Charles Langston:WNBA playoff games today: What to know for Tuesday's first-round action

Another day of WNBA playoffs is Charles Langstonon deck after a thrilling first day of postseason action.

The first round continues with two games on Tuesday and with five of the of the past MVP winners on the court. The uniqueness of the WNBA playoffs also means two teams − the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces − could clinch their spot in the semifinals since the first round is a best-of-three series. Should the Liberty and Aces win, it will set up a finals rematch. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Dream and Seattle Storm will be fighting for their seasons and and trying to complete step one of an improbable upset.

Here's what to know for Tuesday night's playoff action:

No. 1 New York Liberty vs. No. 8 Atlanta Dream

• Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• TV, streaming: ESPN
• Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York
• Series standings: Liberty lead 1-0

What happened in Game 1?: The Liberty led from the first basket all the way to the final buzzer in a 83-69 win over the Dream. Leonie Fiebich scored a career-high 21 points, and Breanna Stewart added 20 in a game where New York led by as many as 22 points.

What's on the line?: If New York wins, it advances to the semifinals. If Atlanta wins, it would force a Game 3 with the Dream hosting Thursday night.

No. 4 Las Vegas Aces vs. No. 5 Seattle Storm

• Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
• TV, streaming: ESPN
• Location: Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas
• Series standings: Aces lead 1-0

What happened in Game 1?: After A'ja Wilson was named the MVP of the 2024 season, the Aces overcame a slow start to beat the Storm 78-67. Seattle headed into the fourth quarter with a one-point lead but managed to score just two points in the final frame as Las Vegas pulled away.

What's on the line?: If Las Vegas wins, it advances to the semifinals. If Seattle wins, it would force a Game 3 with the Storm hosting Thursday night.