago.

June 2025 WNBA Power Rankings: The Sky is Falling in Chicago

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Sky center Kamilla Cardoso’s (10, black) having a rocky start to her sophomore season. Despite her personal best performance against Los Angeles June 24th, she’ll be playing overseas the next month, seriously changing how Chicago can play without a dual threat center.

It’s been a rough time for the Chicago Sky. They fizzled out of a playoff run after last year’s All-Star break and haven’t recovered. Once Chicago was eliminated, the takes, criticisms, and opinions poured in on how they should improve. Most were fair and honest with coaching, adding depth and better roster pieces, and even changing the focus from star forward Angel Reese to third overall pick center Kamilla Cardoso. Sky management had half a year to seriously look at and fix the issues holding the team back from a better and more successful season.

The result? Chicago is easily one of the worst WNBA teams this year.

To the organization’s credit, they did try to address a lot of last season’s issues that made the playoffs an afterthought. The Sky brought back and signed former franchise legend and point guard Courtney Vandersloot to usher a more stable backcourt transition in free agency. They also drafted guard Hailey Van Lith and forward Maddy Westbeld in this year’s draft. Van Lith would take over once she felt ready and grew her game next to two talented sophomore stars. Chicago also added guard depth signing Ariel Atkins and Kia Nurse. Those moves were meant to give Vandersloot and Van Lith a cushion. It would be rough to make a 14 year veteran and a rookie create and lead the offense a whole season.

Add in new coach Tyler Marsh and this was supposed to be a team contending for one of the eight playoff spots. While growing pains were expected, the Sky are awful in a list of categories. The offense is bottom three in the league from points per game to free throw percentage. Chicago is last in turnovers per game (17.8, yikes) and bottom five in assist-to-turnover ratio (1.2) Next month’s schedule doesn’t get easier. They’re 4-1 against three of the four worst teams (Chicago has the third worst overall record) but winless against the top eight playoff contenders. The Sky can pick up some wins the next couple of weeks, but they have four games in July against Minnesota. Don’t be surprised if the Lynx leave with four wins and make Chicago look like one of the most inept teams this season.

There were complaints that the Sky made too many unnecessary changes by not bringing back leading scorer and talented point guard Chennedy Carter in the offseason. Carter made it known she didn’t want to come back unless coach Teresa Weatherspoon stayed. That wasn’t going to happen either because Weatherspoon was fired for a terrible end to the season for which she had no answers. (Yes, injuries were part of the season-ending slump but Weatherspoon was often out-coached), There were also reports suggesting she lost the locker room by playing favorites. Despite negative reactions from Weatherspoon’s firing, it was inevitable if there were internal problems and locker room leaks. As any sports fan understands, those problems don’t disappear because an offseason arrives. It grows the next season if not properly addressed.

This is what makes a lot of Chicago’s issues mind-boggling. The Sky never planned for what would happen if Courtney Vandersloot went down to a season ending injury. Hailey Van Lith is now the de facto starter, and while she may turn out to be a great player for the franchise, she’ll have a much different experience each game that she could’ve had better time preparing for if the team added better guard depth. Pundits want Chicago to make peace with Chennedy Carter and bring her back to the Sky. Carter isn’t going to come back anytime this year or next. Even if she could, her troubled past with multiple teams has been seen as too much of a liability. These same pundits also complain about the coaching change. Tyler Marsh might not be the right coach for this specific team/roster, but Weatherspoon wouldn’t do any better with this mess since she had no answers for how to make rookie center Kamilla Cardoso a consistent threat on offense and couldn’t get the most out of last year’s guard depth.

If the Sky added a coach with similar styles and experience like LSU’s Kim Mulkey or South Carolina’s Dawn Staley, this may be a much better, organized and disciplined team. It’s unfortunate both Cardoso and franchise star forward Angel Reese may not have the best chance of having that until next season.

If Chicago was serious about establishing a winning culture, they’d hire LSU’s Kim Mulkey by the All-Star break. Her success with Angel Reese and rookie Hailey Van Lith, plus added respect from Kamilla Cardoso could quickly fix most of the Sky’s on-court issues.

It’s time for the inaugural jdsportscorner WNBA power rankings. As I’ve done with the previous NBA & NHL rankings, these will show where all 13 teams currently stand. Some teams will have tiebreakers based off of how they’d perform on a neutral site.

#13 Connecticut Sun

Tina Charles is a top 25 WNBA player all-time, but if your current best player is a 15 year veteran playing close to 40 minutes a night, there’s a problem. The inconsistent Marina Mabrey is Connecticut’s second best player and now out at least three weeks with an injured left knee. This will be a long and stressful season for Sun fans, who also aren’t happy the team is in current discussions to relocate within the next few years.

#12 Dallas Wings

2025 first overall pick Paige Bueckers became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 200 points and 50 assists last Sunday. Dallas won’t have a great year due to how little defense they play, but the Bueckers pick is an instant success and should make the Wings a fun watch the next few seasons.

#11 Chicago Sky

Chicago picked up a much needed home win against the Sparks yesterday. Although this was the last game center Kamilla Cardoso will play with Chicago until near mid-July, (she will compete in the AmeriCup Tournament with Team Brazil starting June 28th) news that guard Moriah Jefferson could come back by the start of next month could make the Sky a more interesting team to watch. Chicago desperately needs a guard who can facilitate, play good defense, and take offensive pressure off Ariel Atkins and rookie Hailey Van Lith. We’ll also see how well team leader Angel Reese plays with no talented center taking pressure off her on both sides of the court.

#10 Los Angeles Sparks

Give Los Angeles credit for building a better roster than what they had two years ago. Unfortunately last year’s second overall pick Cameron Brink is still injured and guard Odyssey Sims has been out for personal reasons. That means the offense has to be almost perfect since the defense is a mess. Once both return, the starting five of Brink, Sims, Dearica Hamby, Rickea Jackson and Kelsey Plum can add another serious playoff contender to the western conference.

#9 Washington Mystics

The Sky are not the subject of the first power rankings article if they weren’t outscored 68-46 after a dominant first quarter and blew a 12 point first half lead against Washington on June 17th. Brittney Sykes’ 32 points were the major reason for a comeback, and further shows how desperate Chicago is to get better guards.

#8 Las Vegas Aces

Guards Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray each have 50 assists after a month into the season. Vegas is last in assists and that’s because they don’t have playmakers outside of Young, Gray or league MVP center A’ja Wilson. Jewell Loyd is a solid guard, but she’s not an upgrade over Kelsey Plum. Forward Cheyenne Parker-Tyus is out for two more months because of pregnancy. Management has to get aggressive and sign someone like the newly, released DeWanna Bonner or make a trade for a few more complimentary players.

#7 Golden State Valkyries

It’s best to tune out the pundits and sports takes saying Golden State’s off to a great start in their first WNBA season. Six or seven teams look mediocre and earlier today, the Valkyries made an eyebrow raising move cutting guard Aerial Powers after she played well alongside Kate Martin. A rookie franchise is prone to making a lot of mistakes, but Golden State cutting top players doesn’t help their playoff chances.

#6 Indiana Fever

Are the Fever this good, or are the other seven teams that disappointing? It’s hard to get a read on Indiana as June ends, but it does feel like a team that could be dangerous after the All-Star break. Stephanie White is still learning and teaching a younger, more talented roster that will be around for a while. The Fever have to make sure no more injury concerns pop up this season.

#5 Seattle Storm

Gabby Williams makes Seattle a more complete team. She is the only Storm player who is top four in points scored (third), total rebounds (third), assists (second), steals (first), blocked shots (fourth) and three-point shots made (first). Seattle’s playoff and championship hopes depend on how well Williams plays.

#4 Atlanta Dream

The trio of Allisha Gray, Brionna Jones and Rhyne Howard gives Atlanta lots to love, but the free agent signing of Brittney Griner could be one of the most underrated additions last offseason. Griner’s defensive presence and veteran leadership makes the Dream one of the best defensive and rebounding teams in the WNBA.

#3 New York Liberty

First New York squeaked out some wins against Atlanta, Golden State and Indiana. Then they lost Jonquel Jones for almost two months to a right ankle sprain and their last three of four games. If the Liberty aren’t careful, that hot start to the season might be their highlight of 2025.

#2 Phoenix Suns

Kahleah Copper’s return instantly makes Phoenix a top three team in both the league and these rankings. Copper gives the Mercury an overwhelming edge to bully opponents in the paint on both sides of the court and the needed talent to put less skilled teams away early in games. Don’t be surprised if the trio of Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally make a run for the number one seed the next few months.

#1 Minnesota Lynx

Coach Cheryl Reeve and forward Napheesa Collier entered this season mad at losing the last game of the 2024 WNBA Finals. Collier is easily the league’s MVP choice a month into the season. Hopefully her back injury isn’t too serious because the Lynx are playing their best basketball since the mid-2010s dynasty days.

Napheesa Collier’s the first Lynx since Maya Moore to lead the league in scoring during the regular season.

2025 NBA Championship Finals Prediction

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The NBA conference finals went faster than many expected. Oklahoma City dominated Minnesota in five games while Indiana won a thriller series against New York in six. The Thunder lost only four games in three western conference matchups. Whoever wins this year’s championship deserves the praise and accolades. It’s time to break down which team has the best chance of winning their first franchise championship in the NBA’s 78th season.

#4 Indiana Pacers v. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder

This is the first thrilling NBA finals matchup we’ve had since Golden State won their last championship in 2022. Both teams are young, have fast-paced offenses and improved defenses. The Thunder have more depth while the Pacers have better coaching.

In both regular season games between Oklahoma City and Indiana, two things stood out: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored at least 33+ points, and forwards Luguentz Dort and Jalen Williams combined for 30+ points. There were roster changes and coverage improvements since both games were between late January and late March. Pacers star point guard Tyrese Haliburton struggled shooting the ball in both games finishing with 50% accuracy or less and scored a total of 22 points.

If there is anyone who can elevate the Pacers in an unlikely finals run, it is coach Rick Carlisle. Back in 2011, Carlisle’s Mavericks won their first and only franchise title in what many believe is one of the most well-earned championships of all time against the star-studded Miami Heat. Unlike those Mavericks, the Pacers never beat their finals opponent in the regular season. If Carlisle steals a few wins against Oklahoma City, Haliburton has to play better, forward Pascal Siakam and center Myles Turner have to play their best on both ends of the court and bench players like Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell need to win their matchups against Cason Wallace and Jaylin Williams.

Unlike last year’s finals, the favored team won’t have it easy. Oklahoma City coach Mark Daigneault doesn’t have experience coaching in the NBA finals compared to the Pacers’ Rick Carlisle. This series could have a rough patch for the young, mostly inexperienced Thunder. Regardless of probable hiccups, Oklahoma City showed how to clamp and shut down Indiana’s stars. If the Thunder win this series, they’ll go into the offseason with a championship trophy, lots of draft capital and a parade to plan. Oklahoma City’s first franchise championship will make them the envy of the league and general manager Sam Presti one of, if not the best general manager in American sports this century.

Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Indiana Pacers 4-2 and win their first ever Larry O’Brien Trophy

2025 NHL Stanley Cup Finals Prediction

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The NHL finals are set. For the first time since 2009, the championship round is a rematch from the previous final series. Florida and Edmonton are stacked with stars, deep rosters, and savvy coaches. Their power-plays and penalty kills are some of the best since playoffs began. Whichever team wins the finals deserves the accolades and label of champion. It’s time to break down which franchise has the best chance of winning the finals and taking home both the Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup.

#5 Florida Panthers v. 6 Edmonton Oilers

Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky has been better this postseason than he was last year. That’s bad news for Edmonton.

A lot has changed since game seven of last year’s Stanley Cup finals. Both Florida and Edmonton are more physical and smarter with improved rosters to better counter each other. The Panthers can now play the middle of the ice just as well as the Oilers and still play the sides with the same excellence they did last season. Edmonton’s improved forecheck and physical play made them the best team in the western conference.

Series deciding factor: Aaron Ekblad and the Panthers defense v. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and the Oilers forwards.

While Oilers centers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl will lead the offense against a deeper Florida defense, Edmonton’s forwards will feel the true test of this series rematch. With no Zach Hyman for the rest of the playoffs, it’s up to forwards Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Corey Perry, Kasperi Kapanen, Evander Kane, Jeff Skinner, Victor Arvidsson and Trent Frederic to play the best series of their lives. Panthers defensemen Aaron Ekblad, Gustav Forsling, Niko Mikkola, Seth Jones, Nate Schmidt and Dmitry Kulikov play well together and have shut down three of the best forward cores in the NHL (Tampa Bay, Toronto and Carolina).

Florida has some of the best two-way forwards and centers in the NHL. Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, Tomas Nosek and Matthew Tkachuk throw their bodies into shooting lanes and block shots on penalty-kills. Their physical play will cause a lot of problems for whoever starts in net for Edmonton. The Panthers playing a more complete physical game on both interior bluelines and by the boards will give the Oilers more problems this year.

Verdict: The loss of Zach Hyman is massive for a team that found their groove games three and four in the first round. Hyman had 104 hits this entire postseason (almost as many as he had in the regular season) before he broke his right wrist at home against the Dallas Stars in game four. Without their best forward, that means someone else has to step up not named McDavid or Draisaitl. Florida’s smothering defense will lead to a lot of transition offense and make the Oilers defense more uncomfortable each game. Coach Kris Knoblauch did a great job stretching last year’s championship series a full seven games, but don’t expect replicated magic with Hyman’s loss and polar goaltender performances.

Florida captain Aleksander Barkov (16) will overwhelm Edmonton forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (93) on every side of the puck.

Prediction: Florida Panthers defeat the Oilers 4-1 and win back-to-back championships and their second Stanley Cup in franchise history.

Conn Smythe Winner: Sam Bennett

2025 NHL Western Conference Second Round Playoff Predictions

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The first round of the NHL playoffs set records and entertained many viewers. In the west, the reigning Presidents Trophy winners were two seconds away from elimination in a game seven against St. Louis. After a nine game regular season losing streak, Dallas fought hard and eventually won a thrilling game seven against Colorado. Vegas eliminated Minnesota in style, and the Oilers power-play caught fire against one of the league’s best defenses in Los Angeles. Four championship caliber teams will show audiences why they made it this far, but only two will advance to the conference finals. It’s time to predict which two have the best chance.

#6 Edmonton Oilers v. #2 Vegas Golden Knights

The first two picks of the 2015 draft face off again. This time it will be in an exciting second round series. Unlike Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, Vegas’ Jack Eichel’s (9) won a championship.

Good thing no one pinned championship aspirations on Los Angeles. That would’ve been silly. Instead of facing a daunting Kings roster in the second round, Vegas could be relieved they got Edmonton. The Oilers played journeyman goaltender Calvin Pickard four of six games of the first round, and he won all four.

While Los Angeles was a quality opponent, the Golden Knights are the top threat in the west to make the finals. Vegas may not have Drew Doughty or Anze Kopitar, but their roster depth is only rivaled by Florida and Winnipeg. Edmonton’s still shaky and not playing at levels similar to last year. Other analysts pointed this out by talking about how Los Angeles lost the series rather than the Oilers constantly doing the right things to win. The Golden Knights are veteran champions and the hardest team Edmonton’s played in a series the last two years.

Prediction: Golden Knights win series 4-2

#3 Dallas Stars v. #1 Winnipeg Jets

Dallas needs centers like Roope Hintz to play the best series of their careers versus the President’s Trophy winning Jets.

It took two overtimes of a game seven in Winnipeg to determine which team would play Dallas in round two. Instead of a cozy, home ice advantage where the Stars could put St. Louis away in (maybe) six games, Dallas has a nightmare second round opponent.

The Jets thumped the Stars in every serious game they played in the regular season. Add in the high and positive energies within Manitoba since forward Cole Perfetti’s two goal performance and captain Adam Lowry’s game winner, and this is a daunting task for Dallas.

It’s important to point out no matter how good Winnipeg’s played against the Stars in the regular season, Dallas could also be at their best selves. The Jets cannot force a full series this time because Stars coach Peter DeBoer is undefeated in game sevens and goaltender Jake Oettinger’s 3-1 with a .950 save percentage. Oettinger’s lone game seven loss featured 64 saves on 67 shots. MVP and Vezina candidate Connor Hellebuyck has to play better and center Mark Scheifele should return sometime this series, yet Winnipeg is the more physical team that survived a brutal, battering 600 hit onslaught from St. Louis in seven games. The Jets have every advantage and shouldn’t lose any of them.

Prediction: Jets win series 4-2

Western conference first round playoffs record: 1-3

2025 NHL Eastern Conference Second Round Playoff Predictions

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The first round of the NHL playoffs intrigued and entertained many viewers. The Capitals were the first team to advance to the second round after eliminating Montreal. Toronto won a gritty series in the Battle of Ontario. Florida easily won the Battle of Florida. Carolina proved they can take care of business with depth scoring regardless of who starts in net. Four fantastic teams will show audiences why they made it this far, but only two will go to the conference championship. It’s time to predict which two have the best chance of advancing to round three.

#5 Florida Panthers v. #2 Toronto Maple Leafs

Florida looks forward to testing the health of Toronto’s captain and star scorer Auston Matthews.

Florida and Toronto impressed viewers with their first round wins. While the Maple Leafs finally played like a championship caliber team unfazed by challenges, the Panthers snapped into playoff mode and made fast work of their Sunshine State rival. This could be the most fun series of the second round as many expect the winner to represent the eastern conference in the Stanley Cup finals.

While the Maple Leafs took mature steps to beat the best teams in their conference, there’s no doubt which one is favored in this series. The Panthers have everyone back healthy and from suspension. That means Toronto has to find answers for defenseman Aaron Ekblad, newcomers Seth Jones and hated rival Brad Marchand, and Florida’s relentless (brother of Ottawa’s captain) Matthew Tkachuk. The Maple Leafs will be a championship threat, just not this year.

Prediction: Panthers win series 4-1

#4 Carolina Hurricanes v. #1 Washington Capitals

Whichever team gets the best goaltending will advance to the eastern conference finals.

This is the hardest series to predict because of prior injuries to both starting goaltenders last round. Washington has the most injuries while Carolina has to make sure backup goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov is better prepared to play at some point in the series.

As noted in prior discussions, a big development will be how Capitals head coach Spencer Carberry adjusts and plays his lines since this is his first time leading a team in the postseason. Rod Brind’Amour is no stranger to leading the Hurricanes in the playoffs whether he was team captain or as a coach. Unless Frederik Andersen and injuries take a toll for Carolina, it will be hard to see how Washington can win four games against Brind’Amour’s deeper roster. The Capitals struggled with Montreal more than expected last round. Expect the Hurricanes to implement similar tactics but with more hungry veterans wanting to return to the conference finals.

Prediction: Hurricanes win series 4-2

Eastern conference first round playoffs record: 2-2

2025 NBA Eastern Conference Second Round Playoff Predictions

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The first round was fun but didn’t have many surprises or upsets. New York’s last second win in Detroit helped avoid a full, seven game series. Cleveland swept Miami and both Boston and Indiana took care of Orlando and Milwaukee respectively in five games. All teams in this upcoming round made it to last year’s semi-conference finals. The Celtics and Knicks have great offenses and defenses to make a fun series while the Pacers will be more of a challenge for the Cavaliers. Two of the remaining four will advance to the conference finals. Time to break down which of the two have the best chance to make round three.

#3 New York Knicks v. #2 Boston Celtics

New York point guard Jalen Brunson (11) might not be enough to overcome Boston forward Jaylen Brown (7) and center Kristaps Porzingis (8)

This is the easiest series in either round. New York cannot beat Boston to save their lives. Asking the Knicks to beat the Celtics four times in seven games is too much. Pencil in Boston for the eastern conference finals.

Prediction: Celtics win series 4-1

#4 Indiana Pacers v. #1 Cleveland Cavaliers

If Cleveland wants to make this a fast series, players like center Jarrett Allen (31) have to shut down Indiana’s offense each game.

This isn’t the easy series many expect for Cleveland. Both teams pulled their starters in two of their four regular season games and Indiana has improved each week and month. We’ll see how ready the Cavaliers are to take the next step by winning a championship without LeBron James.

Cleveland is fortunate to have the better roster depth and to know the Pacers weren’t challenged much last round against Milwaukee. Both teams will go all-out in this series and try to undermine the other’s patience. Unlike the Cavaliers, Indiana’s defense isn’t as good and still reverts to bad habits when tested by star scorers. It might be a longer series many expect, but there’s no doubt who wins.

Prediction: Cavaliers win series 4-2

Eastern conference first round playoffs record: 4-0

2025 NBA Eastern Conference First Round Playoff Predictions

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The east was the first conference to seal both playoff and play-in spots. Milwaukee and Detroit clinched the fifth and sixth seeds before their final game last Sunday. Indiana and Orlando are young teams that again exceeded expectations and will use this postseason to learn how to improve for future playoff appearances. Most believe the conference finals will be a Boston and Cleveland matchup. Milwaukee missing key players throughout the playoffs solidifies this belief. Regardless, four talented and competitive teams will advance to the second round. Time to break down which four have the best chance.

#8 Miami Heat v. #1 Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland guard Donovan Mitchell should be the most dominant player in this series.

This is an embarrassingly lopsided series. Cleveland has better coaching, roster depth and all-around offense and defense. The Cavaliers should make quick work of Miami.

Prediction: Cavaliers win series 4-0

#5 Milwaukee Bucks v. #4 Indiana Pacers

It’ll be a long series for Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo against Indiana’s improved defense.

Similar to last year’s second round series, Indiana’s hot offense will face early tests from Milwaukee’s defense. Also similar is how the Pacers know how to beat and get past the Bucks in almost every way. Milwaukee will be the under-manned, lesser talented team the first few games of series with no Damian Lillard. Indiana’s defense has improved and their offense gets better each month. This should also be a quick series.

Prediction: Indiana wins series 4-1

#6 Detroit Pistons v. #3 New York Knicks

Detroit’s star point guard Cade Cunningham is a bright spot in a turn-around year. Unfortunately, that might not be enough against the veteran Knicks.

This should be one of the funnest playoff series regardless of the round. The physical, resurgent Pistons are this year’s darlings after an awful 2023-24 season. Forward Tobias Harris and guards Cade Cunningham and Tim Hardaway Jr. will be tough to defend against for New York’s Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. The Knicks do have the edge at center and small forward with Karl Anthony-Towns and Josh Hart. New York also has more depth and are better defensively than Detroit. On paper, the talent easily goes to the Knicks. Yet the Pistons will make this a longer series due to how well they match up.

Prediction: Knicks win series 4-2

#7 Orlando Magic v. #2 Boston Celtics

If Orlando wants to win this series, guards like Cole Anthony (50) have to consistently play their best on both sides of the ball.

This could be the east’s best first round series. Orlando won the regular season series despite both wins (one at the beginning of the season and one at the end) being months apart. Regardless, the Magic have the players, talent and coaching to take Boston a full seven games.

The Celtics have one of the deepest, most experienced rosters in the NBA. However, Boston hasn’t played at a consistent level like last year. If the Celtics want to keep the edge and escape a first round upset, they need guards Derrick White, Jrue Holliday and Peyton Pritchard to consistently play great.

Given how both of these teams didn’t play each other much throughout the regular season, Boston gets the nod given how well their deep roster adapts and has enough experience to get past a thinner Orlando roster.

Prediction: Celtics win series 4-3

Regular season eastern conference playoffs and play-in predictions record: 9-1

2025 NBA Western Conference First Round Playoff Predictions

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The 2024-25 NBA regular season ended in anticipation of a thrilling western conference playoff race. MVP front-runner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are favorites to make a deep run to the championship while the young Rockets want to prove they can compete and beat the best veteran teams. No one should underestimate the resurgence of Golden State or of either Los Angeles team. Denver remains the team everyone wants out in order to have a fair chance at the finals. Four talented squads will advance to the second round. Time to break down which four have the best chance.

#8 Memphis Grizzlies v. #1 Oklahoma City Thunder

Memphis will put up a fight, but Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is too much for the Grizzlies guards.

This should be one of the most fun first round series. Memphis and Oklahoma City have great guard and forward duos. Both teams have roster depth the remaining six western teams covet. Despite their similarities, there’s a clear winner here.

The Grizzlies have the players to double-team MVP favorite guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Should Memphis stick to that game-plan, the Thunder will let guards Alex Caruso and Luguentz Dort take more shots and chances to lead the offense. Oklahoma City also has the advantage at center with Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams over the Grizzlies Zach Edey.

Prediction: Thunder win series 4-2

#6 Minnesota Timberwolves v. #3 Los Angeles Lakers

There’s a lot of pressure on Minnesota guard Anthony Edwards to repeat last year’s postseason run to the conference finals.

There are a lot of fun storylines and history both teams share. Los Angeles revamped their roster mid-season while Minnesota upgraded theirs last offseason. Both teams have great guards and forwards. Even depth scoring and coaching have improved since the All-Star break.

The Lakers do have the better point-guard matchup with Luka Doncic over Mike Conley. Although Doncic and veteran forward LeBron James play great in the regular season, they elevate their performances once the postseason starts. Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards will keep the series close, but he can’t do it all by himself.

Prediction: Lakers win series 4-2

#7 Golden State Warriors v. #2 Houston Rockets

No matter what happens in this matchup, this will be the series in which Rockets guard Jalen Green (4) takes the next step in being a franchise star player.

One could not find a worse first round matchup for Houston if they tried. Golden State is 4-0 all-time in playoff series against the Rockets and has the second best league record since the trade deadline. While Houston is the best rebounding team and plays well around the basket, they’re ill-equipped to handle the Warriors exceptional shooting and improved all-around play. Coach Ime Udoka will use every tactic available to keep the series close, but there is only so much he can do before point guard Steph Curry and forward Jimmy Butler III take over and dominate game pace.

Prediction: Warriors win series 4-1

#5 Los Angeles Clippers v. #4 Denver Nuggets

Two of the NBA’s best players in Nikola Jokic and Kawhi Leonard are fully healthy. That makes for the best first round series this postseason.

This is the best first round series in either conference. Los Angeles is fully healthy and Denver has played better since coach Michael Malone was fired. Not only is MVP candidate Nikola Jokic fun to watch, it will be interesting to see how star forward Kawhi Leonard counters him on defense. Clippers guards James Harden and Kris Dunn will have a hard time defending Nuggets guards Jamal Murray and Russell Westbrook. Los Angeles center Ivica Zubac is a good counter to forward Aaron Gordon.

If there are weaknesses on either team, it’s bench depth. Both franchises have great starters, but at some point Los Angeles has to rest theirs given how each has previous injury concerns. Denver can substitute their starters without worrying how it’ll take a toll on the team later in the postseason.

Prediction: Nuggets win series 4-2

Regular season western conference playoffs and play-in predictions record: 5-4