Anticipated goals for every WNBA postseason squad

The WNBA season is reaching its climax, with several teams vying for playoff positions and championship aspirations.

At the top of the league, the Minnesota Lynx are currently leading the pack with a record of 29-7. Their lofty net rating, often described as more than double that of the next-best team, has propelled them to the summit. However, no specific player from the Lynx is mentioned as potentially important for upcoming games in the provided search results.

The Golden State Valkyries, an expansion team, have been a surprise package. They have set the record for most wins by an expansion team and are riding momentum into the postseason under head coach Natalie Nakase and a revamped support staff. The Valkyries aim to finish higher than the eighth seed, make history as an unlikely playoff participant, and maybe even score a first-round upset.

The New York Liberty, currently at 22-14, find themselves caught in a fiercely contested seeding race. If Stewart returns strong and Emma Meesseman can be integrated effectively, the Liberty aim to stabilize, reclaim a top-three seed, and relaunch their serious title defense. However, the upcoming games, especially against Atlanta, will define whether they close with momentum or limbo into a risky lower seed.

The Atlanta Dream are currently at 23-13 and holding second place in the Eastern Conference. Allisha Gray of the Dream is delivering MVP-level efficiency, while defensive enhancements from Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones have been key. The Dream aim to lock in a top-two seed, enter the playoffs with poise, and leverage their defense to advance deep into the postseason.

The Indiana Fever are at 19-17, but their trajectory hinges directly on Caitlin Clark's recovery and their supporting cast's performance. Kelsey Mitchell dropped a franchise-record 38 points, but Caitlin Clark's absence and injury-related chaos have affected the team.

The Seattle Storm are at 19-18 and must win a few key games to seal a playoff berth. Skylar Diggins and Nneka Ogwumike bring stability, leadership, and playoff knowledge to the Storm.

The Phoenix Mercury aim to secure a top-four seed and disrupt the perceived hierarchy. Alyssa Thomas is setting records and tallying triple-doubles at a never-before-seen rate, while the team is currently at 21-14.

In the Western Conference, the Las Vegas Aces have ignited a dramatic resurrection after a midseason slump. With a record of 23-14, they have been boosted by NaLyssa Smith's rebounding and a key lineup adjustment, benching Jewell Loyd. A'ja Wilson is playing at MVP-caliber levels for the Aces.

The Minnesota Lynx aim to seize the No. 1 seed, storm through the playoffs, and capture their first WNBA championship since 2014. Napheesa Collier is having an MVP-caliber season for the Lynx.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries continue to defy expectations with historic success. The upcoming games will determine the final standings and set the stage for an exciting WNBA postseason.