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The WNBA playoffs tip off on Wednesday, with a double-header between the Phoenix Mercury and the Chicago Sky, and the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm. Six former UConn Huskies players will suit up for action on the opening night of the playoffs.
In the first game, three Huskies will take the floor for the Chicago Sky. Stefanie Dolson, who has started all 34 games for the Sky this season and will play an important role in the post against the likes of Britney Griner for game one. Gabby Williams will also play a key role off the bench as the Sky look to advance to the second round. Additionally, Katie Lou Samuelson will be making her first playoff appearance as a rookie tonight.
On the other site of the court, the Phoenix Mercury were hoping to have Diana Taurasi, who is 19-6 in WNBA elimination games, against Chicago. However, after playing just six games this season due to a back injury, Taurasi is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury. It is unlikely she will see much, if any, time tonight.
In the second game of the evening, Napheesa Collier will play in her first WNBA playoff game for the Minnesota Lynx. As Collier is leading the WNBA in minutes played this season, expect to see her on the court for most of tonight’s game as the Lynx battle for a spot in the second round.
For Seattle, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis will look to help her team off the bench. Mosqueda-Lewis averaged 14 minutes per game this season for the Storm. This will be her fourth playoff appearance, which is the most of any Husky expected to actually play tonight.
Tonight’s games are both single-elimination contests, for a space in the second round against either the Los Angeles Sparks or Las Vegas Aces. With no former UConn players on either teams’ roster, the Huskies who advance tonight will be the only ones in the second round.
Morgan Tuck is the final former UConn star to appear in this year’s playoffs. The Connecticut Sun earned the second overall seed and a two-round bye. Tuck and the Sun will start their playoff action next Tuesday, September 17th.