Sports analysts project WNBA standings shifts as 2026 season resumes
Predictions suggest the Indiana Fever will dominate without Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson aims for a fifth MVP, and the Phoenix Mercury face a steep decline.
Regular-season WNBA action is set to resume following the All-Star break, prompting a fresh assessment of the 2026 campaign’s trajectory. Yahoo Sports and The Sporting News have published a series of bold predictions for the remainder of the season, highlighting significant shifts in team performance and individual accolades. The analysis focuses on the Indiana Fever’s tactical dynamics, Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson’s historic scoring potential, and the Phoenix Mercury’s projected struggle at the bottom of the standings.
The Indiana Fever are predicted to achieve a flawless record in games where star guard Caitlin Clark is absent. Current statistics indicate the team is 4-0 without Clark, compared to a 13-10 record when she plays. Despite Clark averaging a career-best 21.0 points per game, the article suggests the Fever’s collective defence and ball security improve in her absence. With a challenging schedule ahead, including three matches against the league-leading Minnesota Lynx, the prediction posits the Fever could finish 18-18 with Clark and 8-0 without her, securing a playoff berth.
Attention is also turning to Las Vegas Aces forward A’ja Wilson, who is projected to average more than 27 points per game for the season. Currently averaging 26.1 points, Wilson is on track for her third scoring title and is predicted to secure her fifth MVP award. The analysis further suggests she may break the single-game scoring record of 53 points, a mark currently shared with Liz Cambage and Marina Mabrey, before the regular season concludes on 24 September.
Conversely, the Phoenix Mercury are forecast to finish with the league’s worst record, overtaking the Seattle Storm and Connecticut Sun. The Mercury, currently 9-18, are cited as having an aging roster and poor performance metrics, ranking 12th in both offensive and defensive ratings. The article notes that while the Storm and Sun possess young cores with future potential, the Mercury’s roster is the oldest in the league, raising concerns about a "flatlining" trend despite their current position five games behind the final playoff spot.
These predictions come as other teams position themselves for the playoffs. The Minnesota Lynx are expected to hold the best record for a second consecutive season, while the New York Liberty remain a formidable contender. The analysis underscores the volatility of the second half of the season, where records could fall and emerging truths about team capabilities may reshape the playoff landscape.
