(For a full report of each team, click on the logo)
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Why they will make the WTT Finals Weekend:
The Lobsters bring back four players from a team that advanced to the 2011 Eastern Conference Championship match. They also added Carly Gullickson-Eagle and Robby Ginepri to solidify a team poised to make the next push. Irina Falconi is also looking to be an impact player in WTT.
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Why they might not:
They are solid all around, but can players step up to take it to the next level? Those roles will fall on the shoulders of Butorac and Falconi. They are either taking the next step or taking a step back.
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Why they will make the WTT Finals Weekend:
New York narrowly missed out on the playoffs last year, losing the tiebreaker to the Lobsters. They are a veteran-led squad with John McEnroe, Martina Hingis, and Jesse Witten returning to Randall’s Island along with former Sportimes players Ashley Harkleroad and Robert Kendrick. They have the experience that many other teams lack.
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Why they might not:
The Sportimes roster is very similar to last year’s squad. However, most of the League improved, so it will be tough for the Sportimes to return to the playoffs with few upgrades to their team. Someone will have to help Hingis carry the load.
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Why they will make the WTT Finals Weekend:
The Pliskova twins. Kristyna advanced to the second round of Wimbledon this year and Karolina is the higher ranked of the two. These two women can be really strong if they play up to their potential, according to Coach Josh Cohen. A strong team of women win championships in WTT.
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Why they might not:
They have an entirely new squad and a first year head coach in Josh Cohen. If they cannot get their team chemistry together early in the season with big matches against Boston and Washington in the first week, they could be in trouble.
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Why they will make the WTT Finals Weekend:
Washington is coming off the best season in WTT history and their team improved. That’s not only scary for the Eastern Conference, but the rest of the League is taking notice of the Kastles' strong roster.
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Why they might not:
It is difficult to imagine this team not qualifying for Finals Weekend, but that is why, in sports, you still play the game. There are two reasons why the Kastles could possibly fail to make Finals Weekend. First, if they get off to a slow start. The second reason really hinges on their regular season finish. Anastasia Rodionova and Leander Paes are headed for the Olympics at the end of the regular season, which means their subs (Treat Huey and Edina Gallovits-Hall) will have big shoes to fill. If there are any missteps at the start of the season, they might be fighting for a playoff spot at the end.
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