The Storm and the San Antonio Stars will play for the best chance at the #1 pick

So it all comes down to this.  No, unfortunately, the Storm won't be headed to the playoffs this season.  But instead, Seattle faces San Antonio in the final game of the season, with major draft implications on the line.  Earlier this year, it was announced that the WNBA has made a big change to the WNBA Draft Lottery.  Instead of it being just based off the worst records of non-playoff teams; the 2016 WNBA Draft lottery will now decided based on the current season's record and the previous season's record.  The Storm were tied for the worst record in the league last year and they were lucky to land the number one overall pick, where they were able to draft potential Rookie of the Year, Jewell Loyd.  Last season the Storm finished with a record of 12-22.  San Antonio actually made the playoffs last season, even though they had a 16-18 record.  However, the Stars have struggled mightily this season, with the worst record in the WNBA at 7-26.  Seattle has gone 10-23 this season.  If Seattle loses tonight, they should have the best chance at winning the WNBA Draft.  If they win, Seattle will have the second best odds to win the lottery later this month.  The difference between the best odds and second best odds; 44% for the team with the worst record and nearly 28% for the second worst team.

Either way, it's expected Seattle will have a very good shot at landing the #1 overall pick.  Which will almost certainly be UCONN PF Breanna Stewart.  Stewart has averaged 17 points and roughly 7.5 rebounds in her three year career at Connecticut.  Some have compared Stewart to have a similar style to MVP Candidate and Chicago PF Elena Delle Donne.  If she can be anything comparable to Delle Donne, Stewart will be a huge pick up for whichever team lands the #1 pick in the draft lottery.  We know Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis will be pulling hard for Seattle to win the #1 pick, so she can play with her former running mate at UCONN.  It would definitely make for a cool story heading into next season.  Seattle will find out their fate soon, as the WNBA Draft Lottery will be held on September 24th on ESPN2.

But that's not all Seattle is playing for tonight.  If you're the type of fan that prefers to see quicker success on the court instead of rooting for the #1 draft pick for next season, Seattle can do something impressive if they get a victory tonight against San Antonio.  With a win tonight, Seattle will actually be over .500 at home this season at 9-8.  That's actually quite the accomplishment for such a young team that is relying so much on a youthful core of Rookies: Jewell Loyd, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis, Ramu Tokashiki and second year player, Markeisha Gatling.  Next year the team will need to learn how to win on the road.  That'll be the next goal for this young squad as they won just two games away from Key Arena this season (2-15).

Speaking of road struggles, no team has struggled more on the road this season than the San Antonio Stars.  They have yet to win a game on the road this year (0-16).  And it'll be interesting to see if they rest any of their players tonight, as it's in their best interest if they lose again tonight.

The Storm and the Stars have split the first four games this season (2-2).  The Storm have won both games in Seattle, with the most recent win being on August 28th, 83-69.

The Stars are led by three players that average in double-figures.  Kayla McBride leads the team with 13.8 PPG, Jia Perkins is next with 13.6 PPG, and Sophia Young-Malcolm is third in scoring with 11.6 PPG and second in rebounds with 5.0 RPG.  Jia Perkins has played especially well for San Antonio against Seattle this season, averaging 16.7 PPG in the previous four games against the Storm this season.

Lastly the Storm are continuing their annual tradition with the Teddy Bear toss at half-time tonight.  Fans can bring Teddy Bears to the game to donate to charity; and get to toss them on the court when called upon.  Please read more about it here: http://storm.wnba.com/news/seattle-to-host-teddy-bear-toss-during-fan-appreciation-night-on-sept-13/