Now that the second half of the 2025 WNBA season is well underway, it’s time to begin establishing the hierarchy of teams. Who the contenders? Who are the pretenders?
With five games on deck this Sunday, here is a rundown on the most intriguing matchups:
Are the Dream for real?
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Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty ImagesThe Atlanta Dream consistently outperformed expectations during the first half of the season, but how have they looked post-All-Star?
So far, they’ve split their games, losing to the Las Vegas Aces but beating the Phoenix Mercury. Now they’ll take on
the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in a game that will undoubtedly be a big test for the Dream.
To beat the Lynx, the Dream will need Jordin Canada to be the best she can be. Canada has been having a great season, averaging 10.7 points and 5.4 assists per game. After scoring 14 points in the team’s win against Phoenix, Canada crossed the 2,000-point milestone.
2000 FOR JORDIN CANADA!!
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) July 24, 2025
After her 14th point of the game @jordin_canada surpassed 2000 career points.#DoItForTheDream pic.twitter.com/s0OG71Eewl
Canada’s backcourt partner, Allisha Gray, will also be key in this game. She’s leading the team in scoring, averaging 19 points per game. With Rhyne Howard still out with an injury, they’ll need all those points and more if they want to pull off the upset and beat the Lynx.
Defensively, everything for Atlanta will be about trying to slow down Napheesa Collier. She’s leading Minnesota in minutes, points, rebounds and blocks. This matchup will be the last one on Sunday, airing at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBA TV.
Can Mystics stay on track?
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Photo by Mike Christy/Getty ImagesThe Washington Mystics have experienced a rough patch lately, losing back-to-back games against Los Angeles Sparks. They bounced back by beating the Seattle Storm on Saturday, but they won’t be able to celebrate since they have a quick turnaround against the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday.
The Mystics are a young team led by rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, so there’s valid concern that they could run out of gas during this second half and drop out of the playoffs. Luckily, Washington still has some experienced vets. Their All-Star guard, Brittney Sykes, is leading the defensive charge and will be ready to help the Mystics fight to remain in the win column.
Dubs in the chat
— Monumental Sports Network (@MonSportsNet) July 27, 2025
See you tomorrow evening, @WashMystics fans @realweshall | @chasitymelvin | @arianaprather12 pic.twitter.com/C92FiEFfQq
The Mercury would also like to get back in the win column. They’ve lost their last three games. We’ll see if Alyssa Thomas can dominate the Mystics’ frontcourt to get Phoenix back on track. This game tips at 6 p.m. ET on WNBA League Pass.
A look at the rest of Sunday’s slate
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Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty ImagesThere are three other games scheduled to take place on Sunday. The action begins with the Golden State Valkyries playing the Connecticut Sun at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBSSN, followed by the Chicago Sky playing the Indiana Fever at 3:00 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN+. The other matchup happening this weekend is the Las Vegas Aces taking on the Dallas Wings at 4:00 p.m. ET on ESPN 3.
The Valkyries should easily take care of the Sun. Connecticut has struggled this season, having only won three games.
Sky-Fever is usually a main event, but with Caitlin Clark still out, this contest doesn’t have the same pop it once did. Also, the Sky are 7-17 on the season and don’t look like a team that can consistently beat above .500 opponents, especially if Angel Reese, who is questionable to play, is not in the lineup.
Injuries also have put a damper on Aces-Wings, with Paige Bueckers listed as out for rest. Still, this could be a fun one, with plenty of star talent worth watching. A’ja Wilson will lead Las Vegas as usual, while Dallas will have Arike Ogunbowale at the helm.
https://t.co/K9eiGKq9Y0 pic.twitter.com/Uyrt2yXfIk
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) July 26, 2025
Game information
Golden State Valkyries (11-12) vs. Connecticut Sun (3-20)
When: Sunday, July 27 at 1 p.m. ET
Where: Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT
How to watch: CBSSN
Indiana Fever (13-12) vs. Chicago Sky (7-17)
When: Sunday, July 27 at 3 p.m. ET
Where: United Center in Chicago, IL
How to watch: ABC/ESPN+
Las Vegas Aces (12-13) vs. Dallas Wings (7-18)
When: Sunday, July 27 at 4 p.m. ET
Where: College Park Center in Arlington, TX
How to watch: ESPN3
Phoenix Mercury (15-9) vs. Washington Mystics (12-12)
When: Sunday, July 27 at 6 p.m. ET
Where: CareFirst Arena in Washington, DC
How to watch: WNBA League Pass, Merc+
Atlanta Dream (14-10) vs. Minnesota Lynx (22-4)
When: Sunday, July 27 at 7 p.m. ET
Where: Target Center in Minneapolis, MN
How to watch: NBA TV
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