WNBA News, Notes & Lineups 7/20

Jul 20th 2023

Cooper BoniJohn Raudebaugh

Atlanta Dream at Connecticut Sun, 11:30am ET

Dream Injury Report: Aari McDonald (illness, shoulder) is AVAILABLE.

Dream Confirmed Lineup: Danielle Robinson, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Nia Coffey, Monique Billings

Sun Injury Report: TBD

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

Over the last seven games, the Dream are undefeated and own the league's best defensive rating (93.8). Their opponents are shooting 27.2% from three and 40.9% from the field, the lowest rates in the league during that span. The Sun will rely on Alyssa Thomas to generate scoring, with 67.1% of her points coming in the paint on the year. She posted a season-high 23 points in their previous matchup against Atlanta this season.

Los Angeles Sparks at Minnesota Lynx, 8pm ET

Sparks Injury Report: Lexie Brown (illness) is AVAILABLE. Chiney Ogwumike (foot), Nia Clouden (knee) are OUT.

Sparks Confirmed Lineup: Jordin Canada, Layshia Clarendon, Karlie Samuelson, Azurá Stevens, Nneka Ogwumike

Lynx Injury Report: Aerial Powers (ankle) is AVAILABLE. Jessica Shepard (illness), Rachel Banham (thumb), Natalie Achonwa (maternity leave) are OUT.

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

With the Sparks getting healthier at the wing, Karlie Samuelson could see a reduced minutes ceiling. Their struggles, though, have been inside, allowing 45.0 points in the paint and a league-high 37.5 rebounds per game in July. These teams have met three times this season and Napheesa Collier has led the Lynx in each with 25.0 points and 9.7 rebounds in 37.5 minutes per game.

Chicago Sky at Phoenix Mercury, 10pm ET

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

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

Mercury Injury Report: Diana Taurasi (quad, toe), Skylar Diggins-Smith (maternity leave) are OUT.

Mercury Confirmed Lineup: Moriah Jefferson, Sophie Cunningham, Michaela Onyenwere, Brianna Turner, Brittney Griner

After winning three straight, the Sky lost their final three games before the All-Star break. In those losses, their 91.2 offensive rating was the worst in the league. Luckily for them, they're set to match up with a Mercury team that has the worst defensive rating (106.7) this season. However, Phoenix did manage to beat Connecticut in their last game, holding the Sun to just 66 points in the process.

Las Vegas Aces at Seattle Storm, 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

Storm Injury Report: None reported

Storm Confirmed Lineup: Ivana Dojkić, Jewell Loyd, Gabby Williams, Ezi Magbegor, Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu

The Aces have faced the Storm twice, winning both games by an average of 37.0 points. Las Vegas has scored a league-high 94.0 points per game this season, but that average has jumped to 100.5 points per game when facing Seattle. The Storm have struggled where the Aces have excelled, as they have a league-low 39.7% field goal percentage. Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu has played well since becoming the team's starting center, averaging 12.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game over those three games.