One of the most incisive questions in sports is, “Who you got?” Here’s the team I have to run the table in the impending WNBA playoffs. For a bit of spice, I add my All-WNBA team and the All-WNBA Defensive Five. Let’s go!
2026 Champ’s Path
Atlanta (my pick to win it all) doesn’t get any easy matchups in my postseason bracket. To win it all, I have them beating three powerhouses in back-to-back series.
Caitlin Clark earlier this season (photo, USA Today)
Round 1: FEVER: My postseason starts with Atlanta taking on our rivals in Indiana. Facing off against their big five—Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, NaLyssa Smith, and Lexie Hull—I have Atlanta set a physical defensive tone, trap the high screens, and use fast-break points to eliminate the Fever early.
Semifinals: ACES: In the second round, I have Atlanta stepping up to face the Las Vegas Aces and their elite core: A’ja Wilson, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray, and Alysha Clark. My prediction relies on Atlanta making Chelsea Gray work for every entry pass, contesting isolation jumpers late in the clock, and grinding out a series win against the reigning champs.
Finals: LYNX: For the championship, I have Atlanta squaring off against the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx, led by Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, and Bridget Carleton. I predict Atlanta sends early help doubles to Collier in the mid-post, wins the battle on the boards, and out-works Minnesota’s system to close out the Finals.
My prediction rides on Atlanta’s starting five stepping up when it matters most.
My WNBA 2026 Award Predictions
When I look at the league’s best performers this season, these are the two squads I put together.
All-WNBA First Team
Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever)
Kelsey Mitchell (Indiana Fever)
Angel Reese (Atlanta Dream)
Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx)
A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
Angel Reese and Naz Hillmon (photo courtesy FOX News)
All-WNBA Defensive First Team
Angel Reese (Atlanta Dream)
A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces)
Rhyne Howard Atlanta Dream)
Gabby Williams (Seattle Storm)
Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm)
I have Angel Reese and A’ja Wilson rightfully pulling double duty on both First Teams, anchoring two elite units.
