WNBA News & Fantasy Basketball Notes 5/23

May 23rd 2024

Cooper Boni

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

  • Diamond DeShields (foot) — Out

  • Isabelle Harrison (knee) — Out

  • Shakira Austin (hip) — Available

Follow us on Twitter at @Underdog__WNBA for notifications.

Minnesota Lynx News

Confirmed Lineup: Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, Diamond Miller, Napheesa Collier, Alanna Smith

  • Dorka Juhasz (overseas commitment) — Out

Juhasz's contract is still temporarily suspended and she has not returned to the Lynx due to her overseas obligations in Italy. However, the final series in her current league has concluded, so it shouldn't be long before she rejoins Minnesota. Until then, Alanna Smith should continue to hold down the center duties. Smith has been the league's best shot blocker to begin the 2024 campaign, averaging 5.0 blocks per contest. She and Collier have been one of the league's top frontcourts to start the regular season.

Connecticut Sun News

Confirmed Lineup: Tyasha Harris, DiJonai Carrington, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones

  • Rachel Banham (concussion) — Available

Chicago Sky News

Confirmed Lineup: Dana Evans, Michaela Onyenwere, Marina Mabrey, Angel Reese, Elizabeth Williams

  • Diamond DeShields (foot) — Out

  • Isabelle Harrison (knee) — Out

  • Kamilla Cardoso (shoulder) — Injured

With DeShields uncertain to play versus the Liberty, Mabrey could garner increased usage, while Chennedy Carter is a candidate for a spot start. Mabrey was the team's second-leading scorer (15.0 points per game) last year, trailing only Kahleah Copper (18.7 points per game). Without Copper this season, Mabrey's 16.5 points per contest are a team-high. Harrison hasn't appeared in a game yet this season but has a chance to suit up. She will likely face limitations if she is ultimately available to play.

New York Liberty News

Confirmed Lineup: Courtney Vandersloot, Sabrina Ionescu, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones

Washington Mystics News

Confirmed Lineup: Julie Vanloo, Ariel Atkins, Karlie Samuelson, Shakira Austin, Stefanie Dolson

  • Shakira Austin (hip) — Available

  • DiDi Richards (knee) — Available

  • Brittney Sykes (ankle) — Out

Vanloo has played well sans Sykes in the last two outings, averaging 8.5 points and 7.0 assists in 28.5 minutes per contest. She started both games and will likely retain that role until Sykes returns. Washington has defended the three well to start the year as their opponents have converted just 25.8% of their three-point attempts, the second-lowest rate league-wide. They'll match up with Phoenix, whose 40.2% three-point percentage is the second-best of any team.

Phoenix Mercury News

Confirmed Lineup: Natasha Cloud, Diana Taurasi, Kahleah Copper, Rebecca Allen, Natasha Mack

  • Brittney Griner (toe) — Injured