WNBA Player News

Bueckers’ streak of games with at least 20 points scored ended at three on Wednesday, but Dallas getting its third win in four outings was of greater importance. After recording one 20-point game in May, the rookie guard has four since returning from a concussion on June 11. Bueckers’ on-court chemistry with Arike Ogunbowale appears to improve by the team, factoring into Dallas’ improved play as a team. Next up for Paige will be her game against Caitlin Clark, since entering the WNBA, when the Wings host the Fever on Friday.

Sheldon last appeared in a game on August 13, when she was injured during a loss to the Valkyries. With the second-year guard lacking a concrete return timeline and the Mystics officially eliminated from postseason contention, there should be little motivation to rush Sheldon back into action. Lucy Olsen, who played 20 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Valkyries, is one player whose opportunities have increased with Sheldon unavailable.

Sunday’s game will be the fifth Zandalasini has missed with a calf injury. Iliana Rupert has been her replacement in the starting lineup for the last three, most recently playing 27 minutes in Saturday’s win over the Mystics. Kate Martin can also absorb some of the minutes that would typically go to Zandalasini.

Hayes will miss a third consecutive game on Sunday due to a knee injury. The Valkyries guard was not with the team at all for Saturday’s win over the Mystics due to illness, but the knee was why she initially appeared on the injury report for that game. Kaila Charles has performed well as Hayes’ replacement in the starting lineup.

Initially signed on August 23, Powers has agreed to a second seven-day contract with the Fever. The veteran guard has appeared in three games for Indiana, averaging 5.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 0.7 steals in 17.7 minutes. For Powers to be eligible to play for the Fever in the postseason, she must be signed to a rest-of-season contract before the end of the regular season.

With her third seven-day contract expiring on Sunday, Sims needed to be signed to a rest-of-season contract to remain with the Fever. Indiana got that done, and the transaction also ensures that Sims will be eligible for the postseason if the Fever qualify. With Caitlin Clark (groin) still out and Aari McDonald, Sophie Cunningham (knee) and Sydney Colson (knee) done for the season, Sims has stepped up with significant contributions since joining the team. Most recently, she scored 21 points in Friday’s crucial win over the Sparks in Los Angeles.

Hartley, who did not play in Saturday’s loss to the Lynx, has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in her right knee and will miss the rest of the season. She appeared in 38 games this season, making 32 starts, averaging 8.9 points, 2.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.4 three-pointers in 22.8 minutes. Lindsay Allen started against Minnesota on Saturday and played 22 minutes, but rookie Saniya Rivers replaced her to begin the third quarter. With an eye toward the franchise’s future, Rivers and fellow rookie Leïla Lacan should play plenty in Connecticut’s remaining games.

The good news for Stewart and the Liberty was that her minutes limit increased on Saturday. Head coach Sandy Brondello said beforehand that the forward could play up to 28 minutes. Stewart played 27 against the Mercury, as New York pulled the plug with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Given what she’s capable of, Stewart’s final line against Phoenix was pedestrian. However, more critical for her and the Liberty, who were without Sabrina Ionescu (toe) and Nyara Sabally (knee), is that the team is healthy for the postseason.

Back in the Liberty lineup after a one-game absence, Jones struggled against the Mercury. In addition to shooting 3-of-8 from the field, she was responsible for a game-high five turnovers. Some credit should go to Mercury post Natasha Mack, whose high-energy approach negatively impacted Jones throughout Saturday’s game. However, more impactful may have been Sabrina Ionescu’s continued absence due to a toe injury, as the Liberty was forced to play without a critical offensive weapon. Jones wasn’t good against Phoenix, but it would be unsurprising if she were to bounce back when the Liberty visit the Valkyries on Tuesday.

Back in the Liberty lineup after missing two games with a nose injury, Cloud shot the ball well Saturday night. However, the overall impact was muted, as New York played without the injured Sabrina Ionescu (toe) again. Cloud played 31 minutes on Saturday, two more than her season average, with the playing time likely impacted by Ionescu’s absence. Marine Johannès, who started for Cloud on Thursday, played 15 minutes against Phoenix, finishing with four points and one blocked shot. New York continues its road trip on Tuesday against the Valkyries.

Thomas, who finished Saturday’s win one assist shy of her 21st double-double of the season, has recorded at least nine helpers in five of her last eight appearances. While the Most Valuable Player conversation has seemingly focused on Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier and Las Vegas’ A’ja Wilson, don’t overlook Thomas. In addition to the double-doubles, she has seven triple-doubles, and Phoenix is tied with the Aces and Atlanta in the loss column in the race for the 2-seed heading into the playoffs. Not only has Thomas raised Phoenix’s ceiling in her first season with the team, but she has also been an incredible asset for fantasy managers.