Liatu

King

Five days after being signed to a rest-of-season contract by the Wings, King has been waived. A third-round pick in this past spring’s draft, King most recently played 12 minutes off the bench in Monday’s loss to the Mercury. Once she clears waivers, King can sign with any team as a free agent.

Due to a right ankle injury, Hines-Allen is not guaranteed to be available Thursday night. While the Wings did trade NaLyssa Smith to the Aces earlier in the week, the returns of Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder from EuroBasket and the addition of Liatu King should help alleviate any potential depth concerns.

Initially waived by the Sparks on May 12, King was re-signed just over a week later as the team was dealing with multiple injuries. The third-round pick out of Notre Dame appeared in 12 games, averaging 3.0 points and 2.1 rebounds in 10.0 minutes. King being waived likely means Odyssey Sims will be available for Sunday’s game against the Sky. Away from the team for personal reasons, the veteran guard has not appeared in a game since June 11. Sims practiced on Saturday and is currently probable for Sunday.

Jackson is available after missing the Sparks’ last two games for personal reasons. While the second-year forward may come off the bench in her first game back, rotation minutes will be available. Rookies Sarah Ashlee Barker and Liatu King will likely play less with Jackson available.

After missing two games due to a stint in the league’s concussion protocol, Jackson returned to action but then missed another two for personal reasons. The second-year forward participated in Tuesday’s practice and said after the session that she expects to play in Friday’s Commissioner’s Cup matchup. Sarah Ashlee Barker has been Jackson’s replacement in the starting lineup, with fellow rookie Liatu King picking up additional minutes off the bench. They’re the two players most impacted by Jackson’s availability.

Sunday’s game will be the second Jackson has missed for personal reasons, after missing two earlier this season due to the league’s concussion protocol. While Sarah Ashlee Barker has remained in the starting lineup, fellow rookie Liatu King has also seen her playing time increase, including starting the second half of Friday’s loss to the Aces. Both players will continue to log quality minutes with Jackson unavailable.

Jackson remains in the league’s concussion protocol and will miss a third straight game. Rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker has been her replacement in the starting lineup and should retain that role. Fellow rookie Liatu King should also play rotation minutes on Sunday, backing up Barker.

Jackson will miss a second consecutive game as she remains in the league’s concussion protocol. Rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker started Wednesday’s loss to the Mercury but struggled, scoring two points on 1-of-7 shooting. Liatu King was more productive off the bench; both rookies will see ample playing time with Jackson sidelined.

Due to the absences of Rickea Jackson (concussion) and Rae Burrell (leg), Barker made her first career start on Wednesday. Unfortunately for the rookie, she had a rough night in Phoenix, missing all five of her three-point attempts. A positive from Barker’s first start was the four assists; she averaged 3.9 per game during her final season at Alabama. Fellow rookie Liatu King had a better night, making both of her shots and finishing with four points, three rebounds and one assist in 13 minutes. The minutes of both players will be dictated by Jackson’s availability, with the Sparks hosting the Valkyries on Friday.

After missing the Sparks’ first two games with a left knee injury, Allemand is on track to make her season debut Wednesday night. And the timing couldn’t be better for Los Angeles, which lost Rae Burrell (leg) and Rickea Jackson (concussion) in its first two games. Allemand will provide needed depth, as can the recently re-signed Liatu King. A third-round pick of the Sparks in last month’s draft, King was waived before being brought back on a hardship contract.