WNBA Resumes: Championship Predictions and Contenders - Sports

WNBA Season Resumes After Olympic Break

The WNBA season is set to resume after a month - long Olympic break , with the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty at the center of attention . The Aces are eyeing a three - peat , a feat that has not been accomplished since the Houston Comets dominated at the start of the league . However , the competition this season has seen an increase in parity and quality across the board , raising questions about whether any team can break through the Aces - Liberty duopoly.

 At the start of the postseason in mid - September , the Liberty and the Aces are expected to be playing top - tier basketball across the league . However , the tight race in the standings could lead to a scenario where these two teams face off earlier in the playoffs . With Las Vegas chasing the Connecticut Sun for the second spot and battling other top teams like Minnesota and Seattle , the competition is fierce as teams jockey for playoff seeding.

Championship Predictions and Olympic Fatigue

As the season gears up for the final stretch , the question of who will emerge victorious looms large . The Aces and Liberty are the early favorites , with both teams boasting a roster filled with Olympians who recently competed in Tokyo . The toll of the Olympics on players is a factor to consider , as fatigue could play a role in the performance of key players down the stretch.

 The New York Liberty are welcoming back players like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu after their Olympic campaigns , while also dealing with injuries to other key contributors . Coach Sandy Brondello 's focus on Team Australia during the Olympics adds another element to the mix , as the impact of the tournament on players and coaches alike is taken into account.

Contenders and Challenges

Looking beyond the Aces and Liberty , other teams are vying for the championship , including the Connecticut Sun , who have benefitted from a less Olympic - impacted roster . The Minnesota Lynx , led by standout Napheesa Collier , are also seen as strong contenders to disrupt the potential Aces - Liberty showdown , especially with their solid defensive play and offensive efficiency.

 The Lynx 's defensive prowess , combined with their sharpshooting from beyond the arc , make them a formidable opponent for the top teams in the league . However , the experience and star power of the Aces and Liberty could prove to be the deciding factors in a playoff series against Minnesota.

Predicting the Outcome

Despite the challenges posed by Olympic fatigue and the competitive landscape of the WNBA , the Aces and Liberty remain the frontrunners for the championship . The guard play of the Liberty has improved , while the Aces continue to rely on star player A'ja Wilson to lead the way . Coach Becky Hammon 's leadership and the overall depth of the Aces roster make them a formidable force in the postseason , setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the WNBA season.