WNBA News, Notes & Lineups 6/9

Jun 9th 2023Cooper BoniJohn Raudebaugh

New York Liberty at Atlanta Dream, 7:30pm ET

Liberty Injury Report: None reported

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

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

Dream Confirmed Lineup: Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, Nia Coffey, Naz Hillmon, Cheyenne Parker

After an offseason full of excitement, the Liberty have been a bit up and down to start the 2023 campaign. They have the second-highest turnover percentage (19.9%) in the league, trailing only the Phoenix Mercury. In this game, expect New York to take advantage of Atlanta's lack of guard depth.

The Dream will be without Aari McDonald for the foreseeable future and were already missing Danielle Robinson. AD Durr, Haley Jones, and new addition Taylor Mikesell will be asked to hold their own against one of the league's best backcourts.

Phoenix Mercury at Dallas Wings, 8pm ET

Mercury Injury Report: Moriah Jefferson (ankle) is QUESTIONABLE. Skylar Diggins-Smith (maternity leave) is OUT.

Mercury Confirmed Lineup: Diana Taurasi, Sug Sutton, Sophie Cunningham, Michaela Onyenwere, Brittney Griner

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

Wings Confirmed Lineup: Veronica Burton, Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally, Natasha Howard, Kalani Brown

These teams faced each other two days ago and Phoenix walked away with the loss. They had a tough time grabbing boards as they were out-rebounded 50-to-26. The Mercury haven't been great in that category this season. They're averaging just 30.2 rebounds per game, which ranks last among all teams.

While the Wings rebounded well, there were some areas where they played very poorly. Dallas shot 39% from the field, and just 17.4% from deep. On the year, they're shooting 30.3% from three. That'll have to improve in tonight's meeting to keep up with Phoenix, especially with Sophie Cunningham finding her stroke in Wednesday's game.

Indiana Fever at Minnesota Lynx, 8pm ET

Fever Injury Report: None reported

Fever Confirmed Lineup: Erica Wheeler, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, NaLyssa Smith, Aliyah Boston

Lynx Injury Report: Aerial Powers (ankle), Diamond Miller (ankle), Natalie Achonwa (maternity leave) are OUT.

Lynx Confirmed Lineup: Tiffany Mitchell, Kayla McBride, Napheesa Collier, Jessica Shepard, Dorka Juhasz

There aren't too many teams that play as hard as the Fever. Indiana has lost five of their six outings, but they've been competitive in nearly every game. The duo of Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith has given this team a strong presence down low, as they're scoring 46.2% of their points inside of the paint. That is the second-highest percentage in the league.

The Lynx have had a disappointing start to the season. Like Indiana, they have just one win. Minnesota's rough start can be attributed to their defense, as they've allowed more made threes per game (9.6) than any other team.

Chicago Sky at Los Angeles Sparks, 10pm ET

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

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

Sparks Injury Report: Jasmine Thomas (knee) is AVAILABLE. Chiney Ogwumike (foot), Katie Lou Samuelson (pregnancy) are OUT.

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

The Sky and the Sparks will meet in what should feel like an old-school basketball game. These teams don't shoot from deep often. Chicago is attempting 20.3 three-point shots per game, while Los Angeles is attempting just 20.2 per game. Those are the two lowest marks in the league to start the season.

Both teams have been dealing with injuries all year, but players from each team have stepped up and played well. Alanna Smith is shooting 59.2% from the field for the Sky, while Layshia Clarendon is averaging 30.0 minutes per game for the Sparks.

Washington Mystics at Seattle Storm, 10pm ET

Mystics Injury Report: None reported

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

Storm Injury Report: Jewell Loyd (foot) is OUT.

Storm Confirmed Lineup: Yvonne Turner, Sami Whitcomb, Kia Nurse, Ezi Magbegor, Mercedes Russell

These teams have both underperformed so far this season because of poor offense. The Mystics average 76.5 points per game, which is the lowest scoring average in the league. The Storm are right behind Washington, as they're putting up just 76.8 points per game.

In terms of defense, the Mystics and the Storm are on opposite ends of the spectrum. Washington allows the fewest points per game, while the Storm allow the most. With Loyd out, Seattle will look for offseason additions Sami Whitcomb and Jordan Horston to provide a spark. Whitcomb has played just 16.4 minutes per game off of the bench this year. New signing Joyner Holmes will also be available to make her Storm debut.