"The Minnesota Lynx enter the playoffs as the favorites to win the championship. But what might stand in the way of the No. 1 seed? Who are their biggest challengers? And which players will have the most impact when all four first-round series tip off Sunday (1 p.m. ET, ESPN)? ESPN surveyed WNBA experts to answer those questions and dissect the biggest storylines heading into the postseason."
"The Lynx were the most popular pick to win the title, and the experts unanimously voted for a WNBA Finals matchup between Minnesota and the No. 2 seed Las Vegas Aces -- which would set up a potentially epic showdown between MVP candidates Napheesa Collier and A'ja Wilson."
"Myron Medcalf: The Aces are the biggest reasons the Lynx might not win a championship. I believe Napheesa Collier is the MVP, but A'ja Wilson can reach a level that no other player can match and we're witnessing that now. A lot of people thought the Aces wouldn't win the title after their rough start to the season, but they've found their chemistry at the right time."
Minnesota entered the playoffs as the clear favorite, while Las Vegas ranks as the chief threat due to A'ja Wilson's dominant interior play and improving team chemistry. Napheesa Collier and Wilson are MVP-caliber players whose matchup could determine a likely Finals pairing. Indiana's postseason outlook is uncertain because of injuries. The first-round format changed to best-of-three, guaranteeing each team at least one home game and increasing the potential for short, intense series. Defending champion New York secured the No. 5 seed and will play without home-court advantage. Minnesota's title chances hinge largely on containing Wilson and matching the Aces' peak performance.
Read at ESPN.com
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