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WNBA Playoffs Begin Sunday With Several Intriguing Matchups

Published on 28/09/2026 01:42 in sports • Ted Simmons

The WNBA Playoffs commence this Sunday, September 27th, with all four first-round series getting underway. The Minnesota Lynx, considered the favorites to win the WNBA Finals, will host the New York Liberty in the opening game.

Playoff Schedule and Matchups

Here’s the schedule for the first round:

  • No. 8 New York Liberty vs. No. 1 Minnesota Lynx – 2 p.m. EST
  • No. 6 Indiana Fever vs. No. 3 Las Vegas Aces – 4 p.m. EST
  • No. 5 Washington Mystics vs. No. 4 Atlanta Dream – 7 p.m. EST
  • No. 7 Dallas Wings vs. No. 2 Golden State Valkyries – 9 p.m. EST

All eight playoff teams were determined before the league’s break for the 2026 FIBA World Cup, though the standings shifted for the Fever, Liberty, Mystics, and Wings in the final two regular-season games.

Several lower seeds, including New York, Washington, and Indiana, won their regular-season series against their first-round opponents, suggesting the potential for upsets. No team is favored by more than 7.5 points (Golden State) in Game 1.

Betting Insights and Predictions

Betting Insights and Predictions

Peter Dewey, of SI Betting’s WNBA Best Bets column (Peter’s Points), is providing betting analysis throughout the playoffs. His record to date is 103-89 (-5.28 units) for the 2026 season, and 278-254-2 (-2.28 units) overall (since the 2024 season).

Here are a few bets Dewey is eyeing for Game 1:

  • Las Vegas Aces Moneyline (-155) vs. Indiana Fever
  • Washington Mystics +7.5 (-115) vs. Atlanta Dream
  • Paige Bueckers 18+ Points (-167)

Dewey highlights the Aces, despite dropping to 3.5-point favorites, as the stronger team due to their championship pedigree (three titles in the last four seasons) and strong home record (12-9 against the spread). While the Fever did defeat the Aces twice this season, they struggled on the road (13-9). Dewey anticipates a lengthy series, potentially with the first two games split.

He also favors the Washington Mystics, noting their recent strong performance (winning eight of their last 10 games) and impressive defensive rating. While the Dream boast strong overall ratings, their shooting efficiency could be a weakness against Washington’s defense.