Did Indiana Fever clinch a playoff berth after thrilling win against Sparks? 2025 WNBA playoff picture explored after updated standings

The Indiana Fever improved their chances of punching a playoff ticket by eking out a 76-75 win over the LA Sparks on Friday. Former Sparks guard Odyssey Sims returned to LA to hit two clutch baskets to help push the Fever to a crucial win. The victory kept Indiana at No. 6 in the standings with a 21-18 record.

While the win was important, the Fever have not yet secured a slot to the next round. They are only three games ahead of the ninth-placed Sparks (17-20) with five more playing dates for the Fever. LA owns the season series 3-1, giving the Sparks the upper hand if they finish with the same record as Indiana.

After barely getting by the Sparks, the Fever will fly to San Francisco for a season finale against the Golden State Valkyries (19-18). Indiana will face a team that has beaten them twice by double-digit margins. The Valkyries, one game behind the Fever in the standings, will go all-out for a win.

To close the three-game road trip, the Indiana Fever will make a stop in Phoenix to face the Mercury. Although Alyssa Thomas and Co. have already clinched a postseason spot, they are looking to move up the standings to host a first-round series. The Mercury look to take advantage of their road-weary and injury-hampered visitors from Indiana.

Here is the updated standings after Friday's games:

Teams	W	L	GB
x- Minnesota Lynx	30	8	-
x- Las Vegas Aces	26	14	5
x- Atlanta Dream	25	14	5.5
x- Phoenix Mercury	24	14	6
New York Liberty	24	15	6.5
Indiana Fever	21	18	9.5
Seattle Storm	21	19	10
Golden State Valkyries	19	18	10.5
LA Sparks	17	20	12.5
Washington Mystics	16	23	14.5

Note: x clinched playoff spot

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Indiana Fever will end regular season campaign with another showdown against Minnesota Lynx

After the clash with the Mercury, the Indiana Fever will return home to host the reeling Chicago Sky. Although the Sky are out of the playoff picture, they could play spoilers to Indiana's playoff hopes.

After the battle against their rivals, the Fever will fly to Washington to play the Mystics (16-23). The 10th-ranked Mystics are five games behind coach Stephanie White's team, making them still potentially dangerous opponents.

The Indiana Fever could finally get some respite when they host the Minnesota Lynx on Sept. 9. Minnesota, five games ahead of the Las Vegas Aces for the No. 1 seed, will likely keep its starters out for its final regular-season game.