2026 WNBA playoffs: Biggest questions for Lynx-Liberty, Aces-Fever and every first-round series

Key Points:

• The WNBA playoffs begin this weekend with four intriguing first-round matchups: Lynx vs. Liberty, Dream vs. Mystics, Valkyries vs. Wings, and Aces vs. Fever, each featuring unique storylines and tactical battles.
• Minnesota Lynx face the New York Liberty with a key focus on rookie Olivia Miles' ability to handle intense defensive pressure, as well as which backcourt performs better, with rebounding and paint control expected to be crucial.
• The Atlanta Dream and Washington Mystics will engage in a physical, defense-heavy series where the Mystics' paint dominance clashes with the Dream's turnover-forcing defense, raising questions about each team's half-court offensive effectiveness.
• Golden State Valkyries' historically elite defense challenges the Dallas Wings' top-tier offense, with the Wings needing to overcome their struggles against Golden State’s defensive schemes and key players like Paige Bueckers and Jessica Shepard.
• The Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever, boasting two of the league's best offenses, will hinge on defensive execution, particularly the health and impact of Aliyah Boston for the Fever and how the Aces assign perimeter defense against stars Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell.