Updated WNBA Playoff Bracket Picture 2026 After Caitlin Clark, Fever Eliminated by Aces

The WNBA playoff semifinals are nearly set.

The Las Vegas Aces took down the Indiana Fever on Thursday to secure a spot in the semifinals, and they will take on the winner of the first-round series between the No. 2 Golden State Valkyries and the No. 7 Dallas Wings.

The Minnesota Lynx came into the playoffs as the top seed and were looking to win their first title since 2017, but the No. 8-seeded New York Liberty quickly crushed their dreams, winning the best-of-three series in two games.

The Atlanta Dream then made light work of the Washington Mystics to set up a matchup with New York.

While the Liberty came in as the bottom seed, it's clear that the 2024 champions are not to be overlooked. Veteran forward Breanna Stewart is the catalyst for New York, and she had a tremendous showing in the first round.

The two-time MVP posted 34 points, 12 boards and six assists in Game 1 before putting up 21 points, five rebounds and four assists in Game 2. She also had a pair of blocks and two steals in both games.

Sabrina Ionescu had a down year by her standards, but she did her job well in the first round, facilitating the offense and hitting shots from behind the arc.

The Dream are one of the WNBA's most complete teams, with two elite scorers in Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard, a floor general in Jordin Canada and a solid post presence in Angel Reese.

The defending champion Aces may not have finished atop the standings this year, but they might have the strongest case for the best team heading into the semifinals.

Of course, it all starts with the presumed MVP, A'ja Wilson, who posted 38 points in Game 2 and 36 in Game 3. Any team with her on the roster has a chance to win it all.

As for who the Aces will meet in the semifinal, that will be decided on Friday.