WNBA DFS Picks and Lineup Tips for Thursday, September 4

With just a few games left in the WNBA regular season and as teams jockey for playoff positioning, there is a trio of contests across the league on Thursday, Sept. 4, with two of those games airing nationally on Prime Video. 

Before the games begin, let's take a look at each matchup and pick some players to keep an eye on in DFS leagues. 

WNBA Schedule Today

• Phoenix Mercury at Washington Mystics
• Dallas Wings at Golden State Valkyries
• Minnesota Lynx at Las Vegas Aces

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Phoenix Mercury at Washington Mystics

Line: Mercury -8.5
O/U: 158.5

Injury Report - Mercury vs. Mystics

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Phoenix

Washington

WNBA DFS Showdown Picks and Lineup Building Strategy

Kicking things off on the night is a showdown between a team that has a playoff spot wrapped up, with the other officially eliminated from postseason contention.

Phoenix is playing well as the regular season nears a conclusion, and it still has plenty to play for in a neck-and-neck race for a top-four seed. The Mercury are in a near dead heat with Las Vegas and Atlanta for the second, third and fourth seeds in the standings, and Phoenix is also just ahead of New York for the sixth seed. This game will be key for Phoenix to be able to continue its pursuit of trying to grab as high of a seed as it can. The Mercury's big three of Kahleah Copper, Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally are all worthy of adding to lineups given their stellar play, but it could be worth also taking a look at DeWanna Bonner, who has averaged double figures in scoring over her last 10 appearances and appears to be hitting her stride in Phoenix. 

Washington, on the other hand, has struggled over the past few weeks and as a result have dropped out of the playoff picture as one of the four teams eliminated from the playoffs. The Mystics were sitting in contention for a postseason spot, but they have gone 2-8 over the last 10 games, including a seven-game losing streak. The rookie duo of Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen have continued to lead the way for Washington, and those two players will continue to show out for the Mystics. Behind them, Shakira Austin has held things down in the paint and could be worth a look in your lineups.

Dallas Wings at Golden State Valkyries

Line: Valkyries -10.5
O/U: 158.5

Injury Report - Wings vs. Valkyries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Dallas

Golden State

WNBA DFS Showdown Picks and Lineup Building Strategy

The second game of the trio of contests is a matchup between one team that doesn't have much to play for and another that has plenty to play for before the regular season concludes.

Dallas has struggled most of the season, and injuries certainly haven't helped. With a long list of injuries resulting in a large turnover in talent on the roster to fill vacant spots, the Wings have lost eight straight to sit with the worst record in the WNBA at 9-32. On the bright side, Paige Bueckers appears to be back healthy after being banged up the last few games, so look for her to continue to lead Dallas to further strengthen her case for Rookie of the Year. Behind Bueckers, Maddy Siegrist has shined as of late with 16.0 points per game over her last 10 appearances, and Amy Okonkwo has been playing some great basketball as of late as well. 

Golden State has been one of the surprises of the WNBA season, currently sitting in a playoff spot with just a few games left in the regular season. The Valkyries still have plenty to play for in this game, not only in the attempt to inch closer to a playoff berth, but to better their seeding rather than falling to the seventh or eighth seeds. Golden State has played well as of late, and two players who have led the way are Veronica Burton and Janelle Salaun, both of whom have averaged double figures in the scoring column over their last 10 appearances. Iliana Rupert and Carla Leite are some low-salary options to consider who could make an impact in this game as well. 

Minnesota Lynx at Las Vegas Aces

Line: Lynx -2.5
O/U: 164.5

Injury Report - Lynx vs. Aces

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Minnesota

Las Vegas

WNBA DFS Showdown Picks and Lineup Building Strategy

To round out the night, two of the top three teams in the WNBA will square off in what will be an entertaining matchup and a potential playoff series preview.

Minnesota has been the top team in the league nearly all season, already having wrapped up the WNBA's best record and home-court advantage throughout the postseason as the top seed. The Lynx will be put to the test against one of the hottest teams in the WNBA on their home court, which will be a good measuring stick for Minnesota leading up to the playoffs. Kayla McBride (rest) should be back for Thursday's game, but the Lynx will be without DiJonai Carrington, who left Minnesota's previous game with a shoulder injury. With Carrington out, Natisha Hiedeman is worth considering in DFS lineups, with the Sixth Player of the Year candidate coming off a 20-point, 10-assist double-double. Additionally, if you can afford Napheesa Collier or Courtney Williams, those are two great options. 

Las Vegas had a bit of an underwhelming first half of the season, but the Aces have caught fire as of late and are the hottest team in the WNBA with a league-best 12-game winning streak entering Thursday. This game against the Lynx will be an interesting game for Las Vegas in seeing just how improved it is and what kind of threat it could be in the postseason. The Aces are relatively healthy, so they should be at full strength Thursday. If that remains the case, DFS managers should certainly add the likes of A'ja Wilson -- who is playing at an MVP level -- and Jackie Young to lineups if they have the salary available to do so. Behind them, though, look for Jewell Loyd to continue to provide a boost, having averaged 11.8 points per game during the 12-game winning streak. NaLyssa Smith is also a solid player with a reasonable salary who could impact things against a Minnesota team that struggles a bit in the paint. 

WNBA DFS Picks Today

FanDuel

• Napheesa Collier ($8,800)
• Veronica Burton ($6,900)
• Satou Sabally ($6,300)

Collier has been the frontrunner for MVP most of the season, but A'ja Wilson has made a late push to put her name into that conversation. Look for Collier to have a big night in an attempt to make a statement against Wilson and the Aces. Burton has been the leading force for Golden State as of late, and a favorable matchup against Dallas should result in another strong performance. Sabally could be in store for a big night against a young Washington squad, especially if Shakira Austin is focused on Alyssa Thomas in the paint. 

Value Plays

• Jewell Loyd ($5,100)
• Natisha Hiedeman ($4,800)

DraftKings

• Paige Bueckers ($10,100)
• Sonia Citron ($9,200)
• Kayla McBride ($7,900)

Bueckers has been the only steady thing about the Wings, who have dealt with an unbelievable amount of injuries this season, meaning she will be relied upon to step up again Thursday. Citron is putting together a strong rookie campaign, and in a game against a talented Phoenix squad, the Mystics are going to need even more out of her. McBride is coming off a game where she sat out for rest, so she should be well rested and primed for a strong showing against Las Vegas.

Value Plays

• DeWanna Bonner ($6,900)
• Amy Okonkwo ($5,700)