Bria

Hartley

Allen will miss another game due to injury, this time because of a sore left Achilles tendon. Bria Hartley will remain in the starting lineup, but the biggest beneficiary from Allen’s absence has been Marina Mabrey. The basketball has been in her hands even more with Allen out, with the veteran guard most recently scoring 34 points in Friday’s win over the Dream.

While her previous absences have been due to a hamstring injury, Allen is now on the injury report due to her right Achilles tendon. Veteran point guard Bria Hartley started Friday’s win over the Dream, but Allen’s absence has also resulted in more playmaking opportunities for Marina Mabrey. Given Mabrey’s scoring prowess, as she dropped a season-high 34 points on Atlanta, her fantasy ceiling has been raised the most by Allen’s absence.

Previously listed as questionable due to a leg injury, Hartley suited up for the Sun on Friday and made significant contributions in their second win of the season. The veteran guard didn’t electrify with her scoring, but did tie a season-high in rebounds and post a season-high in assists in what was an all-around effort on offense. It’s encouraging that Hartley contributed in the victory after failing to make a three-pointer for the first time all season. Her starting role could be solidified so long as she remains healthy.

The Sun will have their veteran guard in the starting lineup on Friday as they look to rebound from a 48-point loss to the defending champion Liberty in their most recent game. Hartley has started Connecticut’s last couple of games and served as a reliable ball-handler and three-point shooter. Her resurgence, after previously not having logged any WNBA minutes since the 2022 season, has been a feel-good story in what’s been a challenging start to the season for the Sun. Hartley is averaging 7.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals per game.

With starting point guard Lindsay Allen (hamstring) out, the Sun were already light on options at that position. Hartley has started Connecticut’s last two games, most recently playing 17 minutes in Sunday’s loss to the Liberty. She’s at risk of not playing on Friday, which would leave the Sun in a difficult spot. Jacy Sheldon would likely move into the starting lineup if Hartley sits, which would also mean more playmaking responsibilities for Marina Mabrey.

After starting Jacy Sheldon in Tuesday’s loss to the Wings due to Lindsay Allen (hamstring) being out, Sun head coach Rachid Meziane decided to go with a true point guard on Friday. While Hartley’s stat line did not jump off the page, the veteran point guard did not commit any turnovers and was one blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Sheldon played 16 minutes off the bench, finishing with four points (2-of-3 FGs) and one steal. Hartley is not a must-add player in fantasy leagues, even deeper formats, but she’s worth tracking as long as Allen remains out.

The Sun, who fell to 0-5 on Tuesday with their loss to the Wings, remain without starting point guard Lindsay Allen. Instead of Jacy Sheldon, it will be Hartley who takes the reins on Friday. The veteran’s move into the starting lineup gives the first five a true point guard to run the show. While Sheldon should still play plenty, her fantasy ceiling is lowered with the move to the bench.

Connecticut’s best perimeter scorer, Mabrey has the second-highest average on the team, trailing only center Tina Charles. With Lindsay Allen (hamstring) already out, the Sun could be without their starting backcourt for Friday’s game. If Mabrey cannot play, rookie Saniya Rivers will have added importance, while veteran Bria Hartley could be pushed into the starting lineup.

With Lindsay Allen (hamstring) out for 10-12 days, Connecticut’s point guard responsibilities will be handled by committee for the foreseeable future. Sheldon remained in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s game and recorded solid numbers in the assist and steals categories. Also getting more opportunities to run things was reserve Bria Hartley, who finished with 12 points, one rebound, two assists, one steal and two three-pointers in 19 minutes. Sheldon’s status as the starter makes her the streamer to target, especially after playing 33 minutes on Tuesday.