WNBA Player News

In her first start as a member of the Fever in the absence of Caitlin Clark, McDonald split facilitation duties with Kelsey Mitchell while trying to play the best point of attack defense she could against Paige Bueckers. Half of McDonald’s assists came at a pivotal time for the Fever when they struggled to put points on the board. Two thirds of McDonald’s assists were to Kelsey Mitchell who was the Fever’s stabilizing offensive force on the floor without Caitlin Clark. McDonald’s scores were either via her running down the other way in transition or when she found open driving lanes. McDonald like Mitchell is properly unlocked when she has opportunities to go downhill.

Signed to two separate seven-day contracts, Taylor has been waived by the Lynx. Her departure may be a sign that Napheesa Collier is closing in on a return from her sprained ankle, as the MVP candidate was questionable for Thursday’s loss to the Dream before being ruled out. Minnesota visits Indiana on Friday in the second game of a back-to-back before returning home to host the Fever on Sunday.

Hayes did not play in Tuesday’s loss to the Mercury, resulting in Carla Leite moving into the starting lineup. Leite, who’s questionable with a foot injury, will likely come off the bench if she can play in Friday’s rematch.

Charles, who was on a seven-day contract, is now on a rest-of-season deal as the Valkyries navigate multiple injuries. This deal was brought about by roster hardship, so she would still have to be released if Golden State gets enough of its injured players back into the lineup. Charles has appeared in nine games since joining the team, averaging 4.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 11.6 minutes.

Leite, who played 32 minutes in Tuesday’s loss to the Valkyries, is questionable for Friday’s rematch with a foot injury. Golden State has been hit hard by injuries recently, and the rookie’s absence would put the team in a difficult spot depth-wise. Kaila Charles and Kaitlyn Chen would likely see their minutes hold steady if Leite sits, as Tiffany Hayes (rest) is off the injury report after not playing on Tuesday.

Rupert, injured during Sunday’s loss to the Dream, did not play in Tuesday’s loss to Phoenix. However, her injury has been changed from concussion protocol to a head injury, and the rookie forward is now questionable for Friday night. Laeticia Amihere played 23 minutes off the bench on Tuesday and would likely take on a similar workload if Rupert cannot play.

Friday’s game will be the second straight missed by Zandalasini, who did not travel with the Valkyries to Phoenix. That may also cast some doubt on her status for Sunday’s game against the Wings in Dallas, the final game of Golden State’s quick two-game road trip. That contest will be followed by five straight at home. Kate Martin replaced Zandalasini in the starting lineup for Tuesday’s loss to the Mercury and will likely retain that role for Friday’s rematch.

Already sidelined since just before the All-Star break by a strained right groin, Clark reportedly suffered a bone bruise in her left ankle during an individual workout earlier in August. According to the Fever, the latest injury has not impacted the guard’s return timeline, with the team hoping to get Clark back by the end of the regular season. In addition to its star being sidelined, the Fever have also lost Sydney Colson (knee), Aari McDonald (foot) and Sophie Cunningham (ankle) to season-ending injuries. Indiana recently signed veteran guard Shey Peddy to a seven-day hardship contract, and Odyssey Sims is also on the roster to help deal with the injuries.

Sabally scored in double figures for the sixth time in August, despite her production coming in a loss on Thursday. The veteran forward was limited to just 25 minutes of game action due to a large deficit, but she still finished as one of two Mercury players to score in double figures against the Aces. Her scoring and overall production will be important throughout the rest of the season for Phoenix as it tries to finish strong. Sabally can extend her double-digit scoring streak to five games when the Mercury face the Valkyries on Friday.

While the Mercury struggled as a whole against the Aces, Thomas was still able to finish with a productive night. She shot inefficiently but led Phoenix in scoring regardless, while also tallying the most rebounds, steals and assists on the team. Even a poor game by the Mercury won’t often prevent the veteran forward from finishing with a solid final line and leaving an impact on the game. Fantasy managers should have little reason to doubt that Thomas will continue to log impressive performances.

Despite seeing her streak of double-digit assists end at two games on Thursday, Gray logged another strong outing. The veteran guard dazzled with her shot creation and midrange shooting, as she has so often throughout her career, while still finishing as one of the Aces’ top playmakers on the evening. Las Vegas has now one nine games in a row, and Gray’s production across the nine games has been critical. The Aces will hope she can play at a high level again on Saturday against the Mystics.