How 5 WNBA teams are in a chaotic photo finish race for the league’s 8th playoff spot

Side by side photos of Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter, Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard, Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale, Washington Mystics guard Julie Vanloo and Los Angeles Sparks forward Dearica Hamby. ( Photos by Kamil Krzaczynski, Kevin Jairaj and Kirby Lee/USA Today Network and Ronald Martinez and Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

The eighth spot in the WNBA playoffs is *technically* still in play for five teams — YES, FIVE TEAMS. How is that possible? No team wants to truly be great yet. Let me explain.

The Chicago Sky have only won a single game since the WNBA returned from the Olympic break and have lost its last seven games, including four games without its top scorer, Chennedy Carter, who’s out due to health and safety protocols. The Atlanta Dream won three games after the break but has lost five of its last six since that win streak. The Dallas Wings lost three games out of the break, won three, and showed some serious life. Then, it lost games to the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics.

The Mystics have suddenly reversed course and have won four of its last five games, including a stunner against the Seattle Storm. Rounding out the race is the Los Angeles Sparks. Los Angeles has the worst record in the league, but an unbelievable upset win against the New York Liberty in recent days is doing Yeoman’s work, and it, too, is not out of the running. BANANAS. Chicago had all but locked up the eighth spot, and now it has opened the floodgates. WELCOME TO THE HUNGER GAMES.