WNBA News & Fantasy Basketball Notes 8/28

Aug 28th 2024Ryan Schwepfinger

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

  • Jonquel Jones (illness) — Out

  • Allisha Gray (back) — In

  • Karlie Samuelson (knee) — Available

  • Katie Lou Samuelson (personal) — Available

  • Jordan Horston (illness) — Out

Follow us on Twitter at @Underdog__WNBA for notifications.

Connecticut Sun News

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

  • Tiffany Mitchell (illness) — TBD

Indiana Fever News

Confirmed Lineup: Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, NaLyssa Smith, Aliyah Boston

  • Katie Lou Samuelson (personal) — Available

Samuelson started the previous game but ruled herself out at halftime after not feeling well, per coach Sides. She's questionable for this game due to personal reasons. Lexie Hull started the second half in her place. Samuelson will likely remain in the starting lineup if she suits up, but Hull would still have a crucial role off the bench. The Fever will host the Sun, who beat Indiana by 17 points in their most recent meeting.

Washington Mystics News

Confirmed Lineup: Brittney Sykes, Julie Vanloo, Ariel Atkins, Aaliyah Edwards, Stefanie Dolson

  • Karlie Samuelson (knee) — Available

  • Shakira Austin (ankle) — Out

After rolling her ankle on Monday night in an injury that did not look good, Austin has been ruled out for this game. Conversely, Samuelson looks set to return to the lineup after missing the last three games. It’s unclear what limitations she may face in her expected return. Vanloo may remain in the first unit until Samuelson regains her footing. The Mystics will face the Sky, who have lost seven of their previous 10 games, including three straight.

Chicago Sky News

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

  • Chennedy Carter (health protocols) — Out

  • Elizabeth Williams (knee) — Out for season

Carter has entered the league's health and safety protocols. It was reported that the Sky's practice on Tuesday ended abruptly due to players not feeling well. The team was then said to be getting tested for COVID-19. Carter was the lone player to land on the injury report with any illness, but the situation is worth monitoring. Banham is the top candidate to enter the starting lineup for Carter.

New York Liberty News

Confirmed Lineup: Courtney Vandersloot, Sabrina Ionescu, Kennedy Burke, Leonie Fiebich, Breanna Stewart

  • Jonquel Jones (illness) — Out

Los Angeles Sparks News

Confirmed Lineup: Odyssey Sims, Stephanie Talbot, Rickea Jackson, Dearica Hamby, Azurá Stevens

  • Layshia Clarendon — Out

  • Lexie Brown (illness) — Out

  • Aari McDonald (foot) — Injured

  • Cameron Brink (knee) — Out for season

Minnesota Lynx News

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

The Lynx are currently the hottest team in the WNBA. Winners of six straight entering Wednesday, including a home-and-home sweep of the defending champion Aces, Minnesota became the third team to clinch a playoff berth. Coach Reeve's squad is a half-game behind the Sun for the second seed, comfortably ahead of the Aces and Storm in the race to secure home-court advantage in the first round.

Phoenix Mercury News

Confirmed Lineup: Natasha Cloud, Diana Taurasi, Kahleah Copper, Monique Billings, Brittney Griner

  • Rebecca Allen (hamstring) — Injured

  • Charisma Osborne (leg) — Injured

Atlanta Dream News

Confirmed Lineup: Jordin Canada, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Naz Hillmon, Tina Charles

  • Allisha Gray (back) — In

  • Aerial Powers (calf) — Injured

  • Cheyenne Parker-Tyus (ankle) — Injured

Gray suffered the initial injury in the previous game when she was hit in the head by Aliyah Boston's elbow during the second half, landing hard on the court and exiting the outing. If Gray is sidelined, Maya Caldwell will be the top candidate to enter the starting lineup. Haley Jones could also get increased playing time, while Howard, Canada, and Charles could garner heightened usage.

Seattle Storm News

Confirmed Lineup: Skylar Diggins-Smith, Jewell Loyd, Gabby Williams, Nneka Ogwumike, Ezi Magbegor

  • Nika Muhl (personal) — Not on injury report

  • Jordan Horston (illness) — Out