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
Napheesa Collier (wrist) — In
Rebecca Allen (back) — Available
Temi Fagbenle (thumb) — Available
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Confirmed Lineup: Jordin Canada, Haley Jones, Allisha Gray, Nia Coffey, Tina Charles
Aerial Powers (calf) — Out
Rhyne Howard (ankle) — Injured
Powers suffered a calf injury during Friday's upset win over Connecticut and will not play in this contest. Coach Wright has several ways she could go in the starting lineup. Cheyenne Parker-Tyus or Naz Hillmon could enter the lineup at forward, which may be the likeliest option given the Liberty's size. Alternatively, Jordin Canada played nearly the entire fourth quarter down the stretch against the Sun and could make her first start of the season.
Confirmed Lineup: Courtney Vandersloot, Sabrina Ionescu, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton, Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones
Nyara Sabally (back) — Out
Courtney Vandersloot returned to the lineup for Tuesday's Commissioner's Cup final, playing 13 minutes in a bench role after missing three weeks due to personal reasons and then conditioning ramp-up. With New York having four full days off since that game, coach Brondello said pregame that she would return to the starting lineup on Sunday. Thornton played 28 minutes on Tuesday and has started eight consecutive regular-season games, averaging 24.8 minutes per game in that span.
Confirmed Lineup: Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, Bridget Carleton, Napheesa Collier, Alanna Smith
Napheesa Collier (wrist) — In
Collier was added to the Lynx's injury report as probable with a right wrist injury. No further details are known, but she played all but 25 seconds in Minnesota's last game on Thursday, racking up a double-double with a game-high 29 points. She should be fine to play her usual role against the Sky.
Confirmed Lineup: Lindsay Allen, Marina Mabrey, Chennedy Carter, Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso
Elizabeth Williams (knee) — Out for season
Confirmed Lineup: Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Kristy Wallace, NaLyssa Smith, Aliyah Boston
Temi Fagbenle (thumb) — Available
A key reinforcement for the Fever returned to the lineup on Thursday in the form of Temi Fagbenle, who made her first appearance in just under a month after missing time with a left foot injury. However, she is questionable with a right thumb ailment.
On Thursday, Fagbenle played 19 minutes off the bench, totaling eight points and seven rebounds. She had been in the starting lineup prior to her injury, but Smith has played well in June (12.7 points per game, 7.4 rebounds per game) and may have reclaimed the role regardless of Fagbenle's injury status. The Fever also had Damiris Dantas available for the first time all season, but she was a DNP-CD in the loss to Seattle. She could see her first minutes if Fagbenle cannot play against Phoenix.
Confirmed Lineup: Natasha Cloud, Diana Taurasi, Kahleah Copper, Rebecca Allen, Brittney Griner
Rebecca Allen (back) — Available
Charisma Osborne (leg) — Out
Allen is a new addition to the Mercury injury report. She's dealing with a lower back ailment. Allen is averaging 7.3 points and 4.0 rebounds per game across 12 appearances this season but has scored in double figures in two of her last three outings, including 17 points with five threes made on June 18 against the Liberty. Sophie Cunningham and Natasha Mack would stand to see increased roles if Allen were to miss out against the Fever.