Minnesota Lynx: Jessica Shepard

If things get tight in any game this week, look for Jess to step up in a big way. She is fresh off arguably her best season to date equipped with multiple double-doubles and even a triple-double. What makes the 6POY contender super dangerous is her ability to score at a high clip. She's shooting a career-best 64% from the field, also the highest % in the league this season and the only player over 60%.

Atlanta Dream: Te-Hina Paopao

There's three things Paopao always brings to the table: 3-point shooting, dime-dishing & lockdown defense. Her minutes have been positive, giving the Dream a reliable option off the bench for the majority of the season before working her way into the starting rotation as of recent. Far from your average rook, her IQ has paved the way for a seamless transition from college to the pros.

Las Vegas Aces: Cheyenne Parker-Tyus

Parker-Tyus returns at precisely the right time, making a red-hot Aces team even hotter. She made her season debut on Tuesday vs Chicago, scoring 8 points in 8 minutes and giving us a glimpse of what's yet to come! She's a seasoned player with over a decade in the league and is coming off a 2024 season where she was an important piece to Atlanta's puzzle at 9.2 PPG, mostly off the bench.

New York Liberty: Kennedy Burke

KB really proved herself this season with career-best numbers across the board. She's been a steady force off the bench and a few times throughout the year has shown to be the difference-maker: 13 points in an 84-76 win over Seattle, 14 points in an 81-79 win over CT, 10 points in an 87-78 win over Vegas, 20 points in an 81-78 win over Golden State.

Phoenix Mercury: Natasha Mack

While DeWanna Bonner has certainly established herself as THE sixth player on this team [and in the league], I feel Nat Mack is the most underrated player for the Merc. While she may not be a prolific scorer, she possesses something that may be crucial for this team heading into the postseason: strong rebounding. Phoenix is the 5th best rebounding team in the league, largely in part to Alyssa Thomas's 9.0 RPG. If AT [or Satou] get in foul trouble early, they'll look to Mack to step up and hold it down on the glass.

Indiana Fever: Aerial Powers

The newest addition to the injury-stricken Fever has been a great one through 8 games so far. She's averaging 7.4 PPG, 3.9 RPG & 2.0 APG off the bench and helped them lock in a playoff spot. Powers brings ten years of experience in the league and was a dynamic player during her stints with Dallas, Washington and Minnesota. Her leadership can help elevate this team and if they need someone to ice it at the line, she;s the girl for the job [career 84% FT].

Golden State Valkyries: Kate Martin

No surprise here! When Money Martin gets clicking early, it can be a long night for opponents. She's known for that devastating 3PT shot, something she's surely displayed throughout the season. She's been a little cold heading into the postseason which I imagine can only mean one thing: a big game is looming!

Seattle Storm: Gabby Williams

Two things can be true: Gabby is one of their stars and also their x-factor. Her terrific two-way game has carried Seattle to lots of wins in the regular season, something she'll look to replicate in these playoffs. A contender for DPOY, she certainly knows how to apply pressure and disrupt the opponents' offensive flow. If they need a crucial stop down the stretch, look for Gabby to make that play!