WNBA DFS Breakdown: Tuesday

WNBA DFS Breakdown: Tuesday

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VALUE REPORT

TEAM TRENDS

OPPONENT AVERAGES

DraftKings and FanDuel Top Values (RotoWire Optimizer)

Top 5 FanDuel

PLAYERPOSTEAMOPPSALFPTSVAL
Erica WheelerGATL@IND500025.635.1
Veronica BurtonGDALWAS370017.614.8
Awak KuierFDALWAS340015.264.5
Marina MabreyGDALWAS440019.324.4
Diana TaurasiGPHO@LVA640027.674.3

Top 5 DraftKings

PLAYERPOSTEAMOPPSALFPTSVAL
Veronica BurtonGDALWAS440016.483.8
Rachel BanhamGMIN@LA300010.223.4
Diana TaurasiGPHO@LVA890029.283.3
Moriah JeffersonGMIN@LA580019.183.3
Monique BillingsFATL@IND700021.443.1

Connecticut Sun (-8.5) vs New York Liberty

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Connecticut

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Kiara SmithGUndisclosedOFS5/1/2023

New York

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Jocelyn WilloughbyFKneeOUT5/24/2022
DiDi RichardsGHamstringOUT5/24/2022
Nyara SaballyFUndisclosedOFS4/1/2023
Sika KoneFNot Injury RelatedOFS5/1/2023
Kylee ShookFPersonalOFS5/1/2023

2022 Player Stats

Connecticut

PlayerMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Alyssa Thomas362493.52.50001016.547
Jonquel Jones2915.59.5221.51.55.561422.5
DiJonai Carrington31.511.5521.5013384.56
Brionna Jones3410.561.531.50149.52.53
Jasmine Thomas29.51043.50.50.5132855.5
Natisha Hiedeman1642.530.500.531.55.50.50.5
Nia Clouden11.51.51.511.50.50.520.5300
Yvonne Anderson1321010021400
Joyner Holmes601.50000000.500

New York

PlayerMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Sabrina Ionescu33.818.855.31.80.52.35.86.814.833.8
Natasha Howard33.311.371.811.51.34413.522.8
Betnijah Laney34.712.34.74.70.700.72.35.313.311.3
Sami Whitcomb29.57.82.83.51.301.54.52.56.51.31.5
Jocelyn Willoughby19.56.82.80.510.50.82.32.85.50.51.5
Stefanie Dolson236.530.810.301360.50.5
Michaela Onyenwere16.85.81.500.50.50.51.81.53.82.32.8
Han Xu121011.510.511.53.55.522.5
Lorela Cubaj130.53.5100.5000.31.800
DiDi Richards420000000022
Asia Durr5.300.300.30.30000.300

The Skinny

The matchup between Connecticut and New York features two teams in the bottom one-third of the league in pace. As a result, the game has the lowest expected total on the five-game slate, and the Sun are heavily favored despite playing on the road.

The Sun will be getting a significant boost Tuesday, as both DeWanna Bonner and Courtney Williams will be back on the court after missing the season's first two games. It's unclear whether either player will have any limitations during their 2022 debuts, but their returns will likely lead to decreased playing time for DiJonai Carrington, Brionna Jones and Natisha Hiedeman. Bonner started in all 32 appearances last year and averaged 15.2 points and 6.4 rebounds in 31.9 minutes per game. Williams served exclusively as a starter for Atlanta in 2021, and she averaged 16.5 points and 6.8 rebounds in 34.4 minutes per game. Alyssa Thomas and Jonquel Jones have been Connecticut's top contributors early in 2022, but it's not yet clear how the team will adjust workloads with everyone in tow.

The Liberty have had the worst offensive efficiency in the league early in the season, and it's not very surprising to see them as heavy underdogs at home against a talented Connecticut team. Most of New York's fantasy production has come through Sabrina Ionescu, Natasha Howard and Betnijah Laney early in the season. That figures to stay the same, even with Rebecca Allen slated to make her season debut Tuesday. Ionescu was limited to just two points against the Sky on Wednesday but has bounced back since then and is now averaging 18.8 points, 5.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 33.8 minutes per game this season. Laney was unavailable for the season opener but has been productive since then, averaging 12.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists in 34.7 minutes per game. Howard has had at least five rebounds in every appearance this season and is averaging 11.3 points and 7.0 rebounds in 33.3 minutes per game.

Atlanta Dream (-1.5) vs Indiana Fever

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Atlanta

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Tiffany HayesGRestOUT5/20/2022
Monique BillingsFCovid-19OUT5/20/2022
Maite CazorlaGPersonalOFS5/1/2023

Indiana

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
NaLyssa SmithFAnkleGTD5/17/2022
Tiffany MitchellGPersonalOUT5/20/2022
Bria HartleyGSuspensionSUSP5/20/2022
Bernadett HatarCKneeOFS2/1/2023
Chelsey PerryFPersonalOFS2/1/2023
Florencia ChagasGPersonalOFS5/1/2023

2022 Player Stats

Atlanta

PlayerMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Rhyne Howard3220.84.52.31.51.53.58615.35.36.8
Aari McDonald22.59.81.51.80.50243.361.32
Cheyenne Parker21.89.86.81.311.80.52.34.3100.80.8
Erica Wheeler26.384.830.800.52391.51.5
Monique Billings18.57.880.50.80.3002.85.82.32.3
Nia Coffey26.87.37.510.30.30.82.527.32.53
Megan Walker12.85.51.30.50.5011.81.83.311.5
Kristy Wallace2752.32.510.30.32.31.55.31.82.8
Kia Vaughn12.52.520.50.51.50012.50.50.5
Naz Hillmon80.31.30.3000000.70.30.7
Beatrice Mompremier200000000000

Indiana

PlayerMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Kelsey Mitchell34.8222.83.80.60.22.86.47.61844.4
NaLyssa Smith31.213101.60.60.20.82.65.2131.84.4
Victoria Vivians238.63.221.601.64.62.88.61.41.6
Destanni Henderson17.67.21.43.40.800.81.42.66.41.22
Queen Egbo24.26.28.21.81.41.8002.85.60.61.2
Danielle Robinson35.512.55.52.51012483.54
Emily Engstler14.24.85.60.80.81.40.21.22.25.80.20.2
Alanna Smith12.24.82.610.60.60.821.83.80.40.6
Tiffany Mitchell19.84.81.80.80.80.30.50.824.80.30.3
Crystal Dangerfield16.3613.300.70.7224.71.31.3
Lexie Hull80.80.80.30.300.32.30.3300
Alaina Coates822010001200

The Skinny

In contrast to the slow-paced matchup between the Sun and Liberty, Atlanta and Indiana rank among the top three WNBA teams in pace. However, neither team is particularly efficient offensively, so the matchup has a relatively low expected total.

The brightest spot for Atlanta early in 2022 has been No. 1 pick Rhyne Howard, who dropped 33 points during her most recent appearance and is now averaging 20.8 points and 4.5 rebounds in 32.0 minutes per game to begin her rookie season. Her DFS salary lags slightly behind her production, so she's a candidate to provide plenty of value Tuesday. Aari McDonald has come off the bench in all four of her appearances this year and got off to a slow start by totaling just eight points over the first two games of the season. However, she's tallied double figures in the last two matchups and sits tied for second on the team in scoring. Cheyenne Parker also has a share of the team lead on the scoreboard, and she's been slightly more consistent while displaying less upside. She's averaging 9.8 points and 6.8 rebounds in 21.8 minutes per game.

The Fever have the fastest pace of any team in the league this season, but they're one of three teams projected for under 80 points Tuesday. While Rhyne Howard has been effective for the Dream after being drafted first overall this year, NaLyssa Smith has been right behind with 13.0 points and 10.0 rebounds in 31.2 minutes per game. However, she's questionable for Tuesday's matchup after she sustained an ankle injury Sunday. If she's unable to suit up, Emily Engstler and Alanna Smith should see an uptick in production. Veteran Kelsey Mitchell has been a team leader early in 2022, and she's topped 20 points in each of her last three appearances. The fifth-year pro is now averaging 22.0 points and 3.8 assists in 34.8 minutes per game this season.

Washington Mystics (-2.5) vs Dallas Wings

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Washington

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Elizabeth WilliamsFNot Injury RelatedSUSP5/17/2022
Natasha CloudGIllnessGTD5/17/2022
Kennedy BurkeGNot Injury RelatedSUSP5/17/2022
Klara LundquistGIllnessOFS5/1/2023

Dallas

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Tyasha HarrisGAnkleGTD5/17/2022
Satou SaballyFSuspensionSUSP5/21/2022
Bella AlarieFPersonalOFS5/1/2023

2022 Player Stats

Washington

PlayerMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Ariel Atkins32.816.84.53.3202.355.811.833.8
Elena Delle Donne30.320730.31.325.36.713.34.75
Myisha Hines-Allen25.3107.34.510.50.82.33.89.51.82.5
Natasha Cloud30.5185610.525.56.51333
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough328.3321.80.50.32.539.822
Shakira Austin18.56.35.30.30.31002.54.81.31.8
Tianna Hawkins17.77.731.70.30.30.323.7600
Rui Machida244.82.84000.81.82500
Katie Benzan960.70.300.31.72.31.7311.3
Alysha Clark2094101034812
Stephanie Jones6.32.30.70.30.300.30.712.300

Dallas

PlayerMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Arike Ogunbowale29.318.33.32.71.303.78.7617.32.73.3
Allisha Gray3414.751.31.71.31.743.710.35.76.7
Marina Mabrey21.714.73.31.3002.34.76110.31.3
Isabelle Harrison271372.310.7004.310.74.34.7
Kayla Thornton31.797.321.70132.772.73
Teaira McCowan8.54.530.50000230.52
Tyasha Harris19415.510.500.51.5411.5
Veronica Burton181.33.311.30.701.3021.31.3
Awak Kuier14.71.31.70.70.7100.70.31.70.70.7
Jasmine Dickey2000.30.300000.700
Charli Collier2.500000000100
Moriah Jefferson400000000000

The Skinny

The Mystics and Wings are the third straight matchup on Tuesday's slate with the home team entering the matchup as the underdog. The visiting Mystics rank second in the WNBA in offensive efficiency but 10th in pace, so neither team has an exceptionally high expected scoring total.

Elena Delle Donne had a scheduled rest day May 8, but she's been dominant since returning to the court and has averaged 19.5 points per game over her last two appearances. The Mystics' workload in the rematch against Dallas depends on the status of Natasha Cloud, who recently cleared the league's health and safety protocols but remains questionable for conditioning purposes. Rui Machida would likely draw another start if Cloud misses a third straight game, and Machida has generated some modest scoring and assist production over her last two starts. Both Ariel Atkins and Myisha Hines-Allen have averaged at least 10.0 points per game early in 2022, but Atkins has been slightly more consistent. She's coming off a 19-point performance against Dallas on Sunday, while Hines-Allen tallied only five points during that matchup. Alysha Clark made her season debut Sunday and was limited to just 20 minutes against the Wings, but look for her to see a slight uptick in playing time over the next few games as she regains her conditioning.

Arike Ogunbowale and Allisha Gray have led the Wings' output early in the season. Ogunbowale is coming off back-to-back games with at least 20 points, and she's generated modest results in secondary categories. Gray has played at least 30 minutes in each game this year, but she was held to a season-low 11 points during Sunday's matchup against Washington and is now averaging 14.7 points and 5.0 rebounds in 34.0 minutes per game. Tyasha Harris is questionable for Tuesday's matchup after missing Sunday's game, while her recent absence helped spark an uptick in production from Isabelle Harrison. After totaling 15 points Friday, Harrison dropped a season-high 18 points Sunday and should have plenty of chances to contribute in the frontcourt Tuesday if Harris remains sidelined. Marina Mabrey came off the bench in the season opener but has joined the starting lineup in each of the last two games. She's one of three players on the team to score in double figures in every appearance this season, although she's posted somewhat inconsistent production in other areas.

Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces (-8.0)

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Phoenix

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Brittney GrinerCNot Injury RelatedOUT6/17/2022
Kia NurseGKneeOUT7/2/2022

Las Vegas

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Kiah StokesCNot Injury RelatedSUSP5/17/2022

2022 Player Stats

Phoenix

PlayerMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Skylar Diggins-Smith34.719.34.341.30.71.75.37.717.32.33
Diana Taurasi31.3163.7500.73.37.7511.72.73.3
Tina Charles32.313.782.310.31.33.3512.32.33.3
Shey Peddy2210.323.32.30.31.333.76.71.71.7
Sophie Cunningham19.79.3310023.735.31.31.3
Diamond DeShields2711.51.540.500.5351311.5
Megan Gustafson7.743000.30022.300.3
Brianna Turner30.53931.50001.5300
Emma Cannon632100001112
Jennie Simms1224100011200
Kristine Anigwe7.512.50.500000.5100
Sam Thomas4.500.50.50000.500.500

Las Vegas

PlayerMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Jackie Young33.817.83.83.81.50.50.826.311.34.55.3
Kelsey Plum32.517.53.36.81.503.36.35.512.83.33.5
A'ja Wilson30.8151120.33.80.30.85.8113.34.3
Dearica Hamby3314.811.80.80.80.50.51.86102.32.5
Chelsea Gray239.824.50.50.812.349.50.80.8
Theresa Plaisance15.563.50.50.31.81.83.31.84.50.81
Riquna Williams16141110494922
Aisha Sheppard9.53.50.50.50.3011.511.80.50.5
Sydney Colson11.330.31.50.300.51.50.8211
Kierstan Bell6.500.80.800.301.301.800

The Skinny

The Mercury and Aces will likely be in the mix for the highest-scoring matchup on Tuesday's five-game slate since Las Vegas ranks first in the league in offensive efficiency, while Phoenix ranks fourth. The Aces are projected for a league-high 89.25 points Tuesday, and the matchup has the highest expected total on the slate.

Skylar Diggins-Smith has had plenty of shot volume for the Mercury early in 2022 and has scored at least 14 points in each of her first three appearances of the year. The 31-year-old is averaging 19.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 34.7 minutes per game. Diana Taurasi got off to an uncharacteristic slow start this year but is coming off a performance against the Storm in which she scored 24 points while adding five rebounds and two assists. In spite of her lack of production in the season opener, the veteran should continue to be one of the Mercury's top contributors in 2022. Tina Charles had a strong start to the year on the scoreboard but was held to just four points against Seattle on Sunday. However, the 33-year-old has brought in at least 10 rebounds in the last two games and has had decent fantasy production. Diamond DeShields started 22 games for Chicago last year but has come off the bench in her first two appearances this season. However, she's scored in double figures in each outing and should continue to see plenty of opportunities regardless of her starting status.

The Aces have clicked early in the season under new head coach Becky Hammon, and they have the best offensive efficiency in the league. The team's scoring production has been led by the backcourt contributors, Jackie Young and Kelsey Plum. Young has a team-high 17.8 points per game and has generated modest production in other stat categories with 3.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists in 33.8 minutes per game. Plum isn't far behind with 17.5 points per game, and she's coming off her first double-double of the season, as she posted 14 points and 11 assists during Friday's blowout win over Atlanta. A'ja Wilson saw a slight decrease in production last year after winning 2020 WNBA MVP honors, and she's taken another step back in the scoring column early in 2022. She's shooting 52.3 percent from the floor but is attempting just 11.0 field goals per game. However, she's been a major contributor on the boards and finished with double-doubles in three of her first four appearances this season while averaging 11.0 rebounds per game. The Mercury allow plenty of looks from beyond the arc, which should lead to increased production from Riquna Williams, who made her season debut Friday and scored 14 points while shooting 4-for-9 from three-point range.

Minnesota Lynx vs Los Angeles Sparks (-7.5)

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Minnesota

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Damiris DantasCFootOUT5/29/2022
Natalie AchonwaCHamstringOUT5/29/2022
Napheesa CollierFPersonalOUT7/1/2022

Los Angeles

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Katie Lou SamuelsonFSuspensionSUSP5/17/2022
Olivia Nelson-OdodaFHipGTD5/17/2022
Rae BurrellGKneeOUT5/20/2022
Kristi ToliverGSuspensionSUSP5/20/2022
Amanda Zahui B.CUndisclosedOFS10/1/2022

2022 Player Stats

Minnesota

PlayerMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Sylvia Fowles3017.89.31.51.81.3008131.83
Jessica Shepard31.81095.30.30.30.82.549.51.32
Aerial Powers238.83.82.51.80.50.333.31223.8
Nikolina Milic11.36.83.310.30.80.50.82.54.51.31.3
Yvonne Turner226.32.52.50.500.81.826.51.51.8
Bridget Carleton27.54.841.81.30.50.32.82.36.500
Odyssey Sims279.53.53.50.510.523.511.524.5
Rachel Banham15.54.812001.34.31.8600
Moriah Jefferson35161500335734
Angel McCoughtry106310.5100.51.5433
Natalie Achonwa10.52.510.5000011.50.52
Evina Westbrook2043500032700
Rennia Davis320000001100
Hannah Sjerven400000000000

Los Angeles

PlayerMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Jordin Canada28.515.534.51.500.525.310.54.54.5
Nneka Ogwumike32.815.38.32.32.80.80.81.85.810.534.5
Liz Cambage23155.31120.30.8510.54.85.5
Brittney Sykes29.3104.333.5101.539.544.3
Lexie Brown28.57.52.82.31.301.832.84.50.30.5
Chiney Ogwumike19.86.55.500.800.30.525.32.33
Chennedy Carter146.51.32.30.80.800.52.57.31.51.8
Jasmine Walker13.32.52.30.30.50.30.52.513.500
Rae Burrell14.71.710.30.700.320.330.70.7
Amy Atwell8.700.30.70001.302.300

The Skinny

The Lynx are the only team in the WNBA without a win to begin the 2022 season, and the Sparks enter Tuesday's matchup as heavy favorites at home, while Minnesota has the second-lowest expected scoring total.

Despite Minnesota's slow start to the season, veteran Sylvia Fowles, who has announced that 2022 will be her last year in the WNBA, has been a strong contributor and has posted double-doubles in her previous two appearances. The center is shooting 61.5 percent from the floor and is averaging 17.8 points and 9.3 rebounds in 30.0 minutes per game. She's gotten help from fellow frontcourt contributor Jessica Shepard, who has had a massive uptick in production after minimal results over her first two seasons. Shepard topped 10 rebounds per game in her first three appearances this year and is averaging 10.0 points, 9.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 31.8 minutes per game over the first four games of the season. She had limited results in Sunday's narrow loss to the Sky but will attempt to bounce back against Los Angeles on Tuesday. The Lynx have also let several players go early in the season, which has led to increased roles for Moriah Jefferson and Nina Milic. Those two players have been more inconsistent than some of the team's other players, but they represent decent mid-tier/value plays on Tuesday's DFS slate.

Jordin Canada spent her first four WNBA seasons in Seattle and had a limited impact, but she's played a crucial role for the Sparks early in 2022. She's scored in double figures in all four matchups this year and is averaging 15.5 points, 3.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists in 28.5 minutes per game. Unsurprisingly, Nneka Ogwumike has also been one of the team's most substantial contributors early, averaging 15.3 points and 8.3 rebounds in 32.8 minutes per game. Liz Cambage has scored in double figures in every game this season but has been slightly inconsistent on the boards. However, she's averaging a respectable 15.0 points and 5.3 rebounds in 23.0 minutes per game. The Lynx allow the highest three-point percentage of any team on Tuesday's slate, which could lead to a slight uptick in production for Lexie Brown, who leads the team with 3.0 three-point attempts per game. Brown has had plenty of playing time early in 2022 but has had inconsistent looks from the floor. However, the matchup against the Lynx could be a chance for her to see increased results from distance.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Jason Shebilske plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: DraftKings: FavreFanatic, FanDuel: Favre_Fanatic.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jason Shebilske
Jason joined RotoWire in 2019. In 2023, he was named the FSWA Player Notes Writer of the Year. In addition to RotoWire, Jason writes for the Sports Broadcast Journal.
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