Deadspin | Otto Lopez gets timely RBI as Marlins stop Cardinals streak Apr 20, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Max Meyer (23) pitches in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images Otto Lopez stroked a go-ahead, RBI double in the sixth inning as the host Miami Marlins ended St. Louis’ five-game win streak by defeating the Cardinals 5-3 on Monday night. Pete Fairbanks pitched a one-run ninth to earn his fourth save. He was part of a Marlins bullpen that combined to pitch 3 2/3 innings, allowing just that one run. Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker extended his hitting streak to 15 games. That’s two games short of the career-best streak he had as a rookie in 2023. Marlins starter Max Meyer got a no-decision, allowing three hits, two walks and two runs in 5 1/3 innings. Michael McGreevy (1-2) retired the first 10 Marlins batters but took the loss. He lasted 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits, two walks and four runs. St. Louis opened the scoring in the fourth. Walker singled on a 112-mph grounder to center. He stole second, advanced on a bounced wild pitch and scored on Masyn Winn’s sacrifice fly. Miami tied the score 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth as Kyle Stowers walked on four pitches, advanced on a groundout and scored on Xavier Edwards’ ground-rule double. The Marlins took a 2-1 lead in the fifth on Agustin Ramirez’s 411-foot homer to left-center. St. Louis made it 2-2 in the sixth as Walker walked, went to third on a Winn single and scored on reliever Calvin Faucher’s wild pitch. Miami grabbed a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the sixth as Stowers singled and scored from first on Lopez’s double down the third-base line. Edwards then walked, and Liam Hicks followed with an RBI single. The Marlins nearly got more on that play, but Cardinals rocket-armed shortstop Winn’s relay throw to the plate got the speedy Edwards, who was trying to score from first on Hicks’ single. St. Louis pulled McGreevy at that point, and reliever Matt Svanson got Ramirez on a groundout to end the threat. The Marlins added an insurance run in the eighth. Lopez and Edwards walked, and Hicks delivered an RBI single. Winn led off the ninth with a triple and scored on Ramon Urias’ sacrifice fly, but that was all for the Cardinals. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Otto #Lopez #timely #RBI #Marlins #stop #Cardinals #streak

Deadspin | Otto Lopez gets timely RBI as Marlins stop Cardinals streak
Apr 20, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Max Meyer (23) pitches in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Otto Lopez stroked a go-ahead, RBI double in the sixth inning as the host Miami Marlins ended St. Louis’ five-game win streak by defeating the Cardinals 5-3 on Monday night.

Pete Fairbanks pitched a one-run ninth to earn his fourth save. He was part of a Marlins bullpen that combined to pitch 3 2/3 innings, allowing just that one run.

Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker extended his hitting streak to 15 games. That’s two games short of the career-best streak he had as a rookie in 2023.

Marlins starter Max Meyer got a no-decision, allowing three hits, two walks and two runs in 5 1/3 innings.

Michael McGreevy (1-2) retired the first 10 Marlins batters but took the loss. He lasted 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits, two walks and four runs.

St. Louis opened the scoring in the fourth. Walker singled on a 112-mph grounder to center. He stole second, advanced on a bounced wild pitch and scored on Masyn Winn’s sacrifice fly.

Miami tied the score 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth as Kyle Stowers walked on four pitches, advanced on a groundout and scored on Xavier Edwards’ ground-rule double.

The Marlins took a 2-1 lead in the fifth on Agustin Ramirez’s 411-foot homer to left-center.

St. Louis made it 2-2 in the sixth as Walker walked, went to third on a Winn single and scored on reliever Calvin Faucher’s wild pitch.

Miami grabbed a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the sixth as Stowers singled and scored from first on Lopez’s double down the third-base line. Edwards then walked, and Liam Hicks followed with an RBI single.

The Marlins nearly got more on that play, but Cardinals rocket-armed shortstop Winn’s relay throw to the plate got the speedy Edwards, who was trying to score from first on Hicks’ single.

St. Louis pulled McGreevy at that point, and reliever Matt Svanson got Ramirez on a groundout to end the threat.

The Marlins added an insurance run in the eighth. Lopez and Edwards walked, and Hicks delivered an RBI single.

Winn led off the ninth with a triple and scored on Ramon Urias’ sacrifice fly, but that was all for the Cardinals.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Otto #Lopez #timely #RBI #Marlins #stop #Cardinals #streak

Sports news April 21, 2026

Apr 20, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Max Meyer (23) pitches in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Otto Lopez stroked a go-ahead, RBI double in the sixth inning as the host Miami Marlins ended St. Louis’ five-game win streak by defeating the Cardinals 5-3 on Monday night.

Pete Fairbanks pitched a one-run ninth to earn his fourth save. He was part of a Marlins bullpen that combined to pitch 3 2/3 innings, allowing just that one run.

Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker extended his hitting streak to 15 games. That’s two games short of the career-best streak he had as a rookie in 2023.

Marlins starter Max Meyer got a no-decision, allowing three hits, two walks and two runs in 5 1/3 innings.

Michael McGreevy (1-2) retired the first 10 Marlins batters but took the loss. He lasted 5 2/3 innings, allowing five hits, two walks and four runs.

St. Louis opened the scoring in the fourth. Walker singled on a 112-mph grounder to center. He stole second, advanced on a bounced wild pitch and scored on Masyn Winn’s sacrifice fly.

Miami tied the score 1-1 in the bottom of the fourth as Kyle Stowers walked on four pitches, advanced on a groundout and scored on Xavier Edwards’ ground-rule double.

The Marlins took a 2-1 lead in the fifth on Agustin Ramirez’s 411-foot homer to left-center.

St. Louis made it 2-2 in the sixth as Walker walked, went to third on a Winn single and scored on reliever Calvin Faucher’s wild pitch.

Miami grabbed a 4-2 lead in the bottom of the sixth as Stowers singled and scored from first on Lopez’s double down the third-base line. Edwards then walked, and Liam Hicks followed with an RBI single.

The Marlins nearly got more on that play, but Cardinals rocket-armed shortstop Winn’s relay throw to the plate got the speedy Edwards, who was trying to score from first on Hicks’ single.

St. Louis pulled McGreevy at that point, and reliever Matt Svanson got Ramirez on a groundout to end the threat.

The Marlins added an insurance run in the eighth. Lopez and Edwards walked, and Hicks delivered an RBI single.

Winn led off the ninth with a triple and scored on Ramon Urias’ sacrifice fly, but that was all for the Cardinals.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Otto #Lopez #timely #RBI #Marlins #stop #Cardinals #streak

Shreyas Iyer has been given a raw deal — Manjrekar on PBKS captain’s omission from Indian T20I team <div id="content-body-70887846" itemprop="articleBody"><p>Shreyas Iyer’s selection for the Indian team has been a talking point in cricketing circles for a while now. Shreyas made headlines in 2024 after he was dropped from the BCCI’s Central Contract list due to non-compliance with the board’s directive to participate in domestic cricket while not on national duty.</p><p>Since then, he has played only 17 international games, all coming in the 50-over format. Despite guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024 and Punjab Kings to the runner-up spot last season, the Mumbai batter has been overlooked in the shortest format of the game. Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes Shreyas got a “raw deal”.</p><p>“It was just unfair for Shreyas Iyer that his performances down the order didn’t get him in the Indian T20I team, because those are the difficult positions. If he has that angst for somebody for giving that kind of a deal, I think it’s valid,” Manjrekar said on <i>Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.</i></p><p>“In the IPL, when his team [Punjab Kings] reached the final, he had a phenomenal IPL. He had the issue where the selectors felt that he was not committing himself enough to domestic cricket, focusing more on the other tournaments. That may have hurt him. When you look at him now and the success Punjab Kings have had, surely we can’t keep him out that long,” he added.</p><p><b>RELATED | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/cricket/ipl/gt-vs-mi-ipl-2026-mumbai-indians-ashwani-kumar-comments-on-four-wicket-haul-beating-gujarat-titans/article70887578.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">‘I was working on my yorker, swing,’ says MI pacer Ashwani after four-wicket haul</a></b></p><p>Shreyas had a blockbuster IPL 2025 season with the bat, scoring 604 runs at 50.33 average and a whopping strike rate of 175.07. This season, he has been striking at 182.46 and has already scored three half-centuries in six games. Taking his red-hot form in the IPL into account, Manjrekar believes there is still a spot for Shreyas in the Indian team, possibly even as a potential captaincy option.</p><p>“I think there could be a place for him at number four. He is somebody who can take singles on a slow, turning pitch and is a good player of spin. I think he’s done enough to merit a place in the T20 side, and in 50 overs as well,” the former Mumbai batter said.</p><p>“The [captaincy] option is always there. After Suryakumar Yadav, who do you give it to? There’s no obvious candidate. So that could be killing two birds with one stone. But, it’s all premature at this stage because he’s not even in the Indian team,” he added.</p><div class="inline_embed article-block-item"><p>[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58JRdBRAbIk[/embed]</p></div><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 21, 2026</p></div> #Shreyas #Iyer #raw #deal #Manjrekar #PBKS #captains #omission #Indian #T20I #team

Indian sports wrap, April 21: Tushar, Mannat share lead at AM Green IGPL Invitational Congo <div id="content-body-70888026" itemprop="articleBody"><h4 class="sub_head">GOLF</h4><p><b>Tushar, Mannat share lead at AM Green IGPL Invitational Congo</b></p><p>Young golfers Tushar Pannu and Mannat Brar turned in a matching six-under 67 to share the lead after the opening day of the AM Green IGPL Invitational Congo in Lubumbashi.</p><p>Pannu, 21, who turned pro last year and came through the Qualifying School, had five birdies, an eagle, and one bogey in his superb round, while Brar, 19, the newly minted Women’s Golf Association pro, was bogey free for the day.</p><p>The AM green IGPL Invitational Congo is the fourth leg of the Tour and this week is the third event in African Swing.</p><p>After the opening leg in Chandigarh, the AM Green IGPL travelled to Mauritius and Joburg, South Africa.</p><p>As Pannu and Mannat shared the top spot, rookie pro, Sukhman Singh, son of former top amateur Simarjeet Singh, shot 5-under 68, to lie sole third at the Par-73 Golf Club Lubumbashi.</p><p>Aman Raj, a multiple AM Green IGPL winner in 2025, shared the fourth place with Harendra Gupta, as they all shot 4-under 69.</p><p>Hot on their heels was last week’s winner, Udayan Mane, the in-form Indo-American Manav Shah and Syed Saqib Ahmed — all of who shot 3-under 70 and were tied-sixth.</p><p>Seven players, including Saarthak Chhibber, Sunhit Bishnoi, rookie pros Danish Verma and Kanav Chauhan, Digraj Singh Gill, IL Aalaap and Aryan Roopa Anand were all tied for the ninth place with scores of 2-under 71 each.</p><p>Mannat is attempting to become only the second Indian woman golfer to win a mixed gender pro event. Last year Pranavi Urs became the first one to do so at AM Green IGPL Mumbai.</p><p>In the team competition, Atri Mumbai, who did well last week, were once again in great form as Pannu (67) and Aman Raj (69) carried them to the first day’s lead at 10-under and two ahead of Leander Paes’ team, Flying Man Kolkata, for whom the stars were Sukhman Singh (68) and Syed Saqib Ahmed (70).</p><p>Green Fuels Vizag powered by Manav Shah (70), who was third last week, and young Danish Verma (71) were third at 5-under.</p><h4 class="sub_head">SWIMMING</h4><p><b>Supriyo Sinha clinches two medals at World Masters Finswimming Championship 2026</b></p><p>Indian swimmer Supriyo Sinha won a gold and a silver at the World Masters Finswimming Championship in Thailand on Sunday.</p><div class="verticle article-picture center"><img src="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/dmplc6/article70888018.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/c2bc2e30-6451-4357-90f0-6644c1ddffe8.jpeg" data-original="https://ss-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/dmplc6/article70888018.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/c2bc2e30-6451-4357-90f0-6644c1ddffe8.jpeg" alt="Supriyo Sinha celebrates winning medals at the World Masters Finswimming Championship 2026." title="Supriyo Sinha celebrates winning medals at the World Masters Finswimming Championship 2026." class=" lazy" width="100%" height="100%"/><div class="pic-caption"><figcaption class="figure-caption align-text-bottom"><p> Supriyo Sinha celebrates winning medals at the World Masters Finswimming Championship 2026. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement </p><img class="caption-image" src="https://assetsss.thehindu.com/theme/images/SSRX/lightbox-info.svg" alt="lightbox-info"/></figcaption></div><p class="caption"> Supriyo Sinha celebrates winning medals at the World Masters Finswimming Championship 2026. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement </p></div><p>Supriyo, who had bagged silver at the National Finswimming Championship last year, continued to shine, making a mark on the global stage, in Sriracha, Pattaya.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 21, 2026</p></div> #Indian #sports #wrap #April #Tushar #Mannat #share #lead #Green #IGPL #Invitational #Congo

#World #Athletics #U20 #Championships #Ashish #Dharanidharan #qualify #javelin #throw #final">

World Athletics U20 Championships 2026: Ashish, Dharanidharan qualify for javelin throw final Ashish Yadav and T. Dharanidharan both qualified for the men’s javelin throw final on Wednesday, the opening day of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA.Neither of the two Indians achieved the automatic qualification mark of 72.50m but they finished amongst the Top 12 throwers which helped them book their spot for Friday’s final.While Ashish stood second amongst the 26 athletes across the two groups with an effort of 69.87m, Dharanidharan grabbed the last qualification spot with a throw of 68.07m.South Africa’s Jan-Hendrik Heymans topped the qualification round with his one and only throw of 76.02m.In men’s 800m, Uwin Anand couldn’t progress beyond the first round but Mogali Venkatram secured his place in the semifinals. In the second heat, Uwin finished seventh as he clocked 1:52.37s while in the fifth and final heat, Mogali finished third with a timing of 1:52.81s.Top five finishers in every heat along with two fastest losers from the rest of the field grabbed qualification spots.READ | Ek Bihari sau pe bhaari – Kitchen boy turns track and field pioneer for stateIn 4x400m mixed relay, Indian quartet recorded a Season’s Best timing but missed out on qualifying for the final.Piyush Raj, Tahura Khatun, Sayed Sabeer and Thiya Arumugam clocked 3:22.85s to finish fourth in the first heat. However, only the top three teams from each of the three heats was guaranteed a spot in the final.In heat 1, Great Britain topped with a timing of 3:21.27s, Poland finished second after clocking 3:21.47s while Czechia grabbed the final qualification spot in 3:21.58s.Later in the day, discus thrower Amanat Kamboj will also begin her campaign in the qualification round.Published on Aug 05, 2026 #World #Athletics #U20 #Championships #Ashish #Dharanidharan #qualify #javelin #throw #final

mwasimuddin125 0

Ashish Yadav and T. Dharanidharan both qualified for the men’s javelin throw final on Wednesday, the opening day of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA.
Neither of the two Indians achieved the automatic qualification mark of 72.50m but they finished amongst the Top 12 throwers which helped them book their spot for Friday’s final.
While Ashish stood second amongst the 26 athletes across the two groups with an effort of 69.87m, Dharanidharan grabbed the last qualification spot with a throw of 68.07m.
South Africa’s Jan-Hendrik Heymans topped the qualification round with his one and only throw of 76.02m.
In men’s 800m, Uwin Anand couldn’t progress beyond the first round but Mogali Venkatram secured his place in the semifinals. In the second heat, Uwin finished seventh as he clocked 1:52.37s while in the fifth and final heat, Mogali finished third with a timing of 1:52.81s.
Top five finishers in every heat along with two fastest losers from the rest of the field grabbed qualification spots.
READ | Ek Bihari sau pe bhaari – Kitchen boy turns track and field pioneer for state
In 4x400m mixed relay, Indian quartet recorded a Season’s Best timing but missed out on qualifying for the final.
Piyush Raj, Tahura Khatun, Sayed Sabeer and Thiya Arumugam clocked 3:22.85s to finish fourth in the first heat. However, only the top three teams from each of the three heats was guaranteed a spot in the final.
In heat 1, Great Britain topped with a timing of 3:21.27s, Poland finished second after clocking 3:21.47s while Czechia grabbed the final qualification spot in 3:21.58s.
Later in the day, discus thrower Amanat Kamboj will also begin her campaign in the qualification round.
Published on Aug 05, 2026

#World #Athletics #U20 #Championships #Ashish #Dharanidharan #qualify #javelin #throw #final">World Athletics U20 Championships 2026: Ashish, Dharanidharan qualify for javelin throw final

Ashish Yadav and T. Dharanidharan both qualified for the men’s javelin throw final on Wednesday, the opening day of the World Athletics U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, USA.

Neither of the two Indians achieved the automatic qualification mark of 72.50m but they finished amongst the Top 12 throwers which helped them book their spot for Friday’s final.

While Ashish stood second amongst the 26 athletes across the two groups with an effort of 69.87m, Dharanidharan grabbed the last qualification spot with a throw of 68.07m.

South Africa’s Jan-Hendrik Heymans topped the qualification round with his one and only throw of 76.02m.

In men’s 800m, Uwin Anand couldn’t progress beyond the first round but Mogali Venkatram secured his place in the semifinals. In the second heat, Uwin finished seventh as he clocked 1:52.37s while in the fifth and final heat, Mogali finished third with a timing of 1:52.81s.

Top five finishers in every heat along with two fastest losers from the rest of the field grabbed qualification spots.

READ | Ek Bihari sau pe bhaari – Kitchen boy turns track and field pioneer for state

In 4x400m mixed relay, Indian quartet recorded a Season’s Best timing but missed out on qualifying for the final.

Piyush Raj, Tahura Khatun, Sayed Sabeer and Thiya Arumugam clocked 3:22.85s to finish fourth in the first heat. However, only the top three teams from each of the three heats was guaranteed a spot in the final.

In heat 1, Great Britain topped with a timing of 3:21.27s, Poland finished second after clocking 3:21.47s while Czechia grabbed the final qualification spot in 3:21.58s.

Later in the day, discus thrower Amanat Kamboj will also begin her campaign in the qualification round.

Published on Aug 05, 2026

#World #Athletics #U20 #Championships #Ashish #Dharanidharan #qualify #javelin #throw #final

Deadspin | Crew acquire Chilean F Gonzalo Tapia on loan Aug 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of official balls prior to the warm up between Vancouver Whitecaps and Atlante FC during the Leagues Cup Phase One match at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images The Columbus Crew acquired forward Gonzalo Tapia on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Sao Paulo on Wednesday. The 24-year-old Chilean’s loan period runs through the 2027 MLS sprint season and includes a purchase option. Tapia has recorded 30 goals and 10 assists in 172 career matches with multiple clubs across South America. “Gonzalo is a talented and hard-working player who brings quality and competition to our attack,” Crew general manager Issa Tall said. “We believe he has the attributes to make an immediate impact to the team. We’re excited to welcome Gonzalo to Columbus and look forward to integrating him into the group and seeing the contributions he’ll make.” Adding reinforcements to our attack ?? pic.twitter.com/zp9V7KSJsE— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 5, 2026 Before joining Sao Paulo in 2025, Tapia played for Argentina’s River Plate (2025) and Chile’s Universidad Catolica (2020-24). Internationally, he has scored three goals in 12 caps for Chile since his 2024 debut. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Crew #acquire #Chilean #Gonzalo #Tapia #loan

#Deadspin #Crew #acquire #Chilean #Gonzalo #Tapia #loan">

mwasimuddin125 0

Aug 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of official balls prior to the warm up between Vancouver Whitecaps and Atlante FC during the Leagues Cup Phase One match at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Columbus Crew acquired forward Gonzalo Tapia on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Chilean’s loan period runs through the 2027 MLS sprint season and includes a purchase option.

Tapia has recorded 30 goals and 10 assists in 172 career matches with multiple clubs across South America.

“Gonzalo is a talented and hard-working player who brings quality and competition to our attack,” Crew general manager Issa Tall said. “We believe he has the attributes to make an immediate impact to the team. We’re excited to welcome Gonzalo to Columbus and look forward to integrating him into the group and seeing the contributions he’ll make.”

Adding reinforcements to our attack ?? pic.twitter.com/zp9V7KSJsE
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 5, 2026

Before joining Sao Paulo in 2025, Tapia played for Argentina’s River Plate (2025) and Chile’s Universidad Catolica (2020-24). Internationally, he has scored three goals in 12 caps for Chile since his 2024 debut.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Crew #acquire #Chilean #Gonzalo #Tapia #loan">Deadspin | Crew acquire Chilean F Gonzalo Tapia on loan

Aug 4, 2026; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; General view of official balls prior to the warm up between Vancouver Whitecaps and Atlante FC during the Leagues Cup Phase One match at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn Images

The Columbus Crew acquired forward Gonzalo Tapia on loan from Brazilian Serie A side Sao Paulo on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Chilean’s loan period runs through the 2027 MLS sprint season and includes a purchase option.

Tapia has recorded 30 goals and 10 assists in 172 career matches with multiple clubs across South America.

“Gonzalo is a talented and hard-working player who brings quality and competition to our attack,” Crew general manager Issa Tall said. “We believe he has the attributes to make an immediate impact to the team. We’re excited to welcome Gonzalo to Columbus and look forward to integrating him into the group and seeing the contributions he’ll make.”

Adding reinforcements to our attack ?? pic.twitter.com/zp9V7KSJsE
— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) August 5, 2026

Before joining Sao Paulo in 2025, Tapia played for Argentina’s River Plate (2025) and Chile’s Universidad Catolica (2020-24). Internationally, he has scored three goals in 12 caps for Chile since his 2024 debut.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Crew #acquire #Chilean #Gonzalo #Tapia #loan

WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) — WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 1: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty plays defense on A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during Round Two Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 1, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) — WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

#Waytooearly #WNBA #playoff #series #matchups #predictions">

Way-too-early WNBA playoff series matchups and predictions If the WNBA playoffs started today, we’d be in store for four riveting first-round series. The league-best Minnesota Lynx would face the surging Washington Mystics. The reigning champions, Las Vegas Aces, would face the New York Liberty. Gabby Williams and the Golden State Valkyries would host Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. And Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever would battle Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings.Here’s how the first round would stack up, and my way-too-early predictions for who will emerge victorious.#1 Minnesota Lynx (25-6) vs #8 Washington Mystics (16-12)WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) Getty ImagesThe Lynx will be heavily favored in this match-up, though the Mystics have won 4 straight and are playing some of their best basketball of the season. Minnesota has been led by Rookie of the Year shoo-in Olivia Miles, as well as a supporting cast that includes Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Natasha Howard.On top of that, Napheesa Collier is back from double ankle surgeries that sidelined her for most of the season. Minnesota has won 10 straight games and have outscored opponents by an average of 9.3 points per game this season.The Mystics, therefore, face an uphill climb in the first round. Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, and Sonia Citron have all had big-time seasons, but all three have very limited playoff experience (Austin played two postseason games in 2022, while Iriafen and Citron did not make the playoffs as rookies). Washington will be happy to get playoff experience for their young core, but this is a formidable first-round assignment. The two teams have split their regular season series so far, and both games came down to the wire.Another fun wrinkle? Former Notre Dame guards Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron would be squaring off.Tentative Prediction: Lynx in 2#2 Las Vegas Aces (21-9) vs #7 New York Liberty (18-13)BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 1: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty plays defense on A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during Round Two Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 1, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty ImagesFew could have projected that the Aces and Liberty would square off in the first round. The two teams faced off in the 2023 Finals, with Las Vegas emerging victorious, and then again in the 2024 Semi-Finals, with New York coming out on top en route to their franchise-first championship.But New York has had a down year and unexpectedly slipped to the 7th-best record in the league under first-year head coach Chris DeMarco. It still could all come together. New York has been better with Leonie Fiebich in the lineup, and Sabrina Ionescu is finally healthy. But Breanna Stewart needs more from her supporting cast — whether that’s more consistency from former MVP Jonquel Jones or more from the bench.The Aces have won three titles in the last four seasons, and while they haven’t had a perfect season, A’ja Wilson continues to play some of the best basketball of her career while the championship backcourt of Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray continues to thrive.New York beat Las Vegas in the Commissioner’s Cup, but that was with Wilson sidelined, so it’s hard to know how much of what worked then would carry over to a postseason matchup. The Aces and Liberty split the other two matchups.Tentative Prediction: Aces in 3#3 Golden State Valkyries (21-9) vs #6 Atlanta Dream (18-11)ATLANTA, GA – JULY 4: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Valkyries on July 4, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty ImagesThe Valkyries swept their season series against the Dream over the span of a week, beating them three times as part of Atlanta’s season-worst 5-game losing streak. Was that just a bad week at work for the Dream, or a sign of potential trouble to come in a postseason matchup?Angel Reese has been a revelation for Atlanta, and Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray were both All-Stars, again. But will they be able to muster up a play style in the playoffs they couldn’t find in the regular season matchup?Golden State, meanwhile, has been a powerhouse. But will their offensive woes catch up to them in a slowed-down playoff environment? The Valkyries have been elite defensively, but don’t quite have the go-to scoring options that other teams of their caliber do.Tentative Prediction: Valkyries in 3#4 Dallas Wings (19-11) vs #5 Indiana Fever (19-11) INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 9: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings on May 9, 2026 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse inIndianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Dean/NBAE via Getty Images) NBAE via Getty ImagesThis matchup would feature three of the most electric guards in the league in Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Mitchell. Plus, No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd has had an underrated rookie campaign.Both the Wings and the Fever have had good seasons, and would make for a star-studded first-round matchup if current standings hold come playoff time. This would be an offensive battle, as both teams have some defensive deficiencies. It will also be the first time Bueckers laces up for playoff action (Clark played two playoff games in her rookie season, but was sidelined in her sophomore campaign).The Wings and Fever faced off on Opening Day, with the Wings walking away with a 3-point victory. They haven’t faced off since, so it’s anybody’s guess how things would fare come September.Tentative Prediction: Fever in 3 #Waytooearly #WNBA #playoff #series #matchups #predictions

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If the WNBA playoffs started today, we’d be in store for four riveting first-round series. The league-best Minnesota Lynx would face the surging Washington Mystics. The reigning champions, Las Vegas Aces, would face the New York Liberty. Gabby Williams and the Golden State Valkyries would host Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. And Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever would battle Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings.
Here’s how the first round would stack up, and my way-too-early predictions for who will emerge victorious.
#1 Minnesota Lynx (25-6) vs #8 Washington Mystics (16-12)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
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The Lynx will be heavily favored in this match-up, though the Mystics have won 4 straight and are playing some of their best basketball of the season. Minnesota has been led by Rookie of the Year shoo-in Olivia Miles, as well as a supporting cast that includes Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Natasha Howard.
On top of that, Napheesa Collier is back from double ankle surgeries that sidelined her for most of the season. Minnesota has won 10 straight games and have outscored opponents by an average of 9.3 points per game this season.
The Mystics, therefore, face an uphill climb in the first round. Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, and Sonia Citron have all had big-time seasons, but all three have very limited playoff experience (Austin played two postseason games in 2022, while Iriafen and Citron did not make the playoffs as rookies). Washington will be happy to get playoff experience for their young core, but this is a formidable first-round assignment. The two teams have split their regular season series so far, and both games came down to the wire.
Another fun wrinkle? Former Notre Dame guards Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron would be squaring off.
Tentative Prediction: Lynx in 2
#2 Las Vegas Aces (21-9) vs #7 New York Liberty (18-13)
BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 1: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty plays defense on A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during Round Two Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 1, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Few could have projected that the Aces and Liberty would square off in the first round. The two teams faced off in the 2023 Finals, with Las Vegas emerging victorious, and then again in the 2024 Semi-Finals, with New York coming out on top en route to their franchise-first championship.
But New York has had a down year and unexpectedly slipped to the 7th-best record in the league under first-year head coach Chris DeMarco. It still could all come together. New York has been better with Leonie Fiebich in the lineup, and Sabrina Ionescu is finally healthy. But Breanna Stewart needs more from her supporting cast — whether that’s more consistency from former MVP Jonquel Jones or more from the bench.
The Aces have won three titles in the last four seasons, and while they haven’t had a perfect season, A’ja Wilson continues to play some of the best basketball of her career while the championship backcourt of Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray continues to thrive.
New York beat Las Vegas in the Commissioner’s Cup, but that was with Wilson sidelined, so it’s hard to know how much of what worked then would carry over to a postseason matchup. The Aces and Liberty split the other two matchups.
Tentative Prediction: Aces in 3
#3 Golden State Valkyries (21-9) vs #6 Atlanta Dream (18-11)
ATLANTA, GA – JULY 4: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Valkyries on July 4, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
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The Valkyries swept their season series against the Dream over the span of a week, beating them three times as part of Atlanta’s season-worst 5-game losing streak. Was that just a bad week at work for the Dream, or a sign of potential trouble to come in a postseason matchup?
Angel Reese has been a revelation for Atlanta, and Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray were both All-Stars, again. But will they be able to muster up a play style in the playoffs they couldn’t find in the regular season matchup?
Golden State, meanwhile, has been a powerhouse. But will their offensive woes catch up to them in a slowed-down playoff environment? The Valkyries have been elite defensively, but don’t quite have the go-to scoring options that other teams of their caliber do.
Tentative Prediction: Valkyries in 3
#4 Dallas Wings (19-11) vs #5 Indiana Fever (19-11)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 9: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings on May 9, 2026 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse inIndianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Dean/NBAE via Getty Images)
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This matchup would feature three of the most electric guards in the league in Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Mitchell. Plus, No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd has had an underrated rookie campaign.
Both the Wings and the Fever have had good seasons, and would make for a star-studded first-round matchup if current standings hold come playoff time. This would be an offensive battle, as both teams have some defensive deficiencies. It will also be the first time Bueckers laces up for playoff action (Clark played two playoff games in her rookie season, but was sidelined in her sophomore campaign).
The Wings and Fever faced off on Opening Day, with the Wings walking away with a 3-point victory. They haven’t faced off since, so it’s anybody’s guess how things would fare come September.
Tentative Prediction: Fever in 3

#Waytooearly #WNBA #playoff #series #matchups #predictions">Way-too-early WNBA playoff series matchups and predictions

If the WNBA playoffs started today, we’d be in store for four riveting first-round series. The league-best Minnesota Lynx would face the surging Washington Mystics. The reigning champions, Las Vegas Aces, would face the New York Liberty. Gabby Williams and the Golden State Valkyries would host Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream. And Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever would battle Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings.

Here’s how the first round would stack up, and my way-too-early predictions for who will emerge victorious.

#1 Minnesota Lynx (25-6) vs #8 Washington Mystics (16-12)

WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 24: Olivia Miles #5 of the Minnesota Lynx shoots the ball against Shakira Austin #0 of the Washington Mystics during the third quarter at CareFirst Arena on June 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Lynx defeated the Mystics 78-76. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

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The Lynx will be heavily favored in this match-up, though the Mystics have won 4 straight and are playing some of their best basketball of the season. Minnesota has been led by Rookie of the Year shoo-in Olivia Miles, as well as a supporting cast that includes Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Natasha Howard.

On top of that, Napheesa Collier is back from double ankle surgeries that sidelined her for most of the season. Minnesota has won 10 straight games and have outscored opponents by an average of 9.3 points per game this season.

The Mystics, therefore, face an uphill climb in the first round. Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, and Sonia Citron have all had big-time seasons, but all three have very limited playoff experience (Austin played two postseason games in 2022, while Iriafen and Citron did not make the playoffs as rookies). Washington will be happy to get playoff experience for their young core, but this is a formidable first-round assignment. The two teams have split their regular season series so far, and both games came down to the wire.

Another fun wrinkle? Former Notre Dame guards Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron would be squaring off.

Tentative Prediction: Lynx in 2

#2 Las Vegas Aces (21-9) vs #7 New York Liberty (18-13)

BROOKLYN, NY – OCTOBER 1: Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty plays defense on A’ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during Round Two Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs on October 1, 2024 in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Few could have projected that the Aces and Liberty would square off in the first round. The two teams faced off in the 2023 Finals, with Las Vegas emerging victorious, and then again in the 2024 Semi-Finals, with New York coming out on top en route to their franchise-first championship.

But New York has had a down year and unexpectedly slipped to the 7th-best record in the league under first-year head coach Chris DeMarco. It still could all come together. New York has been better with Leonie Fiebich in the lineup, and Sabrina Ionescu is finally healthy. But Breanna Stewart needs more from her supporting cast — whether that’s more consistency from former MVP Jonquel Jones or more from the bench.

The Aces have won three titles in the last four seasons, and while they haven’t had a perfect season, A’ja Wilson continues to play some of the best basketball of her career while the championship backcourt of Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray continues to thrive.

New York beat Las Vegas in the Commissioner’s Cup, but that was with Wilson sidelined, so it’s hard to know how much of what worked then would carry over to a postseason matchup. The Aces and Liberty split the other two matchups.

Tentative Prediction: Aces in 3

#3 Golden State Valkyries (21-9) vs #6 Atlanta Dream (18-11)

ATLANTA, GA – JULY 4: Jordin Canada #3 of the Atlanta Dream dribbles the ball during the game against the Golden State Valkyries on July 4, 2026 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)

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The Valkyries swept their season series against the Dream over the span of a week, beating them three times as part of Atlanta’s season-worst 5-game losing streak. Was that just a bad week at work for the Dream, or a sign of potential trouble to come in a postseason matchup?

Angel Reese has been a revelation for Atlanta, and Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray were both All-Stars, again. But will they be able to muster up a play style in the playoffs they couldn’t find in the regular season matchup?

Golden State, meanwhile, has been a powerhouse. But will their offensive woes catch up to them in a slowed-down playoff environment? The Valkyries have been elite defensively, but don’t quite have the go-to scoring options that other teams of their caliber do.

Tentative Prediction: Valkyries in 3

#4 Dallas Wings (19-11) vs #5 Indiana Fever (19-11)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAY 9: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Wings on May 9, 2026 at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse inIndianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Dean/NBAE via Getty Images)

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This matchup would feature three of the most electric guards in the league in Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Kelsey Mitchell. Plus, No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd has had an underrated rookie campaign.

Both the Wings and the Fever have had good seasons, and would make for a star-studded first-round matchup if current standings hold come playoff time. This would be an offensive battle, as both teams have some defensive deficiencies. It will also be the first time Bueckers laces up for playoff action (Clark played two playoff games in her rookie season, but was sidelined in her sophomore campaign).

The Wings and Fever faced off on Opening Day, with the Wings walking away with a 3-point victory. They haven’t faced off since, so it’s anybody’s guess how things would fare come September.

Tentative Prediction: Fever in 3

#Waytooearly #WNBA #playoff #series #matchups #predictions

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#1 Minnesota Lynx (25-6) vs #8 Washington Mystics (16-12)

#2 Las Vegas Aces (21-9) vs #7 New York Liberty (18-13)

#3 Golden State Valkyries (21-9) vs #6 Atlanta Dream (18-11)

#4 Dallas Wings (19-11) vs #5 Indiana Fever (19-11)

#1 Minnesota Lynx (25-6) vs #8 Washington Mystics (16-12)

#2 Las Vegas Aces (21-9) vs #7 New York Liberty (18-13)

#3 Golden State Valkyries (21-9) vs #6 Atlanta Dream (18-11)

#4 Dallas Wings (19-11) vs #5 Indiana Fever (19-11)

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