Cecilia

Zandalasini

Zandalasini got the start on Sunday and concluded as one of the Valkyries’ most productive players. Despite shooting inefficiently, the former Minnesota Lynx forward utilized the free-throw line to finish as one of the Valkyries’ leading scorers on the afternoon. Sunday marked her third game back from a calf injury, and her ability to log 30 minutes in Game 1 should serve as an encouraging sign ahead of Wednesday’s Game 2. Golden State could continue to lean heavily on Zandalasini in an attempt to keep its season alive.

In her third game back from a calf injury, Zandalasini will replace Iliana Rupert in the Valkyries’ starting unit on Sunday. She started 10 games for Golden State during the regular season and in 19 total appearances, averaged career-highs in points (10.5), rebounds (2.9), assists (1.7), and steals (0.9). She’ll provide scoring and floor spacing from the forward position for Golden State as it faces first-seeded Minnesota in Game 1.

Tuesday’s game was the first for Zandalasini since August 17, and she was on a minutes restriction. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Valkyries’ priority for her was likely to give Zandalasini enough time to shake off the rust. Also, they’ll have Thursday’s game against the Lynx to get her more time. Iliana Rupert remained in the starting lineup on Tuesday (6/3/2/1/1 with two three-pointers in 17 minutes), while Monique Billings (5/5/1/1 with one three-pointer) played 25 minutes off the bench.

Tuesday’s game will be Zandalasini’s first since August 17. She’ll be on a minutes restriction, with Iliana Rupert remaining in the starting lineup. The Valkyries, who still have work to do to lock up the sixth seed for the postseason, will stick with a starting lineup of Rupert, Veronica Burton, Kaila Charles, Janelle Salaün and Temi Fágbénlé.

Zandalasini, who has not played since August 17, is on track to return to action, possibly as soon as Tuesday night. The Valkryies forward was a fixture in the team’s starting lineup before the calf injury and is averaging 11.2 points per game. Zandalasini’s return may bump Iliana Rupert to the bench, but she will still be a key part of Golden State’s rotation. To make room for Zandalasini on the active roster, the Valkyries waived Elizabeth Kitley.

The Valkyries will continue to play without Hayes and Zandalasini, as the former will miss her eighth straight game while the latter will miss her sixth consecutive. Golden State has played well in the two players’ absences, having won five straight games and clinched a playoff spot in its most recent victory. The Valkyries will look to make it six wins in a row on Saturday as they try to better position themselves in the standings.

Sunday’s game will be the fifth Zandalasini has missed with a calf injury. Iliana Rupert has been her replacement in the starting lineup for the last three, most recently playing 27 minutes in Saturday’s win over the Mystics. Kate Martin can also absorb some of the minutes that would typically go to Zandalasini.

Zandalasini will miss her fourth consecutive game as she continues to deal with a calf injury. The Valkyries are currently seventh in the WNBA standings and are looking to finish the season strong en route to securing a playoff spot in their inaugural WNBA season. They’ll have to take it one game at a time without their fourth-year guard, Zandalasini, who’s averaging a career-high 11.2 points and 3.1 rebounds over 17 games.

Friday’s game will be the second straight missed by Zandalasini, who did not travel with the Valkyries to Phoenix. That may also cast some doubt on her status for Sunday’s game against the Wings in Dallas, the final game of Golden State’s quick two-game road trip. That contest will be followed by five straight at home. Kate Martin replaced Zandalasini in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s loss to the Mercury and will likely retain that role for Friday’s rematch.

Martin was another late addition to the Golden State lineup, as Cecilia Zandalasini was removed from the starting five after experiencing tightness in her left calf. With the Valkyries down to eight available players, Martin essentially had the “green light” offensively, and she took advantage. Sixteen of the wing’s 19 field-goal attempts came from beyond the arc, and Martin finished a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Her opportunities moving forward depend on Zandalasini’s availability, and the Valkryies don’t play again until Friday night in Phoenix.