WNBA News, Notes & Lineups 5/23

May 23rd 2023

John RaudebaughCooper Boni

Connecticut Sun at Washington Mystics, 7pm ET

Sun Injury Report: None reported

Sun Confirmed Lineup: Natisha Hiedeman, Tiffany Hayes, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas, Brionna Jones

Mystics Injury Report: Myisha Hines-Allen (knee) is OUT.

Mystics Confirmed Lineup: Natasha Cloud, Ariel Atkins, Brittney Sykes, Elena Delle Donne, Shakira Austin

The 2-0 Sun will look to keep their hot start going as they face the Mystics for the second straight game. Alyssa Thomas is averaging 38.0 minutes per game to begin the season and has two straight double-doubles. Brionna Jones logged her own double-double against the Mystics as well, and while the bigs were impressive, the backcourt of Tiffany Hayes and Natisha Hiedeman largely struggled in this matchup. For Washington, Myisha Hines-Allen will miss her third straight, so we can expect Tianna Hawkins and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough to play more backup minutes at the forward spots. Shakira Austin was exceptional, leading the team in points in just 26 minutes, but expect Elena Delle Donne to make a bigger impact in this rematch.

Atlanta Dream at Minnesota Lynx, 8pm ET

Dream Injury Report: Danielle Robinson (knee), Iliana Rupert (overseas) are OUT.

Dream Confirmed Lineup: Aari McDonald, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Nia Coffey, Cheyenne Parker

Lynx Injury Report: Lindsay Allen (hamstring) is PROBABLE. Natalie Achonwa (maternity leave) is OUT.

Lynx Confirmed Lineup: Lindsay Allen, Kayla McBride, Diamond Miller, Napheesa Collier, Jessica Shepard

After both teams lost their season opener, the Dream and the Lynx will try to bounce back when they face off in Minnesota. For Atlanta, Danielle Robinson is out with a knee injury, so we'll see Aari McDonald get another start, with an expanded backup role for AD Durr. Rhyne Howard's minutes ceiling is high and her matchup against rookie Diamond Miller is a favorable one. Miller being inserted into the starting lineup was a bit of a surprise in the Lynx’ first game, but it’s likely that she retains that spot for this outing even with Lindsay Allen returning from injury. Allen would most likely start ahead of Rachel Banham if available. The team will look to run the offense through Napheesa Collier, and for Tiffany Mitchell to generate scoring off the bench.