WNBA Player News

After a stellar collegiate career at Gonzaga, Ejim was selected by Indiana with the 33rd overall pick in last month’s draft. With Jaelyn Brown and fellow 2025 draftee Makayla Timpson competing for a roster spot, Ejim faced challenging odds of making the cut with the Fever. Ejim was productive in Indiana’s exhibition win over Brazil, but the Fever are limited to 11 active roster spots instead of 12.

Reese took advantage of her matchup against Brionna Jones, a natural center that had to guard a more athletic power forward. She also successfully out-muscled Rhyne Howard under the basket when Howard got matched up with Reese in transition while Reese was running the floor. But once Dream coach Karl Smesko put more athletic stretch fours on Reese in Nia Coffey and Naz Hillmon, Reese had less of an advantage and struggled with both of their length and athleticism. Reese’s most productive quarter came in the second when she accounted for 52.4% of the team’s points scored.

Cardoso was the Sky’s highest scorer and most efficient player on an evening when Chicago stayed at bay with Atlanta until the final quarter when the Sky got out scored 30-16 by the Dream. Cardoso won her matchup against Brittney Griner, proving that she’s a much more athletic back-to-the-basket center who can even put on the floor a little bit and drive, especially when Griner is guarding her. Without a natural point guard on the floor for Chicago, both Rebecca Allen and Rachel Banham made sure to get Cardoso the ball in advantageous spots on the floor. Cardoso was responsible for half of the Sky’s 12 second chance points while also reaching a season rebounds with nine. Cardoso is yet to notch a double-double this season, a metric she reached seven times in 2024.

After her worst offensive performance of the season against the Indiana Fever a days ago, shooting 1-for-8 and scoring just 3 points, Howard bounced back in dramatic fashion scoring a season high 36 points in the Dream’s convincing win over the Sky. Howard didn’t even score a single point until the second quarter, and went on a heater in the second half hitting 10 of her 12 total makes all in second half as she accounted for 56 % of Atlanta’s second half points. Dream point guard Jordin Canada and wing Allisha Gray each found Howard on 40% of these made field goals. In her second game back from a knee injury, Canada’s offensive aggression opened the floor up for Howard and allowed her to play her more natural position, the small forward, off the ball with limited on-ball creation.

Elizabeth Kitley will log her first career WNBA start on Friday against Dallas as she replaces the injured A’ja Wilson (concussion) in the Aces’ starting unit. The production on both ends of the floor that Wilson, a three-time league MVP and one of the faces of the WNBA, brings cannot be replaced by any singular player on this Las Vegas roster. But between Kitley and Kiah Stokes, the Aces are hoping their production could be enough to earn a victory over a Wings team with just one win on the season. Kitley is averaging 1.9 points and 1.4 rebounds per game during her rookie campaign.

Bonner will miss a game for the first time this season, as she’s away from the Fever for personal reasons. Her absence leaves Indiana down a reliable reserve, even with Sophie Cunningham returning from her sprained ankle. Cunningham will likely absorb the minutes that would have gone to Bonner.

During a May 30 loss to the Sun, Cunningham sprained her right ankle for the second time this season. She’s been out since, missing Indiana’s last three games. She participated in Friday’s practice and will be available for Saturday’s game, giving the Fever a welcome boost off the bench. With Caitlin Clark (quad) also back, there will likely be fewer minutes available to reserve guard Sydney Colson.

Initially probable for Friday’s game, Carrington fully participated in pregame shootaround and will play. She’ll remain in the starting lineup alongside Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale as the struggling Wings look to pick up their second win of the season.

Initially questionable for Friday’s game, Hines-Allen is good to go after participating in pregame shootaround. She’ll take on her usual role as a starter, but the veteran forward only played 17 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Mercury. Given Hines-Allen’s limited production, there isn’t much to gain from rostering her in most fantasy leagues.

Siegrist will not be available for Friday’s game, leaving the Wings down an option off the bench. Kaila Charles’ playing time may increase after she logged 11 minutes in Wednesday’s loss to the Mercury, but she’s unlikely to impact fantasy basketball. There isn’t much to gain from streaming Charles, especially with Dallas’ starting lineup intact.

Having injured her right ankle during New York’s June 5 win over the Mystics, Jones did not play in Tuesday’s win over the Sky. Nyara Sabally replaced her in the starting lineup and would retain that role if Jones cannot play on Saturday afternoon. Even if Jones does return, the Liberty will be without Leonie Fiebich, who will play for Germany in the upcoming FIBA Women’s EuroBasket tournament. So, Sabally will figure prominently in the rotation, even if Jones plays.