WNBA News, Notes & Lineups 7/12

Jul 12th 2023

Cooper BoniJohn Raudebaugh

New York Liberty at Indiana Fever, 12pm ET

Liberty Injury Report: Han Xu (rest), Stefanie Dolson (ankle) are OUT.

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

Fever Injury Report: NaLyssa Smith (foot), Lexie Hull (nose) are OUT.

Fever Confirmed Lineup: Erica Wheeler, Kelsey Mitchell, Maya Caldwell, Victoria Vivians, Aliyah Boston

The Liberty have won seven of their last eight games. During that span, they've had a top-three offensive (109.3) and defensive rating (100.6). New York has lost just four games, but they must keep improving to ultimately compete with the Aces in the playoffs.

Indiana appeared to turn a corner a few weeks ago, but since then, they've lost seven straight games. The Fever have plenty of talented players, but they haven't gelled yet. Aliyah Boston (15.0 points per game) is set to start in the All-Star game, marking the first time a rookie will start in the event since 2014.

Connecticut Sun at Chicago Sky, 12pm ET

Sun Injury Report: TBD

Sun Confirmed Lineup: Natisha Hiedeman, Tiffany Hayes, Rebecca Allen, DeWanna Bonner, Alyssa Thomas

Sky Injury Report: Isabelle Harrison (knee), Rebekah Gardner (foot) are OUT.

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

After a win against the Mystics, the Sun will look to tally one last victory before the All-Star break. Connecticut has the second-most wins in the league, and their veteran core has performed admirably. Alyssa Thomas is averaging 14.9 points per game, but her impact transcends scoring as she's also averaging 9.8 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game.

The Sky's season has been filled with ups and downs. They are 1-2 since James Wade stepped down as head coach and general manager. In the three games since Wade's departure, Chicago has scored the second-fewest points per game (78.0) in the league.

Dallas Wings at Minnesota Lynx, 1pm ET

Wings Injury Report: Kalani Brown (concussion), Diamond DeShields (knee), Lou Lopez Senechal (knee) are OUT.

Wings Confirmed Lineup: Crystal Dangerfield, Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally, Natasha Howard, Teaira McCowan

Lynx Injury Report: Tiffany Mitchell (wrist), Jessica Shepard (illness), Aerial Powers (ankle), Natalie Achonwa (maternity leave) are OUT.

Lynx Confirmed Lineup: Lindsay Allen, Kayla McBride, Diamond Miller, Napheesa Collier, Dorka Juhász

Wings head coach Latricia Trammell is being mentioned in Coach of the Year talks as the midway point of the season approaches. Her team has impressed, particularly as of late. They've won four of their last five games including one against the Aces. Over that span, the Wings' 94.3 defensive rating has led the league.

Minnesota had won five straight before running into Las Vegas last game. While they have had their good moments, it's apparent that they're missing their injured players. Considering their bottom-five 42.8% field goal percentage, the Lynx must play better offensively to compete in this matchup against a Wings team that's improved defensively.

Seattle Storm at Atlanta Dream, 7pm ET

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

Storm Confirmed Lineup: Ivana Dojkić, Kia Nurse, Jordan Horston, Ezi Magbegor, Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu

Dream Injury Report: Aari McDonald (shoulder) is OUT.

Dream Confirmed Lineup: Danielle Robinson, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Nia Coffey, Cheyenne Parker

Seattle is set to play the second half of a back-to-back after facing the Mystics last night. The Storm have been unimpressive this season, averaging a league-worst 39.5% field goal percentage. They have the second-worst Net Rating (-8.8) in the league, and they haven't won consecutive games all season. It won't get much easier for Seattle tonight as Atlanta has shown promise recently. They've won five straight games, ranking top-three in both offensive rating (113.1) and rebound percentage (52.8%) during that span.

Las Vegas Aces at Los Angeles Sparks, 10pm ET

Aces Injury Report: Candace Parker (ankle), Riquna Williams (back) are OUT.

Aces Confirmed Lineup: Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, A'ja Wilson, Kiah Stokes

Sparks Injury Report: Karlie Samuelson (foot) is AVAILABLE. Dearica Hamby (ankle) is PROBABLE. Lexie Brown (illness), Chiney Ogwumike (foot), Layshia Clarendon (foot), Nia Clouden (knee) are OUT.

Sparks Confirmed Lineup: Jordin Canada, Jasmine Thomas, Karlie Samuelson, Azurá Stevens, Nneka Ogwumike

The WNBA's best team will look to enter the All-Star break with just two losses. Las Vegas has been dominant, leading the league in multiple categories. They will have four players in the All-Star game, including Kelsey Plum, who scored a career-high 40 points against the Lynx two games ago. Look for the Aces to dominate the injury-riddled Sparks in this matchup. Los Angeles had just seven players available last game after Dearica Hamby exited the contest in the first quarter.