State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia
Tip-off: 2:00 p.m. ET
TV/Streaming: ABC
This is Game 1 of a best-of-five WNBA semifinal series. The No. 8 seed New York Liberty advanced by sweeping the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx in the first round. The No. 4 seed Atlanta Dream earned home-court advantage with a strong regular season and recent success against New York. The series continues with Game 2 on Oct. 7 in Atlanta.
Current Player Rosters / Key Contributors
New York Liberty: Core includes Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones, Marine Johannes, Leonie Fiebich, Pauline Astier, and others. Depth has been tested by injuries throughout the year. Atlanta Dream: Key pieces include Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Naz Hillmon, Jordin Canada, and supporting cast. The Dream feature strong rebounding and perimeter scoring.
Injury Reports
New York Liberty:
Satou Sabally (concussion) – Out for season.
Han Xu (illness) – Game-time decision / questionable.
Elizabeth Balogun – Out (not injury-related).
Breanna Stewart has dealt with left knee soreness earlier (missed the regular-season finale as a precaution) but has been active in the playoffs.
Atlanta Dream:
Brionna Jones (leg) – Out for season.
Matilde Villa – Out (coach’s decision in recent reports).
Recent Team Forms
New York Liberty: Finished the regular season 26-18 (No. 8 seed in the East) after a late skid that included two losses to Atlanta. They responded with a historic first-round sweep of the No. 1 Minnesota Lynx (91-75 and 87-71). Stewart and supporting cast elevated their play in the postseason.
Atlanta Dream: Strong regular-season finish at 30-14 (No. 4 seed). They won five straight entering the playoffs, including two recent victories over the Liberty (95-84 and 83-65). Defensive efficiency has been strong in recent stretch; they lead in several advanced metrics in late-season form.
Series History
Atlanta won the regular-season series 2-1. Most recent meetings: Dream won 95-84 (Sept. 21) and 83-65 (Sept. 23) in New York. Liberty had earlier successes, including a 104-90 win in June. Playoff history between the clubs is limited in this exact configuration; this is a fresh best-of-five.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Breanna Stewart / Jonquel Jones vs. Angel Reese / Naz Hillmon: Interior battle and rebounding will be critical. Reese’s double-double ability vs. Stewart’s two-way impact.
Sabrina Ionescu / Marine Johannes vs. Rhyne Howard / Allisha Gray: Perimeter scoring, playmaking, and defensive pressure. Howard’s shooting form against Liberty guards.
Leonie Fiebich / Liberty wings vs. Dream perimeter defenders: Transition and three-point defense.
Overall physicality and rebounding edge: Dream have been strong on the glass; Liberty must limit second-chance points.
GAME ODDS
New York Liberty 173
Atlanta Dream – 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, October 3, 2026
