Sykes was super efficient offensively in the Mystics’ come-from-behind win against the Sun on the road. Her best looks came when she was slashing to the basket and putting pressure on the rim. Sykes got to the foul line eight separate times on Sunday afternoon. While Sykes facilitated well and led her team in assists, her aggressive style of defense cost her. She fouled out of the game with 46.3 seconds remaining in regulation. Nine of her 27 points came in the final frame which helped the Mystics gain their first lead and eventually get the win.

Diggins was the main offensive engine for Seattle in its season-opening loss, leading the team in scoring and finishing as one of two Storm players to reach double figures. The veteran guard shot the ball efficiently and found a way to leave her mark as a facilitator despite the team struggling mightily to score. However, her impact on the defensive end is what turns this performance from good to great in terms of fantasy production. Diggins should continue being the hub of this Seattle offense, which could lead to a strong year for her in fantasy leagues.

Sabally made an outstanding first impression in her debut with the Mercury, dominating the game on offense to finish with a game-high point total on efficient shooting. The former Dallas Wing had her foot on the gas from the opening quarter with an aggressive approach. She led Phoenix in scoring in each of the first three quarters before resting for most of the final frame. Furthermore, Sabally contributed as a three-point shooter and rebounder, with activity on the defensive end leading to a stellar night overall. The nightly production should be here to stay, which is good news for fantasy managers.

Clark was sensational in Indiana’s season-opener, recording her third career triple-double. The rebounds were the most difficult for the Fever phenom to corral, as she remained in the game a bit longer than many would have expected in a blowout. However, more impressive may have been the defensive stats. In 2024, Clark had three games in which she recorded six “stocks” or more. Expected to be one of the most valuable players in fantasy basketball before the season began, Clark backed that up with her performance against the Sky.

Copper underwent an arthroscopic procedure on her left knee earlier this week. While the procedure was successful, the Mercury star will miss at least four weeks. Sami Whitcomb was Copper’s replacement in the starting lineup for Phoenix’s preseason finale and should hold onto that role when the team begins its regular season Saturday night. She’s worth rostering while Copper sits, especially in deeper fantasy leagues.

While the Aces shot just 34.2 percent from the field on Saturday, Wilson did not struggle. The reigning MVP shot 50 percent from the field and recorded her 100th career double-double. Wilson is just the sixth player in WNBA history to reach that milestone, and she isn’t done adding accomplishments to her résumé. There’s still a lot of basketball to be played this season, so there should not be too much panic regarding Wilson’s supporting cast. The Aces finish their two-game road trip on Tuesday when they visit the Sun.

The Liberty combined to shoot 4-of-21 from three on Saturday but still won comfortably due to their ability to get into the restricted area consistently. Eight of Stewart’s 10 field goals were made in that area of the court, and she shot just over 71 percent in the season opener. Something to watch this season would be Stewart’s three-point shooting. She missed both attempts on Saturday and shot a career-low 29.5 percent in 2024. Stewart doesn’t need the three-point shot to provide elite value, but getting back on track would raise an already sky-high ceiling.

Initially questionable for Saturday’s season opener, Van Lith has officially been cleared to play. She’ll serve as Courtney Vandersloot’s backup. While this limits Van Lith’s fantasy ceiling in the short term, being mentored by a veteran of Vandersloot’s caliber should benefit the rookie in the future.

With Plum being traded to the Sparks this offseason, many believed this could be a spot where she’d flourish from a statistical standpoint. If Friday’s performance is a sign of what’s to come, those with Plum rostered will be in phenomenal shape. According to Justin Russo, Plum is the first player in league history to record at least 35 points, five assists and five steals in a game. Expecting Plum to go for 30-plus consistently may be a bit much, but she’s well-positioned to provide excellent fantasy value in 2025.

Bueckers’ highly anticipated rookie debut was met with mixed results. The No. 1 pick started strong with a couple of early baskets and four first-quarter points before struggling to find the shooting touch the remainder of the way. Still, Bueckers landed in double figures on the night and found a way to make an impact in other areas, securing more rebounds than any other Dallas player and registering a block on the defensive end. She wasn’t the most impressive rookie on Friday night, but is still expected to be the most productive rookie in fantasy leagues throughout the season.