The Battle for the 8th Seed in the W Part 3
This is the third installment of the battle for the 8th seed in the W
We have reached the last week of the WNBA regular season, who will win the battle for the 8th Seed?
At the end of business on Sunday, September 15, 2024, three teams are tied for the final playoff spot. The Mystics, Sky, and Dream are all still trying to clinch that final spot.
Washington Mystics
Coach Eric Thibault has done a great job rallying his squad post-Olympic break. Washington now has more wins post-Olympic break (7) than before the break (6).
If it wasn’t for the seasons that Coach Reeve and Coach Sides he would be in the talk for Coach of the Year.
The Mystics have caught fire winning seven of ten games but fell short today at home against the Dream. It was a chance for Mystics to distance themselves from Atlanta but thanks to injuries to Aaliyah Edwards and Shakira Austin they ran out of steam.
The good thing for the Mystics is they sit in the eighth seed, for the time being. Washington holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Sky and has a better winning percentage against teams with a winning record than the Dream.
Remaining Schedule
The Mystics have two games left both against winning teams and both in the friendly confines of their home arena.
They first face off against the New York Liberty on September 17, 2024. The Liberty needs this game to ensure they stay ahead of Lynx. New York has won all three meetings against Washington.
Their season finale will take place on September 19, 2024, against the Fever. It will be interesting to see if Indiana decides to rest their starters. If they do rest Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell the Mystics have a chance.
Chicago Sky
The Sky had high hopes at the Olympic break but things have not gone as planned. Entering the break they were four games above .500 but now sit 12 games below that mark.
It has not been just one thing that has caused this downslide. The schedule was tougher, with the trade of Marina Mabrey, and multiple injuries.
With the injuries to Angle Reese, Diamond DeShields, and tonight Kamilla Cardoso their roster is getting thinner and thinner.
Remaining Schedule
The Sky have a golden chance as they travel to Atlanta to take on the Dream in two days. The Sky currently holds the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Dream but the Dream has the better winning percentage against winning teams. This game is a must-win.
If they can beat the Dream, they will have a gift waiting for them in Connecticut. The Sun will host the Sky on September 19, 2024, and should not need the win they are securely in the third seed.
If somehow the Sky beat the Dream, they will have a chance to clinch but it is not looking good.
Atlanta Dream
The Dream are in control of their destiny. It is very simple, win and they are in the playoffs, providing the Mystics lose one of their last two games. The problem is they have been their own worst enemy.
The Dream was up by 16 in the second half over Indiana on September 8, 2024, but went on to lose in overtime. Then at home against the Mystics they lost by three. But they have rebounded with a win in Washington.
Atlanta is tied for the 8th spot according to ESPN they have the best chance of clinching at 42%. Large in part due to their last two games.
Remaining Schedule
The Dream has lucked out and play the Sky when they are down on the canvas. They play Chicago in Atlanta on September 17, 2024. This game is a must-win scenario.
The season finale sets up perfectly for the Dream as they face the Liberty in New York. The Liberty should have the number one seed clinched and will rest their top players. Unless the want to knock the Dream out of the playoffs.
The Dream have tried to get in their way but things might just work out for Atlanta.
Prediction
The Dream should finally clinch the 8th seed on the last game of the season but who truly knows with Atlanta? They are so talented but get so stagnant on offense at times.
I have been holding a future on them to make the playoffs but best believe I have hedged with the Mystics.
