The WNBA season is well underway, with several weeks of action behind us. We’ve analyzed each team’s performance in this early stage and have updated our power rankings accordingly. See which teams moved the most! These stats were as of the morning of Wednesday, May 29.
12. Washington Mystics (preseason rank: 10)
- We mentioned in our season preview that the absence of Elena Delle Donne and Natasha Cloud paints a bleak picture for the Mystics’ 2024 prospects. With a 0-6 record, and Sky and Sparks showing some life, we’ve moved the Mystics to the bottom of the rankings.
- Shakira Austin and Ariel Atkins are the two leading scorers, which is not a good sign, since they are both defensive specialists that are only role-players on offense.
- They are slightly better than market expectations with a 3-2-1 ATS record.
11. Indiana Fever (preseason rank: 9)
- Ther was considerable hype surrounding Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. They are 1-7 SU, but 4-4 ATS in their first 7 games. They will get better, but we will downgrade them to 11 as Clark faces the transition from college to the pros.
- Last year’s Rookie of the Year Aaliyah Boston has taken a step backwards this year. She is only average 11.0 PPG on 44.2% shooting from the field (compared to 14.8 PPG and 57.8 FG% last season).
10. Los Angeles Sparks (preseason rank: 11)
- Embracing a youth movement, the team traded former MVP Ogwumike and looking to develop their two draft picks, Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. Both have been playing well to start the year.
- Dearica Hamby has stepped up as the team’s alpha. She is averaging 20.0 PPG and 12.7 RPG in the first six games. If she keeps this up, she might be considered for Most Improved Player.
- This team has the potential to be one of the better defensive units in the league, but they are only ranked 7th so far in this early season.
9. Chicago Sky (preseason rank: 12)
- The Chicago Sky have entered a full rebuild phase with a new coach. Despite this, they have added promising talents in Kamilla Cardoso and Angel Reese. However, Cardoso’s contribution will be delayed due to a shoulder injury, sidelining her for 4-6 weeks.
- Last season, the Sky surpassed expectations with a 21-16-3 ATS record. They are starting off this season well too, exceeding market expectations with a 3-1-1 ATS record. Marina Mabrey is having a breakout season and leads the Sky at scoring with 16.8 PPG.
- Reese is performing well to begin her rookie campaign, almost averaging with a double-double with 12.0 PPG and 8.6 RPG.
8. Dallas Wings
- The Wings have continued their run-and-gun style, ranking 2nd in Pace.
- Not only are they without Satou Sabally, but they will also now be without Natasha Howard for an extended period of time.
- Arike Ogunbowale will need to shoulder more of the burden – she is averaging 28.8 PPG so far this season, but is this sustainable? After scoring 40 points in the win against the Mercury, we may see teams start to put more pressure on her.
7. Atlanta Dream (preseason rank: 5)
- Following their early exit from the playoffs, the Dream re-tooled their roster with solid acquisitions during the offseason. On paper, they have a strong and deep squad. They’ve started the season off 2nd in Offensive Rating, but 11th in Defensive Rating.
- We are not necessarily “downgrading” the Dream this week – we simply saw more optimism on the Lynx and Mercury to move them ahead. Also, we still rank the Storm slightly ahead of the Dream until they prove us otherwise.
- Last season, they boasted a strong 23-17 ATS record in the first half, contrasting with 19-20-1 ATS record for full games. This season, they are 0-4 1H ATS.
6. Phoenix Mercury
- With a new coaching staff in place and notable acquisitions like Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper, the Mercury may still need some time to adjust and. They’ve had a mediocre start to the season at 3-3 SU and ATS, including one outright win against the Aces.
- This has all been without Britney Griner. Her return will help out their defense, which is ranked 9th in the league.
- Copper has stepped up her game – she has three 30-point-plus performances and has been an excellent pickup for the Mercury so far.
5. Seattle Storm (preseason rank: 4)
- The Storm have made significant strides this offseason, aiming not just for a postseason return but eyeing a title run. Led by rising star Jewell Loyd, the team added Ogwumike and Diggins-Smith, forming a dangerous Big 3 combination. This infusion of talent addresses a crucial need for a team that ranked last in Offensive Rating last season.
- However, the offense has not turned around just yet. They are ranked 10thh in Offensive Rating. Jewell Loyd is struggling to adjust to her new teammates and is shooting an abysmal 32.1% from the field.
- We expect the Storm need some more time to build chemistry and will turn things around. Until we see that happen, we are bumping them down a spot.
4. Minnesota Lynx (preseason rank: 7)
- The Lynx improved their backcourt, complementing star player Napheesa Collier with some solid, underrated acquisitions in Hiedeman and Williams. Anticipate an uptick in offensive performance with the addition of these playmakers to their roster.
- They’ve started the season 4-1 SU and 5-0 ATS! Collier is crushing it, and if the Lynx keep this up, you will hear her name is MVP discussions.
- They have the number one ranked defense in the league. They are putting the clamps down on their opponents.
3. New York Liberty (preseason rank: 2)
- The Liberty will be seeking redemption after the loss to the Aces in the Finals last season. With a core consisting of Sabrina Ionescu, Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, and Courtney Vandersloot, they aim to maintain that dominance.
- They’ve started the season off slow relative to their expectations. Although they are 4-2 SU, they are 1-5 ATS. They are ranked 4th in Offensive Rating, which is surprising given the talent on their squad and their weak schedule. They’ve dropped two straight games with losses against the Lynx and Sky.
- We typically try not to make rash decisions, but after a slow start and two straight losses, we’ve moved the Liberty down one spot in the rankings.
2. Connecticut Sun (preseason rank: 3)
- Despite the departure of Jonquel Jones, the Sun defied expectations last season, led by the deadly trio of Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones, and DeWanna Bonner. Dijonai Carrington has taken a huge leap this season after being inserted into the starting lineup.
- They’ve kept it up this season with a 6-0 start, but they are only 2-4 ATS. They’ve faced an easy schedule so far, so we will see how they fare against some tougher competition.
- Their games have gone 4-2 to the over, but they are ranked 2nd in Defensive Rating and 12th in Pace. Unders may be a good look if they keep up those metrics.
1. Las Vegas Aces
- The Aces aim for a three-peat this season but lost a huge piece with the retirement of Candace Parker. Their Offensive Rating is still elite, ranking first in the league. However, their Defensive Rating has struggled and is only ranked 8th in the league to start the year.
- There are concerns about potential championship hangover or fatigue, given the intensity of their previous seasons. This has led to slow starts – they are 0-4 ATS in the first half and 1-3 ATS full game, even with a cushy schedule where all four of their games have been at home.
- Chelsea Gray has yet to play a game this season. Add her back to this solid core and expect the Aces to dominate.
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