WNBA Player News

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.

McDonald scored in double figures for the third time this season, using high volume from the free throw line to accomplish such. Her scoring production off the bench served as a nice boost for Indiana’s backcourt in Caitlin Clark’s absence. The fifth-year guard was re-signed by the Fever earlier this week, and with her production for the team through four games, she’s making the case for a regular spot in the nightly rotation. While McDonald’s box score won’t bring forth massive production in fantasy leagues, her impact for Indiana on Thursday can’t be overlooked.

Boston’s scoring production took a bit of a hit on Thursday, compared to her previous two games. She shot inefficiently from the field and scored three of her four made baskets in the first half. The former first-overall pick did make contributions elsewhere, however — she reached double figures in rebounds for the seventh time this season, and collected a season-high in steals. Boston still had a solid night of fantasy production, but more efficient shooting could lead to bigger and better performances going forward.

On the heels of a season-high scoring effort on Tuesday, Mitchell remained productive against the Sparks by reaching the 20-point mark. The veteran guard led all Fever players in scoring, thanks to a dominant third quarter where she tallied 11 points on 3-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc. Mitchell also tallied at least four assists for the second time in as many games — if she can sustain her recent increase in assists, it would serve as a nice bonus to fantasy managers. She’ll have a chance to log another productive outing when the Fever face the Wings on Friday.

The two-time Sixth Woman of the Year needed just 29 minutes of gameplay to stuff the stat sheet on Thursday. Hamby’s well-roundedness helped the Sparks end a four-game losing streak while simultaneously dropping the Fever below .500 on the season. The veteran forward’s many contributions across the board on Thursday aren’t anything new — she’s thrived in fantasy leagues over recent years, thanks to her ability to be involved in almost every aspect of the game. The only knock on Hamby as of late is her propensity to turn the basketball over; she recorded a season-high seven turnovers on Thursday night after tallying at least four in each of the three previous games. Luckily, the giveaways aren’t penalized in ESPN fantasy leagues.

Stevens remained in a groove on the offensive end on Thursday, tallying back-to-back 20-point games for the second time this season. Her big night was punctuated by a late offensive-rebounded free throw that she turned into an and-one to give the Sparks enough wiggle room to cruise down the stretch to a 10-point win. Stevens is averaging 17.8 points and 8.3 rebounds over the last four games. Her stock is trending up in fantasy leagues.

Plum appeared to be trending toward a less-productive game on Thursday before a 12-point fourth quarter led her to finish as one of the Sparks’ leading scorers in the win. With the scoring came a return to form as a three-point shooter — Plum had shot 1-of-13 from beyond the arc in the two previous games, but responded by connecting on 3-of-6 against Indiana. Additionally, she rounded out her evening with a game-high in assists. Plum will have a chance to deliver the Sparks back-to-back wins for the first time this season when they face the Sky on Sunday.

Sykes’ absence on Thursday will mark her second straight, as well as the second time this season she hasn’t suited up against the Aces. The Mystics will certainly miss Sykes, who is their leading scorer (19.6 points per game) and passer (4.8 assists per game), but are a tough team that has proven capable of winning games without her. Jade Melbourne replaced Sykes in the starting lineup against Minnesota and could be in line for additional opportunities in the veteran guard’s absence.

Indiana’s starting unit on Thursday will feature veteran guard Sydney Colson, who is replacing the injured Caitlin Clark (groin) in the Fever’s backcourt. Clark’s injury comes less than two weeks after returning from a quad injury that had sidelined her for five games. The Fever are 2-3 this season in games without their superstar guard, and they will surely miss her dynamic playmaking and scoring abilities against the Sparks. They’ll hope the veteran leadership of Colson can help the team move to above .500 on the season. Colson enters Thursday’s game averaging 3.0 points, 1.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

Sims will miss her fifth game in a row when the Sparks visit the Fever on Thursday. The veteran guard had been a key contributor on the offensive end for Los Angeles in the 11 games she appeared in prior to taking time away from the team. Shey Peddy will start in Sims’ spot, while Sarah Ashlee Barker should see some additional opportunities.

Clark has struggled recently despite playing really well during his first few games back after missing time with a quad injury. Now we know why; Clark is once again not 100 percent healthy. This isn’t expected to be a lengthy absence, but Thursday’s game is the first night of a back-to-back, so it would be shocking if Clark was back to play in Dallas on Friday. However, there should be an update ahead of the Fever’s matchup with the Aces on July 3. Sydney Colson was the starter last time Clark missed time, but Aari McDonald, who re-signed with the Fever on Wednesday after being waived on June 13, should also play a significant role with Clark sidelined.