The 2026 WNBA playoffs begin Sunday with four best-of-three first-round series. Top-seeded Minnesota Lynx face the New York Liberty, while the Golden State Valkyries host the Dallas Wings. The Las Vegas Aces take on the Indiana Fever, and the Atlanta Dream meet the Washington Mystics.

Game 2 is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, with Game 3s possible Thursday and Friday. ESPN experts Kendra Andrews, Kareem Copeland, Alexa Philippou, and Michael Voepel analyze the opening matchups. Top-seeded Minnesota has struggled defensively recently, ranking seventh in the league over the last two months.

Coach Cheryl Reeve has placed blame on the defensive end, citing a drop in rating. Napheesa Collier, returning from ankle surgery in July, averaged just 13.0 points in the Lynx's final six games. Indiana held her to single digits in the last two regular-season contests.

Rookie point guard Olivia Miles missed the final two regular games due to a calf injury, and her status for Game 1 remains a key concern for Minnesota's backcourt. The Liberty, despite being an eight seed, present a difficult defensive test for the Lynx. The Valkyries look to build momentum as a new franchise in the postseason.

The Aces and Fever series features a clash of styles, while the Dream and Mystics series promises a competitive battle for the final spot.