2014 WNBA Playoffs Round 1: Predictions

Los Angeles Sparks @ Phoenix Mercury – Schedule: Gm 1: Fri, Aug 22, 10PM -- NBA TV Gm 2: Sun, Aug 24, 9PM -- ESPN 2 Gm 3: Tue, Aug 26, 10PM -- NBA TV Thoughts: Phoenix destroyed the Sparks winning all five games they played against them. I still can’t forget that series they played in the playoffs last year and phoenix seems has been even stronger this year, while the Sparks seem to have been struggling. San Antonio Stars @ Minnesota Lynx – Schedule: Gm 1: Thu, Aug 21, 9PM -- ESPN 2 Gm 2: Sat, Aug 23, 7PM -- ESPN 2 Gm 3: Mon, Aug 25, TBD -- NBA TV Thoughts: The Lynx controlled the season series winning 4 out of five meetings and they have the advantage of having been to the finals 3 straight years and you really can’t account for experience. Chicago Sky @ Atlanta Dream – Schedule: Gm 1: Fri, Aug 22, 7:30PM -- NBA TV Gm 2: Sun, Aug 24, 7PM -- ESPN 2 Gm 3: Tue, Aug 26, 7:30PM -- NBA TV Thoughts: Chicago won the season series 3-2, but they are 2-0 at home and 1-2 on the road. So having home field advantage helps Atlanta. The Dream are a better defensively, but the sky have a lot off length. As far as the guards are concerned Atlanta’s are explosive, but the Sky’s are generally more consistent. The dream have struggled at the end of the year, but they struggled late in the season last year and still made it to the finals. I feel like this is going to be a 3 game series and I won’t be surprised with either one winning. Washington Mystics @ Indiana Fever – Schedule: Gm 1: Thu, Aug 21, 7PM -- ESPN 2 Gm 2: Sat, Aug 23, 5PM - ESPN 2 Gm 3: Mon, Aug 25, TBD -- NBA TV Thoughts: In the regular season they tied 2-2, the fever have more playoffs experience and been there done that veterans like Catchings so it’s hard to root against them.