Overview
- Atlanta defeated New York 83-65 on Wednesday to clinch the No. 4 seed and home‑court advantage for the best‑of‑3 first round.
- The Liberty finished as the No. 8 seed and will open the playoffs on the road against the top‑seeded Minnesota Lynx.
- Key health questions will shape opening matchups: New York held out Breanna Stewart for left‑knee soreness, Jonquel Jones left with a left‑ankle issue, and Angel Reese exited after being struck in the face on a play upgraded to a Flagrant 1.
- Minnesota secured the No. 1 seed but has been managing minutes and injuries late in the season, including resting rookie Olivia Miles with a calf issue.
- Indiana lost the chance to start at home because of Atlanta’s win; the Fever’s final seed (No. 5 or No. 6) now depends on their regular‑season finale and the Washington result, with the first round set to begin Sunday, Sept. 27.