"You can be president and rule the world if only 51% of the people like you, so I'm cool with not everybody bein' down with me."

For the past three years, the road to the WNBA championship ended in Houston, as the Comets coasted to three consecutive titles. This year, Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson relinquished the driver's seat to Lisa Leslie and the Los Angeles Sparks, who finished with a league-best 28-4 record.

The Sparks are hoping to join their NBA brothers in hoisting a trophy by the end of the month. But we don't expect the Comets to let their reign end easily.

Here's a breakdown of each series for Round 1 of the playoffs, which begin Friday, August 11.

Eastern Conference

New York Liberty (20-12) vs. Washington Mystics (14-18)
(Washington won regular-season series, 2-1)

The Liberty has never matched up well against the Mystics. But "Unfinished Business" is the team motto this year. New York won't let Washington cast its spell this time around.

Strengths: Tari Phillips (13.8 ppg, 8 rpg) has been the Liberty's catalyst this season. She's one of three starters averaging double figures. Washington has played mediocre ball this season, but interim coach Darrell Walker doesn't let the Mystics quit.

Weaknesses: Like the New York Knicks, the Liberty sometimes falls apart in games it should solidly win. If the New Yorkers hit a shooting slump, particularly in Game 1 at Washington, the series could be over. For the Mystics, inexperience is a problem. New York has been in the big games and knows how to handle the pressure. Washington doesn't.

Bench: Last year's three-point assassin, Crystal Robinson, comes off the bench to add a new dimension for the Liberty. She's averaging 8.7 ppg and shooting 89 percent from the charity stripe. Washington's first-round pick, Tausha Mills, is pulling down 2.6 boards a game, but depth-wise, she's all the Mystics have.

If: Phillips and Becky Hammon don't carry New York, as they have all season, Chamique, & Co. move on to Round Two.

Cleveland Rockers (17-15) vs. Orlando Miracle (16-16)
(Rockers won regular-season series, 2-1)

New coach Dan Hughes totally rejuvenated the Rockers. Last season's 7-25 record was forgotten as Cleveland nearly won the East before dropping its last two games. Strong shooting from Merlakia Jones (11 ppg) has been a big reason for the turnaround.

Strengths: For Orlando, Shannon "Pee Wee" Johnson (12.1 ppg) is explosive and quick to the basket. Nykesha Sales continues to be a threat. For Cleveland, Jones and forward Mery Andrade (8.7 ppg) give an offensive boost.

Weaknesses: Cleveland is 4-12 on the road. If the Rockers drop the first game at Orlando, the series could end quickly when it reaches Gund Arena next week. Orlando's Johnson can be too flashy at times, dishing the pill to a player in the other jersey.

Bench: 6'4" center Ann Wauters averaged four rebounds per game off the bench -- Hughes brings her in with starter Chasity Melvin (11.2 ppg.) to give Cleveland a huge height advantage. Four Miracle starters average double figures, so it's a big drop off to reserves Carla McGhee and Elaine Powell.

If: Cleveland plays the way it finished the regular season, Orlando won't need a miracle to advance.

Western Conference

Los Angeles (28-4) vs. Phoenix (20-12)
(Sparks won regular-season series, 3-0)

The Los Angeles starting five is tight, with Leslie averaging MVP-type numbers (17.8 ppg, 9.6 rpg). Coach Michael Cooper's defensive thinking has helped the Sparks control opponents.

Strengths: The Sparks are loaded at every position and can dominate. For the Mercury, Brandy Reed (19 ppg, 2.06 steals and 5.8 rpg) is the bright spot. Both teams are quick and can practically score at will.

Weaknesses: For the Sparks, none. For the Mercury, the biggest weakness is drawing Los Angeles in the first round.

Bench: Bridget Pettis (5.9 ppg) gives Phoenix a lift, but the Mercury reserves can't top L.A.'s Allison Feaster and Nicky McCrimmon.

If: Shaquille O'Neal shoots free throws for the Sparks (79% from the line), they're in trouble. Otherwise, Los Angeles is too much for Phoenix.

Houston (27-5) vs. Sacramento (21-11)
(Comets won regular-season series, 3-0)

The Comets are out to prove they're still the league's best squad. They cruised through their last five games of the regular season and enter the postseason on a high, which is too bad for Sacramento.

Strengths: Houston's Big Three don't have that name for nothing. Swoopes leads the league with 20.7 ppg, while Cooper and Thompson scored 17.7 and 16.9 ppg, respectively. Yolanda Griffith was the '99 league MVP, and while her numbers are down this season (16.3 ppg, 10.3 rpg), she's still the Monarchs' go-to player.

Weaknesses: Like Los Angeles, Houston is solid all-around. The Monarchs were deemed the team most likely to unseat Houston coming into the season. They played inconsistently, though, and inconsistency at this stage spells a quick exit.

Bench: Houston doesn't get much from its bench, but with its starting five, that's not a big concern. Katy Steding, Lady Hardmon and Latasha Byears lead a thorough Sacramento bench, but it doesn't match up with the Comets.

If: Rumors of a power struggle between Swoopes and Cooper are true, the Comets may unravel. But, they've managed to keep egos in check thus far -- and win. That won't change.

Writer/Reporter Monica Lewis is covering the WNBA playoffs for ESPN The Magazine.