Open Thread: Round One Playoff Games Begin at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN 2

#3 Washington Mystics at #2 Atlanta Dream in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, 8:00 PM ET

The Mystics return to the Playoffs for the first time since 2010 where they were swept by...the Dream. While it's easy to say that the Atlanta Dream is the favorite team because it has the best player on the floor with Angel McCoughtry, the Washington Mystics do have Mike Thibault, who has had the best performance of his coaching career in the WNBA. After thinking about it, I believe that this will be a three game series, and while Atlanta has the edge and I will say that though I believe in the Dream advancing to four Eastern Finals in five years, I will also say that the Mystics also have a VERY GOOD CHANCE to advance in this round as well.

Nate has a preview which you can look at here.

#3 Phoenix Mercury at #2 Los Angeles Sparks in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals, 10:00 PM ET

In the preseason most believed that the Sparks and Mercury would be among the top three teams. The sad part is that one of these teams will not make it to the next round. If I had to predict. I say that the Sparks will win this in three games.

Also, as we have said earlier this afternoon, Candace Parker won her second MVP award this season, in an MVP awards race that was really, really close.

That's all I have for now. Stand by your predictions, and don't be afraid to eat crow!