Show Notes
The WNBA is taking a 17-day pause for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, but there’s still plenty to sort out before the playoffs. With just four games remaining when the league returns, Zena and Sabreena break down the current standings, potential playoff matchups, and which teams have the most at stake down the stretch. They look at the biggest strengths and weaknesses across the playoff field, the defensive adjustments that could make a difference, and the players and rivalries that could shape the postseason. Before getting into the playoff race, the duo reacts to the news that A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum will miss the FIBA World Cup, with Plum also set to miss the remainder of the WNBA season. They then turn to another major blow for the Las Vegas Aces, as NaLyssa Smith is officially out for the rest of the season with a leg injury. What does her absence mean for the defending champions heading into the playoffs?
Plus, Zena and Sabreena discuss Angel Reese’s rescinded technical foul and what the original ruling could have meant for the Atlanta Dream.
And finally, they open up the mailbag to break down temporary suspensions in the WNBA and how they can impact a team’s roster.
WNBA stars A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum out for FIBA Women’s World Cup by Annie Costabile
NaLyssa Smith has been ruled out for the season. What now for the Aces’ lineup? By Sabreena Merchant
Angel Reese avoids automatic suspension after technical foul quickly rescinded by Sabreena Merchant
Can Valkyries overtake Lynx’s top playoff seed? Our WNBA playoff picture forecast by Sabreena Merchant
Chapters
(00:00) Intro (01:51) A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum to miss FIBA Women’s World Cup (04:11) Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron added to Team USA roster (07:14) NaLyssa Smith suffers season-ending injury (13:27) WNBA rescinds Angel Reese’s technical foul (18:17) WNBA playoff structure (19:48) How WNBA playoff home-court advantage works (20:09) WNBA tiebreaker scenario explained (25:43) Exploring the Wing’s playoff approach (31:02) Inside the Valkyries and Mystics defensive styles (32:57) Examining the Valkyries and Mystics offense (38:35) Could the Liberty be trouble for the Aces? (45:35) What gives the Dream an edge over the Fever? (50:56) The impact of the FIBA World Cup break on teams (54:36) Mailbag Question __
No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network
Email us: [email protected]
Sign up for the No Offseason newsletter!
YT: @No-Offseason IG: @tanooffseason TikTok: @no_offseason Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
The Atlanta Dream take a 2–1 lead in the WNBA Finals after a dominant Game 3 win over the Golden State Valkyries at State Farm Arena. Zena and Sabreena break down Atlanta’s statement performance, the key moments that swung the game, and what the Valkyries need to do to bounce back with the series on the line. With the Dream gaining momentum, can Golden State respond in Game 4?
The Atlanta Dream strikes back! After dropping Game 1, Atlanta wins Game 2 on the road to even the WNBA Finals at 1-1. Zena and Annie break down what went wrong for the Golden State Valkyries, how the Dream built momentum, and the key adjustments that helped Atlanta bounce back. With the series now tied and shifting to Atlanta, what can each team take away from Game 2 heading into a pivotal Game 3?
Game 1 goes to the Golden State Valkyries! Zena and Sabreena break down the series opener, share their reactions, and analyze what worked for both teams, where they fell short, and what each side can take away heading into Game 2 of the WNBA Finals.
The WNBA Finals are here, and the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries are ready for a championship showdown! Chantel, Annie and Sabreena preview the Finals series between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, breaking down the biggest storylines, including the Dream’s move to State Farm Arena, Angel Reese’s impact, and how these two teams have forged their own paths to success. Which team has the edge? The crew breaks down the key matchups that could decide the series, from the battle in the paint and on the boards to defensive strategies, controlling the pace, and the coaching chess match. Plus, they spotlight the players to watch and share their predictions for who will be crowned WNBA champions. Plus, the crew gets into the Halloween spirit by revealing their costumes ahead of Halloween!
The WNBA playoffs have delivered some surprises, but what do the early exits of the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty mean for their futures? Annie is joined by Rachel DeMita, host of Courtside Club, to break down the biggest postseason storylines and what comes next for two teams with championship aspirations. Then, they turn to the Indiana Fever and the critical offseason decisions ahead: How should Indiana build around its core, what does Kelsey Mitchell’s future look like, and what must the franchise prioritize to take the next step? Finally, they look ahead to the WNBA Finals matchup between the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries, breaking down the key players and strategies that could decide who wins it all. __