Who is trending up in fantasy women's basketball? Which rotations are changing? What's the latest with the notable injuries around the WNBA?
Here's a look around the league at the most fantasy-relevant news and notes for all 12 teams:
Rookie guard Kristy Wallace has played very well for the Dream over the last four games. She's averaged 11.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.5 APG and 1.5 SPG in 27.3 MPG. The only other Dream player to average more MPG than Wallace during that time frame is Rhyne Howard (28.4). Wallace is available in 95% of ESPN leagues.
The Sky got a huge performance from Courtney Vandersloot against the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night. It was the third time this season that she scored 10 or more points in the fourth quarter. No other Sky player has had such a performance. Vandersloot has scored 30 or more fantasy points in three consecutive games.
With Jasmine Thomas out for the season due to a torn ACL Natisha Hiedeman's role has increased. Over the last four games she's averaged 11 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 3.5 APG and 1.3 SPG in 25.3 MPG. Hiedeman is still available in 85% of leagues. Jonquel Jones has underperformed over the last three games when compared to her average draft position prior to the start of the season. She averages only 23.6 fantasy points per game and 25 minutes per game. This is something to watch.
Satou Sabally missed the first five games of the season due to playing overseas. As a starter against the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday, she moved from the bench to the starting lineup, where she is expected to stay for the remainder of the season. Sabally has averaged 26 fantasy points per game and 26 MPG over the last two games. She is still available in 22% of leagues.
Emily Engstler has really come into her own for the Fever in the last three games, scoring 30 or more fantasy points in two of those games. She has the ability to contribute in multiple statistical areas. Engstler has averaged 10 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.0 SPG and 2.7 BPG in 28.4 MPG. The only players who played more minutes than Engstler over that time period were Victoria Vivians (32.3) and Kelsey Mitchell (34.0). The rookie is available in 58.7% of leagues.
Your fantasy team is likely doing very well if you have A'ja Wilson, Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, Chelsea Gray or Dearica Hamby on it. With 20 points and 10 rebounds on Tuesday, Wilson played her 29th career game against the Sun. This is the most by any WNBA player since Wilson entered the league back in 2018. Meanwhile, Young had her fourth game this season with 20 or more points. The Aces lead the league in PPG (91.8), RPG (37.5) and 3-point percentage (37.8%). Don't trade your Aces.
Katie Lou Samuelson has been superb over the last four games for the Sparks. She's averaged 15.5 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 1.8 APG and 1.3 SPG in 32.2 MPG. Samuelson is still available in 84.6% of leagues. Currently, she's thriving and should continue to be given significant playing time and deliver for fantasy managers.
Moriah Jefferson was off to a great start after being acquired by the Lynx from the Wings in mid-May. Unfortunately, she's out indefinitely with a left quadriceps strain. Rachel Banham (available in 99% of leagues) benefits from Jefferson's absence. Natalie Achonwa also remains out indefinitely with a hamstring injury. As a result Jessica Shepard will continue to thrive; Shepard's averaged 24.6 fantasy points per game this season.
Han Xu's roster percentage continues to rise, but she is still available in 86.2% of leagues. She continues to thrive off the bench and can easily be considered one of Liberty's best players this season. To date, Xu has scored 20 or more fantasy points in four of her five appearances. We consider forwards and centers to be very valuable positions in our fantasy basketball game. Do not hesitate to add Xu.
Shey Peddy returned to the fold for the Mercury against the Sky on Tuesday night, playing just 14 minutes after being in the COVID-19 protocols. Over her previous six games, she averaged 10 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.2 APG, and 1.3 SPG in 25 MPG. Peddy is still available in 94% of leagues. She could repeat those per game numbers once she improves her conditioning.
Last week we mentioned Gabby Williams in this column, and we aren't done. In her last two games, she has averaged 24.5 fantasy points and 32.5 minutes per game. Obviously, Williams' 29.3 FG% is an area of opportunity, but she also accumulates other counting stats for fantasy managers. As Williams' shot improves, she can be a difference-maker on your fantasy team. She is available in 76% of leagues.
Kennedy Burke has averaged 23.7 MPG in the last four games. Elena Delle Donne (27.7), Ariel Atkins (29.8) and Natasha Cloud (31.7) are the only Mystics with more. Burke (available in 96% of leagues) has also averaged 21 fantasy points per game during this recent span. As Alysha Clark remains away from the team due to the COVID-19 protocols, Burke should continue to be provided minutes.