Indiana vs Las Vegas

Home Court Advantage

Gainbridge boasts one of the most raucous environments in basketball and if you're the away team, watch out! The sell-out crowds Friday and Sunday will look to rattle A'ja Wilson & Vegas as Indiana looks to go up 3-1 and advance to the Finals. The ultimate 6th [wo]man!

Aerial Powers Has To Show Up

AP has been an asset leading up to this semifinal series but was a non-factor in Games 1 & 2, combining for just 1 point in 15 minutes off the bench. This Fever team is light on healthy bodies, so bench production is crucial to their playoff success. Her court vision must be clicking in order to get the ball moving and feed AB in the post or K Mitch around the arc.

Vegas's X-Factor

NaLyssa Smith came alive on Tuesday to help the Aces even things up at 1-1. Her versatility was a game-changer, able to impact the scoring inside and out at a near 78% clip. She gives their front court an almost "Twin Tower" presence with A'ja Wilson (both 6'4").

A 5'6" Problem

Dana Evans is here to hoop! She's come alive in this playoff series scoring over her regular season average of 6.6 PPG in Games 1 & 2 (14 points & 10 points, respectively). A total spark off the bench for a team that's struggled with bench production all season long. If she can continue averaging double-digits this series, Vegas will be in a great spot to win.

How Do You Solve a Problem Like A'ja?

You can't keep A'ja down for long. After an underwhelming Game 1, she came alive in true MVP & DPOY fashion on Tuesday for 25 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals & 2 blocks. This will continue being the primary assignment for Aliyah Boston, but also Tash Howard and Bri Turner! It will take a team effort to slow her down because I don't believe single coverage works on a player of her caliber. She's too long, too quick and too versatile. My hot take: If they can hold her to 15 points (or less) AND single-digit rebounds, Indiana wins.

Minnesota vs Phoenix

Clash of the Titans

Phee & AT have not disappointed in this series! Trading buckets and wins, the series is deadlocked at 1-1 heading into today's fiery matchup. There's no slowing either of these two down, so fans can just sit back and appreciate the battle. It's unfortunate that one team has to lose because this is the series we all wanted!

The Reserves Will Decide the Outcome

The Lynx have more depth than the Mercury, but it was Phoenix's bench that came through clutch in Game 2 to snag the W. With three reserves compared to the Merc's six, they managed to outperform them 25 points to just 3. DiJonai was unavailable due to injury and their 6th woman Natisha Hiedeman was held scoreless. If Phoenix can replicate Tuesday's success at home the next two games, they'll surely snag the dubs and take the series 3-1.

Minnesota's 3-Point Sniper

Bridget Carleton has not been able to get going just yet. The last two games were forgettable, going 1-8 from 3 combined playing 35.5 minutes per game. She must get clicking from long range if the Lynx want to advance. Her primary role as this team's 3-point specialist is too important, especially at this stage in the [post]season.

KFC

Kahleah Copper scored only 8 points in Tuesday's win but it didn't matter. However, don't expect that to be the norm going forward because the former Finals MVP is averaging nearly 16.0 PPG and can light it up at any given moment! She gives Phoenix their Big 3 with AT & Satou that is determined to upset the top seed.

[Unsuspecting] X-Factor

Sami Whitcomb was huge off the bench for Phoenix in Game 2 and they wouldn't have gotten the win without her, plain and simple. She remained confident and clutch under pressure, sinking a triple with seconds in regulation to send the game to OT en-route to 13 points. Her facilitation was on-point, recording the third-most assists in the game from either team. This combo guard skill-set will pay dividends for the Mercury as they look to tame the Lynx and their deep roster. Her motto should be: Hit 3's & dish dimes.