We are a week and a half into the WNBA season, and there's already plenty happening around the league.
So which players are trending up? What are the latest betting trends? And which injuries could impact fantasy women's basketball?
Let's take a closer look around the league for the latest fantasy and betting tidbits on all 12 teams.
Atlanta Dream
Tina Charles was a sleeper in fantasy leagues before the regular season began, given her average draft position, and she's really come through in the early going. Finally back in a WNBA uniform, she has scored 29 or more fantasy points in two out of three games this season. On Tuesday night, Charles notched her 175th career double-double, the second-most in league history, behind Sylvia Fowles (193).
Chicago Sky
Chicago is buzzing with new energy with new head coach Teresa Weatherspoon and two promising rookies in Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso. Unfortunately, Diamond DeShields is dealing with a foot injury and has been ruled out for Thursday. If you're in desperate need of a streamer, consider Michaela Onyenwere (rostered in 10.4%) while DeShields misses time.
Connecticut Sun
The Sun are currently leading in offensive rating and rank fifth in defensive rating. DiJonai Carrington's roster percentage has skyrocketed since the season began, as she has scored at least 25 fantasy points in three consecutive games. Another Sun guard worth adding to your fantasy roster is Tyasha Harris (rostered in 9.6% of ESPN leagues). She has played 25 or more minutes in three consecutive games and has scored 20 or more fantasy points in two out of three games this season. It's worth noting, though, that while Harris provides points and a few assists, she doesn't contribute much in other statistical areas.
Dallas Wings
The Wings' rotation keeps getting smaller. Last Friday, it came to light that Natasha Howard will be out of action for three to six weeks, nursing a broken foot sustained in the season opener. To bolster the lineup, they brought in Monique Billings (rostered in 5.7% of ESPN leagues) on a hardship contract. She debuted last Saturday, managing just 11 fantasy points in 20 minutes against the Chicago Sky. However, in her first start of the season on Tuesday against the Dream, Billings racked up an impressive 39 fantasy points (20 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks) in 32 minutes.
Indiana Fever
Caitlin Clark is absolutely living up to her preseason hype as the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft. In four out of five games, she not only has scored 30 or more fantasy points but also has logged 30 or more minutes on the court. If you snagged Clark, you've got to be thrilled with her fantasy production so far. However, one concern with the star rookie is her turnovers. She has accumulated at least five TOs in three of her five games and has averaged 5.8 per game. Look for that number to come down as the season plays out.
Las Vegas Aces
Alysha Clark (rostered in 32.0% of ESPN leagues) has begun the season as a starter, filling in for Chelsea Gray, who's still recovering from a left foot injury from last year's WNBA Finals. She's putting up solid numbers (19.0 FPPG in 32 MPG. Need a reliable streamer? Clark has you covered. However, bettors might want to take note: The Aces haven't been performing well against the spread this season, going 0-3 so far.
Los Angeles Sparks
Has Cameron Brink been the league's best rookie so far this season, edging out Caitlin Clark? It's a legitimate question in the opening weeks the 2024 season. Selected at No. 2, Brink has scored 23 or more fantasy points in three consecutive games. She's also a serious Defensive Player of the Year candidate, providing fantasy managers with points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. Brink has the makings of a special player in the league and can be dominant in fantasy as a rookie even if she doesn't score a ton of points.
Minnesota Lynx
The Lynx are off to a fast start at 2-0, thanks to Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith's stellar performances. And guess what? Dorka Juhasz, the All-Rookie center, hasn't even hit the court yet. She's still busy with her Italian club, Beretta Famila Schio. When she returns, watch out. Whether she starts or comes off the bench, she's going to be fantasy relevant for a Lynx team without Jessica Shepard this season. So, if you've got some roster space, stash Juhasz. She averaged 18.5 fantasy points per game last season.
New York Liberty
The Liberty have been dominating with the best net rating in the league, but oddly enough, they're only 1-3 against the spread. This marks New York's third 4-0 start in franchise history. With stars like Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones commanding a high usage rate the Liberty don't have any viable streamers. However, keep an eye on Nyara Sabally (currently in 2.2% of ESPN leagues); if Stewart or Jones were to miss time, Sabally -- the No. 5 pick in 2022 -- would be an excellent pickup.
Phoenix Mercury
Brittney Griner is sidelined indefinitely with a fractured toe on her left foot. Despite the loss of their frontcourt star, the Mercury are off to a 2-1 start and are 3-0 against the spread. But guess who's quietly become fantasy relevant? Natasha Mack. She's still flying under the radar, rostered in just 14.6% of ESPN leagues, but she has scored 20+ fantasy points in three straight games and logged 20+ minutes in each.
Seattle Storm
The Storm are facing some early-season hiccups, as they are now built around the star trio of Jewell Loyd, Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith. With a 2-3 record, they are beginning to turn things around. On Wednesday night against the Fever, Jordan Horston came up big defensively, which could lead to consistent minutes for the second-year player. Horston (rostered in 24.2% of ESPN leagues) has played 23 or more minutes in three out of five games so far this season. Plus, she's scored 22 or more fantasy points in each of those games. She's worth streaming in fantasy leagues.
Washington Mystics
The Mystics are in rebuilding mode, and their 0-4 record reflects that. As expected, Ariel Atkins, Shakira Austin and Brittney Sykes have been counted on to step up and fill the void of Elena Delle Donne. Atkins has scored 30 or more fantasy points in three out of four games this season, making her an excellent value pick given her average draft position.