Now that the second half of the WNBA season of 2025 is going well, it is time to set up the hierarchy of teams. Who the contenders? Who are the pretenders?
With five games on the deck this Sunday there is an overview of the most intriguing matchups:
Are the dream really?
The Atlanta Dream consistently exceeds expectations during the first half of the season, but what did they look like post-all-star?
So far they have split their games, lost from the Las Vegas Aces but beating the Phoenix Mercury. Now they are going up against the top placed Minnesota Lynx in a game that will undoubtedly be a big test for the dream.
To beat the Lynx, the dream needs Jordin Canada to be the best she can be. Canada has had a great season, on average 10.7 points and 5.4 assists per game. After scoring 14 points in the victory of the team against Phoenix, Canada crossed the milestone of 2,000 points.
The defense partner of Canada, Allisha Gray, will also be the key in this game. She leads the team in scoring, on average 19 points per match. With Rhyne Howard still with an injury, they need all those points and more if they want to do the upset and beat the lynx.
Defensively, everything will be about trying to slow Napheeesa Collier for Atlanta. She leads Minnesota in minutes, points, rebounds and blocks. This matchup will be the last one on Sunday, broadcast at 7:30 PM et out on NBA TV.
Can mystics stay on course?
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The Washington Mystics have lately experienced a rough patch and lost back-to-back matches against Los Angeles Sparks. They bounced back by beating the Seattle Storm on Saturday, but they can’t celebrate because they have a quick change against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday.
The Mystics are a young team led by Rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, so there is a valid concern that they can come without gas during this second half and fall out of the play -offs. Fortunately, Washington still has a number of experienced veterinarians. Their All-Star Guard, Brittney Sykes, leads the defensive charge and will be ready to help the mystics fight to stay in the win-column.
The Mercury would also like to come back to the profit column. They have lost their last three games. We will see if Alyssa Thomas the Front Court of the Mystics can dominate to get Phoenix back on the right track. These game tips at 6 p.m. on Wnba League Pass.
A look at the rest of Sunday’s slate
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Three other games are planned to take place on Sunday. The promotion starts with the Golden State Valkyries playing the Connecticut Sun at 13:00 et CBSSN, followed by the Chicago Sky who plays at ABC and ESPN+at 3 p.m. The other matchup that takes place this weekend is that the Las Vegas Aces de Dallas wings take at 4 p.m. on ESPN 3.
The Valkyries must easily take care of the sun. Connecticut struggled this season and won only three games.
Sky-Fever is usually a main event, but with Caitlin Clark still out, this competition does not have the same doll that it once did. Heaven are also 7-17 in season and they don’t look like a team that can consistently defeat above .500 opponents, especially as Angel Reese, who is doubtful to play, is not in the line-up.
Injuries have also put a damper on aces-wings, mentioned as a rest. Yet this can be a fun, with a lot of star talent that is worth seeing. A’ja Wilson will lead Las Vegas as usual, while Dallas will have Arike Ogunbowale at the helm.
Game information
Golden State Valkyries (11-12) versus Connecticut Sun (3-20)
When: Sunday July 27 at 1 p.m.
Where: Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT
How to look: CBSSN
Indiana Fever (13-12) vs. Chicago Sky (7-17)
When: Sunday July 27 at 3 p.m.
Where: United Center in Chicago, IL
How to look: ABC/ESPN+
Las Vegas Aces (12-13) vs. Dallas Wings (7-18)
When: Sunday July 27 at 4 p.m.
Where: College Park Center in Arlington, TX
How to look: ESPN3
Phoenix Mercury (15-9) vs. Washington Mystics (12-12)
When: Sunday July 27 at 6 pm et
Where: CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC
How to look: Wnba League Pass, Merc+
Atlanta Dream (14-10) vs. Minnesota Lynx (22-4)
When: Sunday July 27 at 7 p.m.
Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
How to look: NBA TV
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