September 30, 2025
The Fever Run Hot, WNBA Officiating Under Review + Sports Betting 101
No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball ShowAbout this episode
Zena, Ben, and Sabreena take a dive deep into the highly anticipated Game 5 semifinals match-up between the Aces and Fever. Will A’ja Wilson bring her A-game? What adjustments will the Aces make? And how can the Fever pull off the ultimate upset? Then, the crew share their thoughts on the emotional end to the Lynx’s season – and the Mercury’s ascendance to the Finals. Next, following Cheryl Reeve’s suspension after the Mercury-Lynx Game 3 on Friday night, Zena, Ben, and Sabreena talk about the play in question between Alyssa Thomas and Napheesa Collier – before getting into the intricacies behind freedom of movement in the WNBA and the implications of officiating decisions as teams continue to navigate the playoffs. Finally, The Athletic’s Sports Betting Editor, Hannah Vanbiber joins Zena and Ben to discuss the basics of sports betting – from money lines to point spreads and totals – before entertaining some made-up WNBA prop bets. _________________ References: Indiana Fever stave off elimination, even WNBA semifinals against Las Vegas Aces by Sabreena Merchant How did the Indiana Fever avoid collapsing? A season-long bond keeps them fighting by Sabreena Merchant Minnesota Lynx eliminated from WNBA playoffs, Phoenix Mercury reach finals by Ben Pickman Minnesota Lynx couldn’t get back to WNBA Finals. Next year’s quest might get even harder by Ben Pickman WNBA fines Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve $15,000 after Game 3 ejection, suspension: Source by Sabreena Merchant _________________ No Offseason is a part of the The Athletic media network. Visit our YouTube page! _________________ Have feedback or a question? Email us! And we'll try to answer on a future episode: NoOffseason@theathletic.com You can also find us on social media: -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseason -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm Visit the Yahoo Women’s Sports Hub __ No Offseason is a part of The Athletic Podcast Network Get in touch! Leave a comment wherever you’re listening, or email us at NoOffseason@TheAthletic.com Show Links: -YouTube: @No-Offseason -Instagram: @tanooffseason -TikTok: @no_offseason Credits: -Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita -Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman -Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm -Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.