WNBA News & Fantasy Basketball Notes 8/15

Aug 15th 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

  • Chennedy Carter (illness) — Out

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Phoenix Mercury News

Confirmed Lineup: Natasha Cloud, Diana Taurasi, Kahleah Copper, Sophie Cunningham, Brittney Griner

  • Charisma Osborne (leg) — Out

  • Rebecca Allen (hamstring) — Injured

Chicago Sky News

Confirmed Lineup: Lindsay Allen, Rachel Banham, Michaela Onyenwere, Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso

  • Chennedy Carter (illness) — Out

  • Elizabeth Williams (knee) — Out for season

With Marina Mabrey now in Connecticut, coach Weatherspoon revealed that Onyenwere is expected to join the first unit. The loss of Mabrey may also result in increased usage for Carter, who already has the league's sixth-highest usage rate (27.4%). The Sky's core of Carter, Reese, and Cardoso will likely be the focal points of Chicago's offense for the remainder of the season. Their first game back is against the Mercury, who won four of their final six contests entering the Olympic break.

Washington Mystics News

Confirmed Lineup: Brittney Sykes, Ariel Atkins, Karlie Samuelson, Shakira Austin, Stefanie Dolson

  • Shakira Austin (hip) — In

  • Brittney Sykes (foot) — In

  • Karlie Samuelson (hand) — Not on injury report

  • DiDi Richards (Achilles) — Out

During a recent media availability, coach Thibault revealed that Austin and Sykes would play in Thursday's contest. He also noted that Samuelson was expected to be available which was all but confirmed the next day when she was absent from the team's injury report. It's unclear what limitations the three may face in their return, but their availability will be critical for the duration of the 2024 campaign. The Mystics have won just six of their 25 games so far, primarily due to the extended absences of their core players. They'll have a tough test as their season resumes against the Lynx, who will have Napheesa Collier (foot) back in the lineup.

Minnesota Lynx News

Confirmed Lineup: Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, Bridget Carleton, Napheesa Collier, Alanna Smith

  • Olivia Epoupa (thigh) — Not on injury report

New York Liberty News

Confirmed Lineup: Courtney Vandersloot, Sabrina Ionescu, Leonie Fiebich, Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones

  • Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (knee) — Injured

The Liberty are set to face the Sparks but will remain without Laney-Hamilton, who missed the final four games before the Olympic break and underwent a right knee procedure. She's slated to be reevaluated throughout the next couple of weeks. Regardless of her absence, New York should fare well versus Los Angeles. In the first part of the season, the Sparks' -7.6 Net Rating was the WNBA's second-worst, while the Liberty's +11.8 Net Rating led the league.

Los Angeles Sparks News

Confirmed Lineup: Layshia Clarendon, Kia Nurse, Rickea Jackson, Azurá Stevens, Dearica Hamby

  • Aari McDonald (foot) — Out

  • Stephanie Talbot (foot) — Out

  • Lexie Brown (illness) — Out

  • Cameron Brink (knee) — Out for season