Each day, this column will provide live updates for all WNBA news. Enjoy up-to-the-minute alerts for injuries and lineup confirmations. The Key News to Watch section will highlight notable injuries to monitor for the current WNBA slate.
Key WNBA News to Watch
Jaelyn Brown (nose) — In
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Confirmed Lineup: Dana Evans, Marina Mabrey, Diamond DeShields, Angel Reese, Elizabeth Williams
Isabelle Harrison (knee) — Out
Kamilla Cardoso (shoulder) — Injured
The Sky have a new look roster after trading Kahleah Copper to Phoenix in the offseason. They posted an 18-22 record in 2023 and secured the eighth seed but were swept by the Aces in the first round. With Harrison sidelined, Reese could start in her first regular season game. The Sky's other first-round pick, Cardoso, will miss extended time, so Reese should be able to make an impact early in the season even when Harrison returns.
Confirmed Lineup: Sevgi Uzun, Arike Ogunbowale, Jaelyn Brown, Natasha Howard, Teaira McCowan
Jaelyn Brown (nose) — In
Satou Sabally (shoulder) — Injured
Dallas will host the Sky to open the season without Sabally, who is expected to return around the Olympic break. Ogunbowale posted a 25.5% usage rate in 2023, which will likely be even higher this year, at least until Sabally returns. Howard (8.0) and McCowan (9.1) both ranked top-15 in rebounds per game last season, and they can take advantage of Chicago's frontcourt injuries in Wednesday's contest.
Confirmed Lineup: Haley Jones, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Cheyenne Parker-Tyus, Tina Charles
Lorela Cubaj (temporary contract suspension) — Out
Jordin Canada (hand) — Injured
With Canada sidelined, Dangerfield could start the year with the first unit after coming from Dallas in the offseason. The Dream brought back their core, including Howard, one of the league's top players over the past couple of seasons. Howard averaged 17.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per contest last year, and she'll face a Sparks team that looks a bit different than it did in 2023.
Confirmed Lineup: Lexie Brown, Layshia Clarendon, Kia Nurse, Dearica Hamby, Cameron Brink
Azurá Stevens (arm) — Injured
The Sparks selected Brink with the second pick of the 2024 draft, and she'll immediately have a heightened role due to the absence of Stevens. Her first regular-season appearance will come against the Dream, who added Tina Charles to bolster frontcourt depth. Between Cheyenne Parker-Tyus and Charles, Brink will have her hands full in the opener. Hamby is poised to post improved numbers this year after the Sparks lost Nneka Ogwumike in free agency.