The WNBA preseason is nearly over, with the regular season starting on Friday, May 6. Prior to the start of the season, teams will trim their rosters to 12 players. It's going to be a tough week for a lot of talented players who cannot find a spot on some teams.
Here are some takeaways and other observations from the 2022 preseason to help fantasy managers gain an edge in fantasy women's basketball this season.
Rhyne Howard is still one of the top rookies to roster
Rhyne Howard had 15 points and five rebounds while shooting 50% from the field in her preseason debut with the Atlanta Dream on April 24. Her next game didn't go as well, as the rookie shot 16.6% from the field and managed just three points, three assists and three rebounds in 24 minutes on Sunday. Fantasy managers shouldn't be too concerned, however. In her senior season at the University of Kentucky, Howard averaged 20.5 PPG and 7.4 RPG. Our projections indicate that she will finish as one of the top rookies in fantasy basketball.
Olivia Nelson-Ododa has impressed during preseason action
Nelson-Odoba had a superb preseason debut against the Storm back on April 23. The rookie finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in 35 minutes for the Los Angeles Sparks while shooting 50% from the field. Nelson-Ododa is in a great spot to make the Sparks final roster and should be someone fantasy managers target as a late-round sleeper or add to their watch list as a potential waiver wire target.
Elena Delle Donne is ready for a bounce-back season
Delle Donne struggled with back injuries for the past two WNBA seasons, but the 2019 league Most Valuable Player has had a phenomenal preseason. In her preseason debut against the Minnesota Lynx on April 27, the 6-foot-5 forward scored 21 points in 18 minutes, which is a very positive sign. Delle Donne is a difference maker for the Washington Mystics and can be a difference maker for your fantasy team as well. She averaged 19.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.3 blocks over 29.1 minutes per game during her last complete season. As a fantasy manager, it's a good idea to have a plan in case Delle Donne rests during certain games, such as those that occur during times when she is traveling more.
The versatility of Rennia Davis should ensure her role with the Lynx
Davis put on a show in her second preseason game for the Minnesota Lynx. She scored 13 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and added two steals. After being selected No. 9 overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft, Davis missed her entire rookie season due to a stress fracture in her left foot, and the buzz around her during the preseason has been positive after she played overseas this spring. Davis' rebounding and defense contributed positively to the game, and she has a better chance of exceeding our projections with the Lynx, especially since she can play a small forward or a power forward role in the league.
The Fever rookies can grow together
These three rookies accounted for 45% of the Fever's 79 points in a comeback preseason win against the Chicago Sky on April 30th. This was a great sign for the future of the franchise. NaLyssa Smith had 10 points and nine rebounds. She has a polished post game and a solid mid-range game and will see big minutes in her first WNBA season. Meanwhile, Destanni Henderson scored 11 points and collected two rebounds and two assists. The buzz has been positive and implies that she'll make the final roster for the Fever. Queen Egbo had 15 points and 10 rebounds. Due to the Fever's desire to build around their young talent, both Egbo and Henderson can serve as late round sleepers for your fantasy team.
The Mystics will be elevated by the arrival of Rui Machida in 2022
Machida signed with Mystics recently, and she is one of the world's most dynamic point guards, creating opportunities for her teammates both in transition and in the half court. Machida performed brilliantly at the Olympics. During the six games, she averaged 7.2 PPG, 12.5 APG and 2.3 RPG while compiling a combined 17 assists against Team USA. Machida should find minutes in the Mystics' rotation backing up Natasha Cloud. She should be on your radar.