WNBA Player News

Salaün propelled the Valkyries in an overtime back-and-fourth game against their in-state rivals. Her step-back three in conjunction with her high release point makes her difficult to guard. While Salaün scored 17 of her total 21 points in the first three quarters, she made hustle plays vital to the Valkyries winning the game in both the fourth quarter and overtime period. She drew a foul with 47.5 seconds left in regulation and made both of her free throws to give Golden State their first lead since six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Later in the overtime period, Salaün scored on an offensive rebound putback off a long three-point miss from Temi Fágbénlé, which put Golden State up by three points with 2:03 remaining in overtime.

For personal reasons, Sims remains away from the Sparks and will miss a second consecutive game on Tuesday. Sarah Ashlee Barker played 28 minutes as her replacement in the starting lineup for Saturday’s loss to the Lynx and should retain that role due to Los Angeles’s lack of available bodies.

Already without Odyssey Sims (personal), the Sparks will play their final Commissioner’s Cup game without leading scorer Plum. She’s been ruled out due to a left leg injury, which means recent signing Shey Peddy will figure prominently in the rotation, possibly as a starter. Rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker, who replaced Sims in the starting lineup, should also play more on Tuesday.

A third-round pick of the Storm in the 2024 draft, Holmes was waived in May just before the start of the season. In the aftermath of Seattle trading Li Yueru to the Wings, the team has decided to re-sign Holmes. While she may not get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball, Holmes can provide additional frontcourt depth behind Nneka Ogwumike, Ezi Magbegor and Dominique Malonga.

Having injured her nose during a June 1 loss to the Lynx, Hayes has missed Golden State’s last three games. Considered questionable for Tuesday’s contest, there’s a chance the veteran guard will be allowed to play. Carla Leite is the player most impacted by Hayes’ availability, having accounted for 14 points and three assists as a starter in Saturday’s win over the Storm. If Hayes returns, Leite will likely head to the bench.

Jones has missed New York’s last two games after spraining her right ankle during a June 5 win over the Mystics. While considered questionable on the injury report, the veteran center is on track to play Tuesday night. Jones practiced for just over an hour on Monday, participating in all of the Liberty’s live segments. Her availability will impact Nyara Sabally the most, as she replaced Jones in the starting lineup for Saturday’s loss to the Fever.

Siegrist injured her right knee during a June 11 loss to the Mercury, and on Monday, the Wings revealed the severity of the injury. She suffered an anterolateral tibial plateau fracture, which can sideline an athlete for at least 6-8 weeks. The good news for Siegrist and the Wings is that the injury does not require surgery, and she’s expected to return at some point this season. Rookie Aziaha James received more playing time in Friday’s loss to the Aces, logging 21 minutes off the bench. That trend may continue, especially with Dallas boasting a 1-11 record.

Before Sunday, Bell had been a non-factor, totaling 11 points in six appearances. A’ja Wilson’s continued absence meant another opportunity at extended minutes for the fourth-year forward, and she took advantage. The eight points are the most Bell has scored in a game since last September 14, when she tallied 12 in a win over the Dallas Wings. However, even if Wilson remains out for Tuesday’s game against the Lynx, there’s no need to consider adding Bell in fantasy leagues.

Stokes is not relied on for scoring, and she went scoreless on 0-of-5 shooting in Sunday’s defeat. However, the veteran center cleaned the glass at a high level, recording a game- (and season-) high 14 rebounds. This was Stokes’ first game hitting double digits in rebounds, something she did on three occasions in 2024. Until A’ja Wilson returns from her concussion, Stokes is essentially a specialist for deep-league fantasy managers needing rebounds.

With Aces coach Becky Hammon deciding to go with a smaller starting lineup on Sunday, Gray essentially slotted in as the starting power forward. The “Point Gawd” held her own, grabbing a season-high 10 rebounds while also leading the Aces in scoring. While Gray was also responsible for five turnovers, few would complain about her overall stat line. Elizabeth Kitley, who started Friday’s win over the Wings, played 11 minutes off the bench and finished with two rebounds and a blocked shot. If A’ja Wilson can return for Tuesday’s game against the Lynx, Gray should take on her usual point guard responsibilities.

After a slow start to her time in Las Vegas, Loyd has been better over her last two games. Including Sunday’s defeat, she’s tallied 38 points on 14-of-24 shooting from the field and eight three-pointers. However, there’s an important caveat: Loyd recorded these numbers with A’ja Wilson sidelined. The three-time MVP has missed Las Vegas’s last two games due to concussion protocols, freeing up additional opportunities for the available scorers. The key for Loyd will be to carry over her production from this weekend when Wilson returns, possibly as soon as Tuesday against the Lynx.