WNBA Player News

Injured during the first half of Saturday’s win over the Wings, Paopao did not play against the Sun on Sunday. Maya Caldwell replaced her in the lineup and recorded 12 points, four rebounds, six assists, two steals, one block and two three-pointers. Even if Paopao reclaims her place in the starting lineup, Caldwell should still play solid minutes after performing well in Atlanta’s most recent game.

Sabrina Ionescu willed the Liberty through stretches making big shots, including a 34-foot three-pointer right as the second quarter ended to give the Liberty only a three-point deficit heading into halftime. She scored at many different levels on Saturday afternoon including from deep, in the restricted area right at the rim, in the paint, and in the mid-range, making shots 16-17 feet away from the basket. The Liberty scored 38 points in the second half and Ionescu accounted for almost 45% of them, scoring an even 17 points in the second half in addition to 17 also in the first half.

Clark’s return to play opened with a bang after being out for five games. With 1:30 left in the first quarter, Clark scored 9 points off three straight three-pointers in 47 total seconds to tie the game up at 24 apiece. Clark would hit three more three-pointers in the first half including a 31-foot step-back trey over the outstretched arms of Breanna Stewart. Half of those first half made threes were from over 30 feet deep. Clark’s second half was quieter on the scoring front, but she still found ways to impact the game. Six of her nine total assists all came in the second half, finding Kelsey Mitchell and Lexie Hull for open shots in addition to hitting Aliyah Boston cutting to the basket on the inside.

Copper has yet to appear in a game this season, as she underwent an arthroscopic procedure on her left knee in mid-May. The good news for the Mercury is that the team has done more than tread water in her absence, getting off to a 7-4 start. Copper’s scoring ability will give Phoenix a welcome boost alongside Alyssa Thomas and Satou Sabally. Sami Whitcomb may be the player most likely to fall out of the starting lineup once Copper returns, but she’ll still play plenty off the bench.

Hayes remains out after aggravating a nasal injury during a June 1 loss to the Lynx. According to Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, the veteran guard is closing in on a return to game action. After Saturday, Golden State’s next game is on June 17 against the Wings. Whether or not that’s a realistic return date for Hayes is unknown, as she’ll likely need to get some contact practices under her belt.

At long last, Allen is on track to make her season debut. The veteran point guard has missed time with hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries. Bria Hartley has shouldered the point guard responsibilities recently due to Allen’s absence, and her playing time will likely take a significant hit. Rostered in just over four percent of ESPN fantasy leagues, Hartley’s production has not been consistent enough to merit being slotted into lineups.

Injured during a June 6 win over the Dream, Nelson-Ododa did not play against the Mystics two days later. The week off appears to have done Connecticut’s starting center some good, as she’s probable to play against the Sky. Nelson-Ododa’s return would bump Haley Peters back to the bench. Against Washington, Peters played 14 minutes and went scoreless with one steal.

Despite the Sun having last played on June 8, Marshall’s right ankle is not healthy enough for her to return to game action. Sunday’s game will be the third the rookie has missed. Aneesah Morrow and Kariata Diaby were already ahead of Marshall in the frontcourt pecking order, and it’s likely that starter Olivia Nelson-Ododa (ankle) will also be available on Sunday.

Having started Connecticut’s last seven games, it’s possible that Rivers will not be available on Sunday due to an illness. Should she not be able to play, Jacy Sheldon and Jaelyn Brown are potential replacements in the starting lineup. Neither Sheldon nor Brown has been productive enough this season to be worthy of streaming consideration in most fantasy leagues.

Peddy, who last played in the WNBA in 2023, received the call after Odyssey Sims was ruled out of Saturday’s loss to the Lynx for personal reasons. The veteran guard, who won Defensive Player of the Year honors in the Athletes Unlimited league during the offseason, played seven minutes off the bench in her Sparks debut. In addition to Sims, the Sparks are without Cameron Brink (knee) and Rae Burrell (knee).

Geiselsöder is not in any trouble. With the Wings center competing for Germany in the upcoming FIBA Women’s EuroBasket tournament, she has been temporarily suspended. This allows Dallas to free up a roster spot without having to waive Geiselsöder, which can be used to sign a player on a short-term deal. With Teaira McCowan (Turkey) also competing in EuroBasket, the Wings addressed their need for frontcourt depth by acquiring Li Yueru from the Storm. A roster spot for her was freed up by the team waiving Kaila Charles before the trade was completed.