This article is part of our WNBA Fantasy Primer series.
WNBA Fantasy Picks, WNBA Starting Lineups and Previews Tonight
The WNBA season rolls into July, a month that will be abbreviated due to the All-Star Game and Olympic break. However, the league is beginning the month with a rare Monday multi-game slate that features two West Coast matchups.
Those looking for a complete overview of every matchup can check out RotoWire's Daily WNBA Projections page and the latest WNBA news. Those looking for sports betting advice can view the RotoWire Picks and Props tool.
WNBA Schedule Today
Dallas Wings at Seattle Storm
Connecticut Sun at Phoenix Mercury
WNBA News Roundup
Jordin Canada Returns to Atlanta's Starting Lineup
Canada has been back in action over the past week, but she returned to the starting lineup Sunday against the Liberty and appeared to shed her minutes restriction, playing 38 minutes in the loss. The 28-year-old was named the team's starting point guard ahead of the regular season before dealing with a right hand injury, so she should have a prominent role as the season progresses.
Aaliyah Edwards Returns from Three-Game Absence
The Mystics have dealt with several significant injuries this season, but they got some good news recently since Edwards was cleared to return. She came off the bench Saturday against the Aces and was limited to 20 minutes, but her role should grow as she regains her conditioning, especially if Shakira Austin (hip) misses additional games.
Shakira Austin to Travel with Team
Austin has been out for the past few weeks, but the team provided a somewhat encouraging update recently by indicating that she'll travel with the Mystics during their upcoming road trip. It's not yet clear whether she'll return to game action during the trip, but she at least appears to be trending in the right direction.
Stephanie Talbot Claims Starting Role for Los Angeles
The Sparks have tested out several different rotations following Cameron Brink's (knee) season-ending injury, but Li Yueru got the first chance to start in her absence. However, Yueru moved to the bench Friday against Phoenix, while Talbot claimed a starting role. Talbot has been the more productive fantasy option in Brink's absence, and she has solid potential if she can retain a starting role.
WNBA Fantasy Risers and Fallers
Risers
- Odyssey Sims, G, Dallas Wings
Sims recently signed a hardship contract with the Wings, and she's had a fantasy-relevant role over her first two appearances of the season, totaling 50 ESPN Fantasy points over her two outings. It's not yet clear when some of the Wings' key contributors will be able to return, so Sims should have plenty of opportunities to contribute ahead of the Olympic break.
- Lindsay Allen, G, Chicago Sky
Allen had a limited role for Chicago to begin the season, but she's taken on a starting role in her last five appearances. Her production remained somewhat limited over her first three starts, but she's averaged 11.5 points, 6.0 assists and 5.0 rebounds in 33.5 minutes per game over her last two outings and is an intriguing fantasy option.
Fallers
- Dana Evans, G, Chicago Sky
Amid Lindsay Allen's rise in production, Evans' role has decreased after she handled a starting role earlier in the season. Evans has totaled just 13 minutes of playing time over her last three appearances and is no longer a fantasy-relevant option in her new role.
- Li Yueru, C, Los Angeles Sparks
Yueru appeared to be in line for a sizable role in Los Angeles after Cameron Brink tore her ACL, but Yueru had limited production as a starter and lost her starting role to Stephanie Talbot on Friday. Yueru has proven to be capable of generating solid results off the bench, but she'll likely have more inconsistent production as long as she's operating as a reserve.
Matchup Previews
Dallas Wings at Seattle Storm
WNBA Injury Report
Dallas
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaelyn Brown | F | Illness | OUT | 7/3/2024 |
| Satou Sabally | F | Shoulder | OUT | 8/16/2024 |
| Maddy Siegrist | F | Finger | OUT | 8/16/2024 |
| Awak Kuier | C | Rest | OFS | 4/1/2025 |
| Carla Leite | G | Not Injury Related | OFS | 5/1/2025 |
Seattle
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mackenzie Holmes | F | Knee | OFS | 5/1/2025 |
WNBA Starting Lineups
Note: All starting lineups included are projected and have not been confirmed by each team. For updated lineups as tipoff approaches, check out RotoWire's WNBA Daily Lineups page.
Dallas Wings Projected Starters
Seattle Storm Projected Starters
Players to Watch
- Jacy Sheldon, G, Dallas Wings
Sheldon has started in her last five appearances, and she had a prominent role in her first three starts but has had more muted production over her last two outings. Her decreased usage can likely be attributed to Odyssey Sims seeing decent minutes off the bench, but it's not yet clear whether Sheldon will be able to bounce back while Sims is in the mix.
Connecticut Sun at Phoenix Mercury
WNBA Injury Report
Connecticut
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moriah Jefferson | G | Ankle | OUT | 7/16/2024 |
| Leila Lacan | G | Not Injury Related | OFS | 5/1/2025 |
| Abbey Hsu | G | Not Injury Related | OUT | 5/1/2025 |
Phoenix
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rebecca Allen | F | Back | GTD | 7/1/2024 |
| Diana Taurasi | G | Back | GTD | 7/1/2024 |
| Charisma Osborne | G | Lower Leg | GTD | 7/1/2024 |
WNBA Starting Lineups
Note: All starting lineups included are projected and have not been confirmed by each team. For updated lineups as tipoff approaches, check out RotoWire's WNBA Daily Lineups page.
Connecticut Sun Projected Starters
Phoenix Mercury Projected Starters
Players to Watch
- Kahleah Copper, G, Phoenix Mercury
Copper nearly made the Fallers section for today's column since she's been more inconsistent in recent matchups, scoring in single digits in two of her last three appearances. However, Rebecca Allen (back) and Diana Taurasi (back) are both questionable for Monday's matchup, the second half of a back-to-back set, so the Mercury will need Copper to step up if either of them are sidelined.
