The WNBA Finals are about to start and we got real NBA basketball back on our screens? hoops season is officially here y’all.

Today’s Lineup

Preseason Notes 📝

• Let’s start off with things we love to see, a healthy Zion Williamson. Against one of the NBA’s best defensive teams in the Magic, the former 1st overall pick looked as explosive as he’s ever been, showcasing the dazzling combination of sheer athleticism and deft touch that made him such a generational prospect. The Pelicans ceiling is about as high as anyone out West if he can keep playing like this. 💪

• Heading over to the Grizzlies - Mavs game, we got a good look at two of the NBA’s more intriguing young big men. The reigning college Player of the Year Zach Edey already looks comfortable in Memphis. Despite some foul trouble, he held his own on the defensive end while showing off a budding connection with Ja Morant on this thunderous lob. But the play of the night has to go to Dereck Lively for this crazy coast-to-coast lay. Is anyone else getting some young Giannis vibes? 🤔

• Another year, another group of Thunder rookies immediately making an impact. Mid-major stars Ajay Mitchell and Dillon Jones proved that their gaudy college numbers were no joke in the Thunders’ win over the Spurs, dropping a combined 36 points on 66% shooting while displaying some nice shot-creating ability. OKC is gonna have to run 12-deep this year with all these hoopers! 🔥

• You know, maybe the guy who postered LeBron in the gold medal game is actually pretty good at basketball. Guerschon Yabusele marked his return to the NBA with a perfect shooting night, dropping 15 points on 6-for-6 shooting for the Sixers in a W over the New Zealand Breakers. 1st round pick Jared McCain also splashed in 15 of his own, including four makes from beyond the arc. Phillys bench is gonna be all right.

• The Charlotte Hornets might finally be ready to turn the corner! Not only was Lamelo Ball looking healthy in their win over the Heat, dropping 24 points in 23 minutes, but first-round pick Tidjane Salaun was balling. Many assumed the 1st round pick would be a long-term project in Buzz City, but the French youngster is looking ready to contribute right away, making his presence felt on the boards and from beyond the arc.

• Staying in the southeast, the Hawks and Pacers put on a game down in Atlanta. Not only did we see #1 pick Zacchaire Risacher make a ton of experts eat their words with a hyper-efficient 18 pts and a game-leading +15 +/- and Vit Krejci make this absolute INSANE dime, but the game went right down to the wire with Seth Lundy making sure his only bucket of the night was the most important one.

WNBA Finals Preview 🏆

This is the matchup we've all been waiting for! It’s the high-flying, star-studded offense of the Liberty versus the Lynx’s lockdown defense. Two teams, two different styles, and one championship on the line. Let’s dive into the key battles that could make this an all-time classic!

Keys to the Series 🔑

1) Phee vs Stewie

Few things are better than two superstars in their prime battling it out with a trophy on the line. Naphessa Collier and Breanna Stewart are neck-and-neck for best forward in the WNBA, and their head-to-head showdown might just decide who takes home the hardware. Both have been dominating this postseason, but Collier has been on another level, putting up 27 and 11 with four blocks in Minnesota’s Game 5 win over the Sun. Expect fireworks from these two all series long! 💥

2) Can Minnesota force turnovers?

Minnesota’s defense is all about two things: causing chaos and snatching the ball. They force turnovers at an elite rate, and when they make their opponents cough it up 15+ times, they’re a ridiculous 18-2. The Liberty aren’t bad at ball security, but they’re not elite either. If New York can take care of the rock, though, they’re in a good spot to take this series.

3) Controlling the Perimeter

Both squads can shoot the lights out. The Liberty? Straight-up gunners, leading the league in 3-point attempts and makes. The Lynx? A bit more selective, but just as lethal, finishing first in 3-point percentage. Minnesota’s defense, though, is a nightmare from deep, holding teams to under 30% from beyond the arc. New York struggled with this in their regular season matchups, but if anyone can break that pressure, it’s Sabrina Ionescu. She’s been on fire in the playoffs, hitting over 46% from downtown. 🔥

Our Prediction: Despite being downright dominant all year, the Liberty may just have met their match in the Lynx. Collier and co. did a great job shutting down New York’s perimeter game during their three regular season contests, and we think they have what it takes to pull off the upset and bring Minnesota its first title since the Maya Moore era. Give us the Lynx in 5!🔥

Three in the Key

Signing Off

That’s a wrap for today! Between exciting preseason showdowns and a WNBA Finals matchup we’ve been dreaming about, it’s a great time to be a basketball fan. Whether you’re hyped for the new NBA season, ready to see some history made in the W, or excited for a big event in your own life coming up, just make sure to be present and enjoy every moment! 💙🏀

Talk soon,

-Spencer Poole