WNBA News, Notes & Lineups 7/2

Jul 2nd 2023

Cooper BoniJohn Raudebaugh

Los Angeles Sparks at Atlanta Dream, 3pm ET

Sparks Injury Report: Jordin Canada (shoulder), Chiney Ogwumike (foot), Lexie Brown (illness), Layshia Clarendon (foot), Nia Clouden (knee) are OUT.

Sparks Confirmed Lineup: Destanni Henderson, Jasmine Thomas, Karlie Samuelson, Dearica Hamby, Nneka Ogwumike

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

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

After back-to-back losses to Chicago, the Sparks will look to get back on track in Atlanta. They've battled through injuries all season and the consistent absences seem to have caught up with them. Over those last two games, Los Angeles' 90.4 offensive rating is the worst in the league. Luckily for them, teams are scoring a league-high 89.9 points per game against the Dream this season.

Washington Mystics at Dallas Wings, 3pm ET

Mystics Injury Report: Elena Delle Donne (ankle), Shakira Austin (hip), Kristi Toliver (foot), Li Meng (overseas) are OUT.

Mystics Confirmed Lineup: Natasha Cloud, Ariel Atkins, Brittney Sykes, Tianna Hawkins, Amanda Zahui B.

Wings Injury Report: TBD

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

The Mystics have had some unfortunate injuries recently, forcing their role players to play more minutes. Tianna Hawkins has been starting for Shakira Austin, and now Washington will have to decide who to start for Elena Delle Donne. Myisha Hines-Allen is a candidate to replace her, but she's dealt with injury limitations herself to start the 2023 campaign. Regardless, the Mystics will have to continue their great defensive play in this one, as the Wings' 84.0 points per game are the fourth-most of any team.

Chicago Sky at Indiana Fever, 4pm ET

Sky Injury Report: TBD

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

Fever Injury Report: None reported

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

On the heels of a two-game winning streak, the Sky were propelled into uncertainty this weekend with news that coach James Wade would be stepping down effective immediately. Interim head coach Emre Vatansever has been an assistant with the team since 2018, so at least some degree of consistency can be expected.

It's a pace-up spot for the Sky, as the Fever have been a top-three team in pace over the last five games. Look for Aliyah Boston to bounce back after being held to just six points against the Mercury. Considering the Sky's 38.9 points in the paint allowed per game, she should have plenty of opportunity to score.

New York Liberty at Seattle Storm, 6pm ET

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

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

Storm Injury Report: Jordan Horston (shoulder) is AVAILABLE.

Storm Confirmed Lineup: Ivana Dojkić, Jewell Loyd, Kia Nurse, Joyner Holmes, Ezi Magbegor

The Liberty make their second trip to Seattle this season, this time in a bounce-back spot following a rough loss in Las Vegas. The Storm remain most vulnerable in the frontcourt. Over the last five games, they are allowing 37.4 rebounds per game and 43.6 points in the paint per game to opponents. It's a big opportunity for Jonquel Jones, who has scored in double figures in five of her last six games.