Just like that, we are more than a quarter of the way through the WNBA regular season. Still, there are always opportunities that come along where players get more minutes or a new role and take advantage.
That's where we come in. Let's take a look at the players who have outproduced expectations of late and could be beneficial to your fantasy women's basketball squads in either the short or long term.
Aerial Powers, G, Atlanta Dream (14.6% rostered in ESPN leagues)
Powers has been a bright spot for the Dream off the bench. While she has averaged only 18.0 minutes, she has had some productive outings. Powers has scored 17 or more fantasy points in four of her past five games, including one with 26 points. She is a solid forward, but her lack of playing time could lead to inconsistent fantasy production.
Bridget Carleton, F, Minnesota Lynx (16.8%)
The Lynx have won six of their past seven games with Carleton as a key contributor. She has averaged 9.6 PPG, 3.3 RPG, and 2.1 APG in 30.0 MPG. Although Carleton has a lower usage rate than her teammates Napheesa Collier, Alanna Smith and Courtney Williams, she remains a viable fantasy option on one of the top teams in the league.
Aari McDonald, G, Los Angeles Sparks (12.8%)
McDonald has provided a spark for Los Angeles. She has played 24 or more minutes and scored 24 or more fantasy points in four consecutive games. While the Sparks have a tough schedule this week with games against the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty, don't overlook McDonald if you need a guard.
Stefanie Dolson, F/C, Washington Mystics (35.5%)
Dolson's minutes have been trending up lately. She has played 29 or more minutes in three of her past four games, and scored 20 or more fantasy points in those three games. Meanwhile, the Mystics are on the rise with wins against the Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky. Washington might not be an offensive powerhouse (12th in offensive rating), but you can count on Dolson as a reliable fantasy forward/center.
Chennedy Carter, G, Chicago Sky (35.4%)
Carter's roster percentage continues to baffle me. She has been a key contributor to the Sky's rotation, averaging 20.6 minutes per game and has scored 20 or more fantasy points in four of her past five games. However, the Sky have lost three straight, forcing head coach Teresa Weatherspoon to make changes to the rotation including inserting Carter into the starting lineup. Add Carter if you need a guard on your roster.
Tyasha Harris, G, Connecticut Sun (29.1%)
Harris' ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories has kept her fantasy relevant. She has scored 19 or more fantasy points in three of her past five games and averaged 30.8 minutes per game for a Sun team that boasts the best record and net rating in the league.