WNBA News & Fantasy Basketball Notes 7/7

Jul 7th 2024Cooper 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

  • Brittney Griner (personal) — Available

  • Rebecca Allen (back) — Out

  • Tyasha Harris (illness) — In

  • Kiah Stokes (illness) — Out

Follow us on Twitter at @Underdog__WNBA for notifications.

Atlanta Dream News

Confirmed Lineup: Haley Jones, Maya Caldwell, Allisha Gray, Nia Coffey, Tina Charles

  • Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (foot) — Out

  • Aerial Powers (calf) — Out

  • Rhyne Howard (ankle) — Injured

  • Jordin Canada (finger) — Injured

Caldwell was inserted into the starting lineup for Canada in the previous outing and performed well, posting 11 points in 32 minutes. Still, the Dream lost for the sixth time in seven contests. Things won't get any easier versus the Sun, who enter the game boasting the league's third-best Net Rating (+8.6). Connecticut allows a league-low 73.1 points per game, while Atlanta averages a league-low 76.3 points per contest

Connecticut Sun News

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

  • Tyasha Harris (illness) — In

  • Moriah Jefferson (ankle) — Injured

Dallas Wings News

Confirmed Lineup: Odyssey Sims, Jacy Sheldon, Arike Ogunbowale, Natasha Howard, Teaira McCowan

  • Lou Lopez Sénéchal (illness) — Out

  • Satou Sabally (shoulder) — Injured

  • Maddy Siegrist (finger) — Injured

  • Jaelyn Brown (illness) — Out

Las Vegas Aces News

Confirmed Lineup: Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Alysha Clark, A'ja Wilson

  • Kiah Stokes (illness) — Out

Chicago Sky News

Confirmed Lineup: Lindsay Allen, Marina Mabrey, Chennedy Carter, Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso

  • Elizabeth Williams (knee) — Out for season

Reese recorded her 12th straight double-double in the previous outing, tying a record previously set by Candace Parker. The Sky beat Seattle in that contest and will face the Storm for the second consecutive game. Carter will look to continue her hot streak as she's averaged 29.5 points on 65.0% shooting over the last two outings. Chicago has won four of its previous six matches and will attempt to extend its winning streak to three games.

Seattle Storm News

Confirmed Lineup: Skylar Diggins-Smith, Jewell Loyd, Jordan Horston, Nneka Ogwumike, Ezi Magbegor

Phoenix Mercury News

Confirmed Lineup: Natasha Cloud, Kahleah Copper, Sophie Cunningham, Mikiah Herbert Harrigan, Brittney Griner

  • Brittney Griner (personal) — Available

  • Rebecca Allen (back) — Out

  • Liz Dixon (signed) — TBD

  • Diana Taurasi (leg) — Out

  • Charisma Osborne (leg) — Out

With Taurasi sidelined and Griner and Allen uncertain to play, the Mercury may need Copper to handle much of the offensive load. Copper's 22.4 points per contest are the third-most of any player this season, and she led the Mercury with 21 points the last time Taurasi sat. She should get her fair share of good looks versus the Sparks, whose 105.7 Defensive Rating is the third-worst league-wide. Cunningham may see increased usage, while Cloud will likely garner even more ball-handling responsibilities sans Taurasi.

Los Angeles Sparks News

Confirmed Lineup: Aari McDonald, Kia Nurse, Rickea Jackson, Stephanie Talbot, Dearica Hamby

  • Azura Stevens (arm) — Available to play

  • Lexie Brown (illness) — Out

  • Cameron Brink (knee) — Out for season

Stevens hasn't played this season but will suit up against the Mercury. It remains to be seen what specific limitations she may face, but there will likely be some restrictions after such an extended absence. Her return will help the Sparks moving forward, particularly with Brink out for the rest of the year. Stevens started 29 of the 35 outings she appeared in last season, averaging 10.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.