WNBA News, Notes & Lineups 6/2

Jun 2nd 2023Cooper BoniJohn Raudebaugh

New York Liberty at Chicago Sky, 6pm ET

Liberty Injury Report: None reported

Liberty Confirmed Lineup: Courtney Vandersloot, Sabrina Ionescu, Betnijah Laney, Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones

Sky Injury Report: Isabelle Harrison (knee), Rebekah Gardner (foot), Morgan Bertsch (ankle), Ruthy Hebard (maternity leave) are OUT.

Sky Confirmed Lineup: Marina Mabrey, Courtney Williams, Kahleah Copper, Alanna Smith, Elizabeth Williams

The Liberty will look to build on their 3-1 record when they face the Sky. Marine Johannès was active last game but did not play, as she had just recently joined the team. However, it's possible that Johannès sees the floor in this matchup.

With injuries piling up in Chicago, the Sky will look for major production from Kahleah Copper and Elizabeth Williams. The two have played well to start the season, and that must continue if they'll stand a chance against a loaded Liberty team. Alanna Smith and Dana Evans are candidates for more minutes with Chicago missing some key pieces.

Dallas Wings at Washington Mystics, 7pm ET

Wings Injury Report: Teaira McCowan (overseas), Diamond DeShields (knee), Lou Lopez Senechal (knee) are OUT.

Wings Confirmed Lineup: Veronica Burton, Crystal Dangerfield, Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally, Natasha Howard

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

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

After winning three of their first four games this year, the Wings are set to face an experienced Mystics team. Since Teaira McCowan went out, Dallas has opted to go a bit smaller with their starting lineup. Crystal Dangerfield has been starting, and it's likely that she'll start again. If that happens, expect Natasha Howard to slide down to center.

The Mystics sit at 2-2 as they've lost a couple of close games to begin the 2023 campaign. Elena Delle Donne has looked healthy, and Washington at times looks like one of the league's premiere teams. In this matchup, expect Delle Donne and Shakira Austin to establish their presence in the paint early and often. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough will continue to eat up the backup forward minutes with Myisha Hines-Allen out.

Las Vegas Aces at Atlanta Dream, 8pm ET

Aces Injury Report: Riquna Williams (back) is OUT.

Aces Confirmed Lineup: Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Candace Parker, A'ja Wilson

Dream Injury Report: Danielle Robinson (knee) is OUT.

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

As expected, the Aces have looked dominant over their first four games. The addition of Candace Parker has somehow made this team even more well-rounded than they were last season. Alysha Clark and Kiah Stokes will continue to provide Las Vegas with valuable backup minutes.

Atlanta has played well this year, which has a lot to do with the offseason trade that brought Allisha Gray to town. Aari McDonald was inserted into the starting lineup when Danielle Robinson went down, and she's likely to retain that spot for the foreseeable future.

Los Angeles Sparks at Phoenix Mercury, 10pm ET

Sparks Injury Report: Jasmine Thomas (knee), Azurá Stevens (back), and Katie Lou Samuelson (pregnancy) are OUT.

Sparks Confirmed Lineup: Jordin Canada, Lexie Brown, Layshia Clarendon, Nneka Ogwumike, Chiney Ogwumike

Mercury Injury Report: Skylar Diggins-Smith (maternity leave) is OUT. Shey Peddy (Achilles), Megan Gustafson (foot) are AVAILABLE.

Mercury Confirmed Lineup: Diana Taurasi, Moriah Jefferson, Sophie Cunningham, Brianna Turner, Brittney Griner

Over their last few outings, the Sparks were dealing with an illness in the locker room. Chiney Ogwumike, Jordin Canada, and Layshia Clarendon each missed the team's last game. All three players are set to return for this meeting with the Mercury. Los Angeles is still missing a couple of players, so Dearica Hamby and Zia Cooke will have to provide solid minutes off of the bench.

The Mercury are getting Shey Peddy back, along with Megan Gustafson. Peddy is a huge part of what this team does on both ends of the floor, and the team has been patiently awaiting her return. It's unclear if she will start or even play extensive minutes, but her being available is a huge plus regardless. Phoenix can bring their record back to .500 with a win.