WNBA Power Rankings June 17th
- Greg Kajewski
- 4 hours ago
- 13 min read
The Minnesota Lynx (10-1) reclaimed the top spot this week, bouncing back from their first loss. The New York Liberty (9-1) and Atlanta Dream (8-3) follow closely, creating a tightly contested race at the top. Here's a quick breakdown of the latest rankings and notable shifts:
- Top Movers: Atlanta Dream surged to 3rd after a perfect 3-0 week, powered by record-breaking offense.
- Biggest Drop: Seattle Storm fell from 3rd to 6th due to inconsistency and a tough loss to Golden State.
- Key Injuries: A'ja Wilson’s absence (concussion protocol) caused Las Vegas Aces to drop to 8th.
- Rising Teams: Indiana Fever climbed to 5th behind Caitlin Clark's stellar performance, while Golden State Valkyries impressed in their debut season, moving to 7th.
Quick Comparison of Team Rankings
Rank | Team | Record | Change |
1 | Minnesota Lynx | 10-1 | +1 |
2 | New York Liberty | 9-1 | -1 |
3 | Atlanta Dream | 8-3 | +2 |
4 | Phoenix Mercury | 8-4 | - |
5 | Indiana Fever | 5-5 | +1 |
6 | Seattle Storm | 6-5 | -3 |
7 | Golden State Valkyries | 5-5 | +1 |
8 | Las Vegas Aces | 5-5 | -1 |
Key Takeaways
- Betting Opportunities: Atlanta and Golden State are undervalued given their recent form. Injuries to key players like A'ja Wilson and Jonquel Jones also create potential mismatches.
- Games to Watch: Minnesota vs. Las Vegas and Atlanta vs. New York on June 17 are pivotal matchups with playoff implications.
Stay ahead by leveraging these insights for smarter betting and deeper understanding of team dynamics.
WNBA Power Rankings as of June 17, 2025
Current Team Rankings
The latest WNBA power rankings highlight some exciting shifts this week, driven by team momentum and player availability. At the top, the Minnesota Lynx (10-1) have reclaimed the number one spot after a dominant bounce-back performance. Meanwhile, the New York Liberty (9-1) slipped to second after suffering their first loss of the season.
The middle of the rankings is as competitive as ever. The Atlanta Dream (8-3) surged into third place, fueled by an explosive offense and an undefeated 3-0 week. The Phoenix Mercury (8-4) held steady at fourth, benefiting from the return of key players to full health.
The Indiana Fever (5-5) and Seattle Storm (6-5) round out the fifth and sixth spots, though both teams have shown signs of inconsistency that could shake things up in the coming weeks. The expansion Golden State Valkyries (5-5) continue to impress in their debut season, climbing to seventh, while the Las Vegas Aces (5-5) dropped to eighth after a tough week.
Rank | Team | Record | Previous Rank | Change |
1 | Minnesota Lynx | 10-1 | 2 | +1 |
2 | New York Liberty | 9-1 | 1 | -1 |
3 | Atlanta Dream | 8-3 | 5 | +2 |
4 | Phoenix Mercury | 8-4 | 4 | - |
5 | Indiana Fever | 5-5 | 6 | +1 |
6 | Seattle Storm | 6-5 | 3 | -3 |
7 | Golden State Valkyries | 5-5 | 8 | +1 |
8 | Las Vegas Aces | 5-5 | 7 | -1 |
The lower half of the rankings paints a different picture, with teams grappling with offensive struggles and defensive lapses. The Los Angeles Sparks (4-8) climbed to ninth, thanks to standout performances from Rickea Jackson. The Washington Mystics (4-7) fell to tenth after losing four of their last five games. The Chicago Sky (3-7) moved up to eleventh, led by Angel Reese's historic triple-double, while the Connecticut Sun (2-8) slipped to twelfth with the league's lowest offensive rating. The Dallas Wings (1-11) remain in thirteenth, even with Paige Bueckers back on the court.
These rankings set the stage for a closer look at the week's major shifts and how they’re shaping the league.
Biggest Changes This Week
Seattle's slide from third to sixth has been one of the week's most notable shifts. Despite a midweek win over Minnesota, their inconsistency came to light after a loss to Golden State, where they were outrebounded 33-20. This lack of reliability has raised questions about their ability to stay competitive.
On the other hand, Atlanta's leap to third reflects their remarkable offensive transformation under coach Karl Smesko. The Dream set a franchise record with 18 three-pointers in a win over Washington, capping off a perfect 3-0 week. They’re now just one victory away from reaching the Commissioner's Cup final. Similarly, the Golden State Valkyries continue to impress, climbing from eighth to seventh. Kayla Thornton has been a standout, recording four double-doubles this season - nearly matching her total from the previous nine years combined - and leading the team on a three-game winning streak.
Las Vegas took a hit, dropping from seventh to eighth amid defensive struggles. The absence of A'ja Wilson, who entered concussion protocol, has been a major factor, with the team losing three of their last four games. Coach Becky Hammon voiced frustration over how the league handles head injuries, further highlighting the challenges the Aces face.
"Minnesota simply didn't play well enough to win on the road." - Cheryl Reeve, Lynx Head Coach
The Indiana Fever's climb to fifth is another compelling storyline. Caitlin Clark delivered a jaw-dropping 32-point performance against New York, including several deep three-pointers that energized her team. Indiana hit 17 threes in that game, a stark contrast to their season-low 58 points just a week earlier. Clark’s impact has shown just how dangerous this team can be when everything clicks.
Team-by-Team Breakdown
Top Teams Performance Review
Minnesota Lynx (10-1) are proving to be the league's most balanced and dominant team. Napheesa Collier has been a standout, delivering MVP-worthy performances with averages of 25.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. The team's resilience was on full display in their commanding 101-78 win over LA, where Collier dropped 32 points. Their ability to rebound from setbacks showcases their mental toughness and championship pedigree.
New York Liberty (9-1) continue to impress with the league's best offensive and defensive ratings, boasting a 23.4 net rating. Despite battling injuries, including the absence of Jonquel Jones, Sabrina Ionescu has stepped up in a big way, scoring 57 points over two games. Her contributions have kept the Liberty competitive and solidified their status as a top contender.
Atlanta Dream (8-3) have emerged as an offensive powerhouse under coach Karl Smesko. Their franchise-record 18 three-pointers against Washington highlight their evolving identity. Allisha Gray has been electric, averaging 23.3 points on highly efficient shooting - 60% overall, 57% on two-pointers, and 42% from beyond the arc. Reflecting on the team's rapid rise, Gray admitted they are in "unchartered territory", a sentiment that captures their unexpected ascent in the league.
Phoenix Mercury (8-4) have exceeded expectations despite dealing with injuries. The return of key players like Kahleah Copper has bolstered their championship aspirations. Satou Sabally has been clutch, delivering standout performances in victories over Dallas and Las Vegas, while Alyssa Thomas continues to shine with consecutive points-assists double-doubles. Their ability to navigate injuries while staying competitive speaks volumes about their depth.
Indiana Fever (5-5) are building momentum, thanks in part to Caitlin Clark's stellar 32-point game, which included seven three-pointers. Their ability to knock down 17 threes in a single game highlights their offensive firepower when everything comes together.
These standout performances set the stage for deeper discussions on injuries and how they’re shaping the league.
Key Players and Injury Updates
Injuries are playing a major role in shaping the WNBA landscape this season. For instance, A'ja Wilson's concussion protocol status has cast doubt on Las Vegas Aces' championship hopes. Following a tough loss to Golden State, coach Becky Hammon didn’t hold back, stating that other teams are "punking" the Aces and criticizing their "soft" mental approach.
Meanwhile, the Golden State Valkyries are defying expectations in their inaugural season, largely due to Kayla Thornton’s resurgence. Thornton is averaging 14.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, with four double-doubles already this season - nearly matching her total from the previous nine years.
Concerns about player health extend beyond individual teams. Liberty guard Natasha Cloud voiced her frustration with the league’s packed schedule, warning:
"If Cathy [Engelbert] keeps adding more games in this short stint of time, the injuries are going to continue to go up... When you talk about a big business and the overall protection of your investment, we are the investment as players. Your job is to protect us".
Phoenix’s Satou Sabally echoed these sentiments, calling the compressed schedule "not really responsible for a commissioner". These injury concerns are reshaping the competitive balance, particularly for teams vying for championships.
Games to Watch This Week
With recent trends and injury updates in mind, this week’s games offer crucial matchups with playoff implications.
Tuesday, June 17 brings several key contests. The Minnesota Lynx vs. Las Vegas Aces game could cement Minnesota’s position as the league’s top team, especially with A'ja Wilson’s status still unclear. Meanwhile, Atlanta Dream at New York Liberty could mark a turning point, as Atlanta looks for a win to secure their first-ever spot in the Commissioner’s Cup title game. Over in Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun, Indiana has a prime opportunity to advance, given Connecticut’s league-worst -22.6 net rating.
Another intriguing matchup is Seattle Storm vs. Los Angeles Sparks. A Seattle win paired with a Minnesota loss could create a chaotic multi-team tiebreaker in the Western Conference. Seattle’s unpredictable nature makes them a dangerous wild card.
Looking ahead, Phoenix Mercury at New York Liberty on June 19 will be a must-watch. Phoenix is playing inspired basketball with a healthy lineup, while New York hopes for Jonquel Jones’ return to bolster their championship aspirations.
BettorEdge Betting Strategies
Using Rankings for Peer-to-Peer Bets
BettorEdge's peer-to-peer betting system thrives on power rankings, giving you the ability to set your own odds and challenge others directly. The real advantage here? Identifying mismatches between your analysis and the market's odds.
Take the June 17 matchup between the Minnesota Lynx and Las Vegas Aces as an example. With the Lynx sitting at 10-1 and Las Vegas struggling at 5-5 without A'ja Wilson, traditional sportsbooks might heavily favor Minnesota. But on BettorEdge, you can create your own betting propositions. If you think the market is overcompensating for Wilson's absence, you could offer more competitive odds on Las Vegas, leveraging your power rankings to maintain an edge.
Another opportunity lies with the Atlanta Dream, who climbed from 5th to 3rd in the rankings. Their franchise-record 18 three-pointers against Washington and their 3-0 performance last week might not yet be reflected in peer-to-peer lines. You could capitalize on this by placing bets on Atlanta before the betting community adjusts to their recent success.
With BettorEdge’s no-vig model, you avoid the usual high house fees, making it easier to find value. This setup is perfect for spotting undervalued teams, like the Golden State Valkyries. Despite winning three straight games, they remain ranked 7th, presenting a potential "buy-low" opportunity.
Performance Metric | What It Tells You |
Net Rating | Measures overall team strength |
Assist Percentage | Reflects team chemistry |
Defensive Rating | Shows defensive effectiveness |
True Shooting % | Gauges scoring efficiency |
These metrics are key to refining your betting strategy, aligning perfectly with BettorEdge’s tools.
BettorEdge Tools for WNBA Betting
To complement these strategies, BettorEdge offers a suite of tools designed to sharpen your WNBA bets. The platform’s social betting environment encourages transparency and collaboration, enhancing your power ranking insights.
The social feed showcases every bet, letting you follow successful bettors and analyze their strategies. With features like analytics and bet tracking, you can monitor your performance across various bet types, focusing on areas where you excel through detailed profit/loss breakdowns.
Leaderboards for ROI and win percentage (tracked over 7 and 30-day periods) highlight the most consistent WNBA bettors. By following these users, you can observe how they interpret power rankings and uncover market inefficiencies, such as Seattle's drop from 3rd to 6th in the rankings.
For Premium users, the BetMatch filtering system takes things up a notch. It helps you find specific WNBA bets aligned with your power ranking analysis. For instance, you can filter for bets involving teams with recent ranking shifts and locate users offering favorable odds in those scenarios.
The head-to-head betting feature is another standout. You can challenge others directly, creating custom contests based on your predictions. For example, you might wager on Indiana maintaining their upward trend, moving from 6th to 5th in upcoming games.
Lastly, BettorEdge’s social sharing allows you to attract followers by sharing your successful bets. When they profit from your shared insights, you can even earn tips, adding another layer of incentive.
With no-vig betting and a socially driven platform, BettorEdge users often achieve higher profitability. By combining these tools with power ranking analysis, you can uncover new opportunities and gain a significant edge in WNBA betting.
Best Betting Spots This Week
Top Games for Betting Value
The schedule from June 17-22 offers some intriguing matchups for bettors, with opportunities influenced by updated power rankings and recent team performances.
Minnesota Lynx vs. Las Vegas Aces (June 17) is shaping up to be the highlight of the week. With A'ja Wilson out due to concussion protocol and the Aces losing three of their last four games, the Lynx appear to be in a strong position. While traditional markets lean toward Minnesota, some analysts suggest the Aces' recent struggles might mask their potential to bounce back.
The Atlanta Dream at New York Liberty (June 17) matchup also offers compelling betting angles. The Dream have climbed to 3rd in the power rankings, while the Liberty are grappling with injuries. With Jonquel Jones sidelined, New York's weakened roster could open the door for Atlanta's three-point-heavy offense to exploit defensive vulnerabilities.
Indiana Fever vs. Connecticut Sun (June 17) presents a classic "buy low, sell high" scenario. Caitlin Clark's impressive 32-point performance has boosted the Fever's outlook, while the Sun continue to struggle with the league's worst offensive and defensive ratings. This contrast creates an enticing opportunity for bettors.
Lastly, the Golden State Valkyries vs. Dallas Wings (June 17) pits two teams on very different trajectories. The Valkyries are riding a three-game winning streak, led by Kayla Thornton's standout performances. Meanwhile, the Wings are stuck at 1-11, plagued by late-game collapses, including being outscored 17-2 in their most recent matchup. Dallas's inability to close games adds an extra layer of intrigue for bettors.
These games provide a foundation for analyzing real-time market movements on BettorEdge.
Reading Market Movement on BettorEdge
BettorEdge's tools make it easier to spot hidden opportunities by tracking real-time market trends. Its peer-to-peer betting structure offers insights into community sentiment that traditional sportsbooks often miss. By monitoring the social feed, users can follow betting activity as it unfolds and identify emerging trends.
One of the most profitable strategies on BettorEdge involves monitoring injury-driven line shifts. For instance, when players like A'ja Wilson or Jonquel Jones are ruled out, the community often reacts quickly - sometimes ahead of official reports. Tuning into these real-time discussions can help you anticipate line adjustments before the broader market catches up.
The platform's leaderboard system is another valuable resource. By following bettors with strong 7-day or 30-day returns, you can gain insights into how experienced players interpret power rankings and exploit market inefficiencies.
Tracking community sentiment is especially useful when teams experience dramatic ranking changes. For example, Atlanta's rise from 5th to 3rd and Seattle's drop from 3rd to 6th can create opportunities that go against the consensus. If the BettorEdge community heavily backs a team after such a shift, it might indicate the market has overreacted.
BettorEdge's no-vig model also provides more favorable odds, and its analytics tools allow you to track sharp money movements. For instance, a sudden spike in betting volume on games involving teams like the Indiana Fever or Golden State Valkyries can signal that informed bettors have identified value overlooked by others.
Finally, pay attention to head-to-head betting patterns within the community. When users frequently challenge each other on specific teams or game totals, it can highlight areas where opinions diverge from consensus rankings. These moments often signal the best opportunities to find value as power rankings evolve.
2025 WNBA Power Rankings & Standings – Sunday, June 15 Breakdown
Conclusion
This week's WNBA Power Rankings highlight a league in flux, offering insights that savvy bettors can use to their advantage. The Minnesota Lynx continue to dominate at 10-1, while the Atlanta Dream's leap to 3rd - powered by an impressive 18 three-pointers in their win over Washington - shows just how quickly momentum can shift in this league. These developments create plenty of opportunities for strategic bets on BettorEdge.
Injuries remain a game-changer. A'ja Wilson's concussion and Jonquel Jones' absence are reshaping team dynamics, directly influencing upcoming matchups. On the flip side, the Connecticut Sun are grappling with the league's lowest offensive rating of 92.7, while the Indiana Fever have been revitalized by Caitlin Clark's explosive 32-point outing against New York. These contrasts provide clear signals for bettors looking to make informed decisions.
BettorEdge's no-vig model and real-time data make it easier to act on these shifts. The platform's social feed and leaderboard allow you to see how seasoned bettors are interpreting these changes, while its peer-to-peer system ensures fair odds without the typical house cut.
By leveraging these rankings, you can spot opportunities and place smarter bets on BettorEdge. With the WNBA's tight schedule and high-pressure games, changes happen fast - often too fast for traditional betting markets to keep up. But with BettorEdge's community-driven approach, you can stay ahead of the game.
"I think (our defense) was good, but still had some lapses. I think if we took better shots on offense, we wouldn't give up easy layups on the other end. It killed our run", - Caitlin Clark
Clark's comment underscores just how quickly things can shift in the WNBA. Real-time insights and community input have never been more crucial for crafting successful betting strategies.
FAQs
How have injuries to players like A'ja Wilson and Jonquel Jones affected the WNBA Power Rankings?
Injuries to key players like A'ja Wilson and Jonquel Jones have clearly shaken up their teams and influenced the latest WNBA Power Rankings. Wilson’s absence, as she navigates concussion protocol, has thrown the Las Vegas Aces off balance, disrupting their rhythm and contributing to a dip in their recent performance. Meanwhile, Jones’ ankle injury has kept her off the court for two games, slightly slowing the New York Liberty’s otherwise strong season.
These setbacks have posed significant challenges for both squads, causing shifts in the rankings and underscoring how crucial these stars’ returns will be in the coming weeks.
How can bettors take advantage of changes in the latest WNBA power rankings?
Bettors can boost their decision-making by keeping a close eye on team performance trends, injury reports, and the latest game results. For instance, when key players are sidelined - like Jonquel Jones being out for the Liberty - it can significantly influence game outcomes and open up chances for strategic value bets.
It’s also smart to monitor momentum shifts. Teams riding winning or losing streaks can offer insights that might shape your betting approach. Additionally, staying informed about roster changes, shooting accuracy, and defensive performance can help you spot promising matchups and make the most of shifting team dynamics in the league.
Which upcoming WNBA games could impact playoff standings based on the latest rankings?
Fans should mark their calendars for June 17, as the Minnesota Lynx take on the Las Vegas Aces in what promises to be a thrilling showdown. The Lynx, sitting at the top of the rankings, will face a determined Aces squad. This game could have a big impact on playoff seeding and set the tone for the second half of the season.
On the same day, the New York Liberty will square off against the Atlanta Dream. The Liberty, ranked second, are up against a Dream team that’s been steadily climbing the standings. With both teams pushing hard in the Commissioner’s Cup race, this matchup could be a pivotal moment in shaping the playoff picture.
