Minnesota Lynx finished this regular season 34–10, tying the all-time WNBA wins record and locking up the No. 1 seed for the 2025 playoffs? The playoffs kick off on September 14, and for anyone interested in where to bet on women’s basketball online, now is the moment to get in—odds are forming, matchups are set, and momentum matters.
In the next sections, you’ll get: key stats pushing teams ahead, how matchups compare to recent history, practical tips for bettors, projections into later rounds, and expert-level advice on strategy. Also, you’ll find a solid FAQ on timing, risks, and specific betting levers for the WNBA postseason.
We’ll look at what the stats say (who’s hot, who’s vulnerable), compare regular season vs. playoff performance, and assess what bettors should watch for in matchups. Then we’ll forward project: who might reach the Finals, dark horses, etc. By the end you’ll have a sharper sense of how to use data and context if you’re placing bets, especially through sports betting promo offers that may favor you right now.
Who’s on Top and Why It Matters
The Minnesota Lynx are top as expected; with a 34-10 record, they soundly claim 1st place. The Las Vegas Aces are right on their heels with a remarkable 16-game winning streak going into the playoffs. The 4th seed Phoenix Mercury earned a first-round home matchup against the New York Liberty, who finished 5th and thus have no home-court advantage.
Dominating home games against .500 teams are the Lynx and as a result, they have one of the best home court records in the league. A’ja Wilson, with 23.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game, leads the Aces. Wins and strong fan support have helped the Golden State Valkyries make history in their first season.
Wagers placed on the game will show the Lynx as the favorites in almost every round, especially in the earlier rounds. The Aces and the Phoenix will maintain some momentum. Phoenix has the home court advantage in the earlier rounds, but will face the Liberty, who are the reigning champions, which makes that series unpredictable. The lower-ranked seeds that are stylistically similar do show potential for an upset.
Lessons from Regular Season Trends
When considering the expansion of the regular season to 44 games, as well as the Finals shifting to 7 games divided 2-2-1-1-1, the WNBA playoff format deserves attention. The first round still remains 1-1-1, but in the format of best of three. The higher seed is granted home advantage for games 1 and 3. Such advantages for short series are extremely impactful.
Shrugging off last year’s championship run, the New York Liberty’s performance this year was rather unceremonious. The Liberty’s rhythm was disrupted when Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones sustained injuries. Still, when Liberty’s trio is on the floor, they net some of the best net ratings in the league.
Golden State’s inaugural season is singular in scope. Unlike other expansion teams that take time to build, they clinched a playoff spot and set attendance records. Unfortunately, they were swept in the regular season, showing what they need to work on in the remaining games when facing top teams like Minnesota.
The match-up between Phoenix and Liberty is even more intriguing when considering that Phoenix won the season series 3-1. That’s a major consideration for the public: the Liberty are star-studded, but the Mercury has shown time and time again that they can exploit that match-up over a series of games.
Applying the Data to Your Bets
While betting, start with seeding and home court, but go deeper into the matchups. For example, Liberty’s net rating is elite when all stars play; they become beatable when even one is absent. That results in moneyline bets being sensitive to injury status.
Winning Game 1 is crucial in a best-of-three series. The higher seed usually has a favorable position here, and betting on them in that first game can be profitable. The lower seed has the best chance to win Game 2 and will attempt to counter that dominance at home.
Winning streaks can be deceiving. It’s one thing to admire the Aces’ 16-game streak, but playoff defenses tighten up, and streaks are not always transferable. Pay more attention to those final few regular-season games against playoff-bound teams.
This is also where a timely sports betting promo can boost your edge. If a sportsbook offers bonus bets or boosted odds during the first round, pairing that with prop plays on reliable stars like A’ja Wilson or Napheesa Collier can stretch your bankroll without raising risk too high.
What to Expect Moving Forward
The Lynx have the best positioning. Their record, the schedule, and their balanced roster give them the most likely position for the Finals. Anticipate the next biggest threat to be the Aces, as they have both Wilson and momentum to spare.
Phoenix should be able to use their head-to-head success to take out the Liberty in the first round, and they probably will. If they do, however, their more profound advancement will demand near-perfect execution against the elite tier of teams, such as Minnesota or Las Vegas.
The other side of the series will have Napheesa, who is likely the most poised to have a stellar postseason. If the side with her never-ending power does not get her in foul trouble, her presence can shift a series. For the Liberty, everything is wrapped in hope. If they do have Stewart, Jones, and Ionescu, they still have a threat, and some people say it’s a big one.
Dark horse? Golden State Valkyries. They most likely won’t take home the title, but extending the series is possible if they capture a road game. The Atlanta Dream also has a slim chance to play spoiler.
Most likely, the finals would be Lynx vs. Aces. For Minnesota, the strategy would be to contain Wilson and rely on their depth. For Las Vegas, quickening the pace and relying on their superstar may be the strategy.
Expert Insights
Follow Injury Updates Religiously
Availability of stars like Stewart, Ionescu, and Jones changes the betting landscape overnight.
Don’t Overrate Win Streaks
Streaks built on softer schedules don’t always hold up in the playoffs against elite teams.
Use the First Round Format to Your Advantage
In 1-1-1, higher seeds usually win Game 1. Game 2 is where the upset odds grow.
Prioritize Matchup History
Phoenix’s regular season dominance over New York matters more than overall records.
Lean Into Player Props
Stars like Wilson and Collier deliver steady stat lines that can be more profitable than betting spreads.
Factor Travel and Fatigue
Back-and-forth travel in short series hurts depth-shy teams. Deep rosters handle it better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the format of the 2025 WNBA playoffs?
A: The first round is best-of-three (1-1-1), the semifinals are best-of-five (2-2-1), and the Finals are now best-of-seven using 2-2-1-1-1.
Q: Who are the top seed and major contenders this postseason?
A: Minnesota Lynx hold the No. 1 seed after tying the all-time wins record. The Las Vegas Aces enter hot with 16 straight wins. Phoenix Mercury and New York Liberty are also in the mix.
Q: What role do injuries play in postseason betting?
A: They’re massive. Liberty struggled when Stewart, Ionescu, or Jones were sidelined. Bettors should check official updates before placing wagers.
Q: What is the Impact of Home Court Advantage in Basketball Betting?
A: Home court is a big edge, especially in short series. Winning Game 1 at home often sets the tone and increases the higher seed’s chance of advancing, and it’s one of the key factors people look at when doing basketball betting online.
Q: Are there likely to be any upsets in the early rounds?
A: Phoenix beating New York is a real possibility based on head-to-head results. Other lower seeds like Atlanta could surprise if they match up well.
Q: Should bettors focus on game-by-game bets or series bets?
A: Both work. Futures and series bets are safer, but single-game bets offer more value when lines miss context like injuries or matchups.
Q: How does regular season performance versus playoff teams affect predictions?
A: It’s critical. Wins against top seeds mean more than beating lottery teams. Head-to-head history often predicts postseason outcomes.
Q: What’s the best time to place bets in the playoffs?
A: Right after seeding locks in and before the public pushes lines, or once injury statuses are confirmed. Early round games often hold the best value.
Final Word Before Tip-Off
Here’s what to carry with you:
- Minnesota Lynx are the clear No. 1 seed with every reason to be Finals favorites.
- Las Vegas Aces, riding momentum and A’ja Wilson’s dominance, are right there with them.
- Matchups and health will decide whether the defending Liberty can defend their crown or if Phoenix can knock them off early.
If you’re ready to bet on women’s basketball online, this is the best time to jump in. Odds are sharp, promos are out there, and the playoff picture is clear. Stay disciplined, trust the data, and make your moves smartly.
Check the latest lines at BetNow and see where you can gain an edge today.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: September 14, 2025
Last updated: September 15, 2025