WNBA News, Notes & Lineups 8/27

Aug 27th 2023Cooper BoniJohn Raudebaugh

Los Angeles Sparks at Connecticut Sun, 1pm ET

Sparks Injury Report: Lexie Brown (illness), Chiney Ogwumike (foot), Nia Clouden (knee), Katie Lou Samuelson (maternity leave) are OUT.

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

Sun Injury Report: DiJonai Carrington (foot) is OUT.

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

The Sparks are in the midst of a six-game winning streak. During that span, their 93.9 defensive rating has led the league and they've allowed a league-low 74.8 points per game. They've also scored the fourth-most points per game (85.8) during the streak. Los Angeles will need to continue their improved play against the Sun, who have the league's second-best season-long defensive rating (98.6). In August, Connecticut has held teams to 79.8 points per game. Alyssa Thomas has averaged a team-high 19.4 points and 8.0 assists per game this month.

Atlanta Dream at Indiana Fever, 4pm ET

Dream Injury Report: Allisha Gray (ankle) is AVAILABLE. Nia Coffey (hand) is OUT.

Dream Confirmed Lineup: Danielle Robinson, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, Monique Billings, Cheyenne Parker

Fever Injury Report: Lexie Hull (shoulder) is OUT.

Fever Confirmed Lineup: Erica Wheeler, Kelsey Mitchell, Kristy Wallace, NaLyssa Smith, Aliyah Boston

Atlanta has struggled recently, winning just three of their last 10 games. Their 42.3% field goal percentage and 31.6% three-point percentage have both been bottom-two marks during that span. Luckily for them, they'll face the Fever who allow the highest three-point percentage (37.7%) of any team. Kelsey Mitchell has done all she can to keep Indiana afloat as she's averaging the third-most points per game (22.2) of any player league-wide this month.

Dallas Wings at Phoenix Mercury, 6pm ET

Wings Injury Report: Satou Sabally (ankle), Diamond DeShields (knee), Lou Lopez Sénéchal (knee) are OUT.

Wings Confirmed Lineup: Crystal Dangerfield, Arike Ogunbowale, Awak Kuier, Natasha Howard, Teaira McCowan

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

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

Dallas is coming off back-to-back losses in which they converted just 27.8% of their three-point attempts. They've struggled in that area all season, made apparent by their league-low 31.1% conversion rate. The Mercury have also performed poorly from deep as their 29.8% three-point percentage has been the league's worst this month. Phoenix has been rattled by injuries and illnesses recently, forcing reserves into extended minutes. Sug Sutton, who played 19.1 minutes per game in July, played 30 minutes off the bench last game.

Chicago Sky at Seattle Storm, 6pm ET

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

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

Storm Injury Report: Gabby Williams (foot) is OUT.

Storm Confirmed Lineup: Sami Whitcomb, Jewell Loyd, Jordan Horston, Ezi Magbegor, Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu

After starting August with two straight wins, the Sky have lost six of their last seven games and have been one of the league's worst defensive teams. This month, their 106.5 defensive rating is the third-lowest as opponents have recorded the second-best field goal percentage (46.5%) against them. Something's got to give in this matchup against the Storm, who are averaging the third-fewest points per game (78.1) in August despite Jewell Loyd's 24.6 points per game.