WNBA DFS Breakdown: Friday

WNBA DFS Breakdown: Friday

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DAILY MATCHUPS  (Vegas Odds, Team Efficiency, Pace, Opposing Stats)

DAILY LINEUPS

VALUE REPORT

TEAM TRENDS

OPPONENT AVERAGES

DraftKings and FanDuel Top Values (RotoWire Optimizer)

Top 5 FanDuel

PLAYERPOSTEAMOPPSALFPTSVAL
Azura StevensFCHILA440034.17.8
Riquna WilliamsGLVAIND390028.267.3
Diamond DeShieldsGCHILA550033.996.2
Jewell LoydGSEAMIN800046.385.8
Sue BirdGSEAMIN560032.615.8

Top 5 DraftKings

PLAYERPOSTEAMOPPSALFPTSVAL
Breanna StewartFSEAMIN1100050.674.6
Jewell LoydGSEAMIN1030046.064.5
Azura StevensFCHILA720031.514.4
DeWanna BonnerGCONWAS1000042.924.3
Riquna WilliamsGLVAIND670028.454.3

Washington Mystics at Connecticut Sun

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Washington

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Kiara LeslieGIllnessGTD5/28/2021
Elena Delle DonneFBackOUT6/5/2021
Alysha ClarkFFootOUT5/1/2022
Klara LundquistGSuspensionOUT5/1/2022

Connecticut

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Alyssa ThomasFAchillesOUT9/7/2021

2021 Player Stats

Washington

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%FT%3PA3P%FGAFTA
Tina Charles26.28.41.40.40.446.184.85.433.320.46.6
Ariel Atkins15.22.830.6141.91006.446.912.41.8
Natasha Cloud83.64.41.4032.61004308.61.2
Erica McCall7.4810.40.453.8600.205.23
Sydney Wiese51.21.60.4038.91003403.61
Shavonte Zellous4.420.60.2041.21000.666.73.41.2
Theresa Plaisance3.64.40.60.80.8251002.814.35.60.4
Myisha Hines-Allen7.56.530.50.533.30316.710.50
Leilani Mitchell2.41.23.61.20.214.804.2195.40
Kiara Leslie2.70.700.3033.31000.3021.3
Stella Johnson2.50.50.500.528.602253.50
Jillian Alleyne0200.50000010

Connecticut

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%FT%3PA3P%FGAFTA
Jonquel Jones2011.23.21.8154.8754.844.8143.3
DeWanna Bonner18.76.53.50.8143.690.64.753.6135.3
Brionna Jones13.25.82.30.80.552.2700.2011.51.7
Natisha Hiedeman12.73.731.80.342.958.36.339.510.52
Jasmine Thomas9.84.54.31.3034.166.73.535.7111.5
Briann January71.74.70.3031.685.7333.36.32.3
Beatrice Mompremier330.20.50.756.30002.70.7
Stephanie Jones42.30005000.3040
DiJonai Carrington1.71.710.70.226.71000.502.50.3
Kaila Charles1.33.510.20.51501.522.23.30
Aleah Goodman00100000000
Alyssa Thomas00000000000
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough01001000000

The Skinny

One of the bigger underdogs on the night (+7.5), The Mystics are looking to pull off the upset coming off of a win over the Fever. Tina Charles has been particularly dominant of late, turning in three straight games with 30-plus points. She faces a tough task in the form of a Sun defense that grades fourth-best in the league defensively and allows a slate-low 41.4 rebound percentage to the opposition due to its lengthy lineup. Opposing forwards and centers haven't had particularly fruitful nights against the Sun, so it may not be worth the hefty salary to target Charles on Friday. Ariel Atkins is also a bit lower on the salary scale and could be worth a look, while Myisha Hines-Allen could be worthy of consideration on FanDuel after seeing her playing time jump to 31 minutes minutes last game -- closer to what she played last year. While Elena Delle Donne's return is still coming at some point, she's still sidelined for a Mystics squad looking to find its footing Given the matchup and the slate-low 74.5 expected score, Mystics players aren't likely to be among the popular picks Friday.

On the other side of that coin, the Sun check in just mid-pack at 82.0 expected points, largely due to the two teams sporting the two slowest paces in the league thus far. The Mystics have also proven to be rather formidable defensively thus far, rating in the top half of the league.  While it may not be the smartest move to invest too heavily in the Sun, our daily projections still like DeWanna Bonner and Jonquel Jones to provide reasonably good value if you're looking to go against the grain. The one danger here is that the two could see their minutes limited if the contest gets out of hand, though the slowed tempo of the contest could help keep it within a reasonable range.

Los Angeles Sparks at Chicago Sky

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Los Angeles

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Amanda Zahui BCBackGTD5/28/2021
Maria VadeevaCSuspensionOUT8/1/2021
Ivana RacaFNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022
Jasmine WalkerFKneeOUT5/1/2022
Aina AyusoGNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022
Gabby WilliamsFSuspensionOUT5/1/2022

Chicago

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Allie QuigleyGHamstringOUT5/30/2021
Candace ParkerCAnkleOUT5/30/2021
Stefanie DolsonCSuspensionOUT6/1/2021
Maria CondeFPersonalOUT5/1/2022
Leonie FiebichFPersonalOUT5/1/2022

2021 Player Stats

Los Angeles

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%FT%3PA3P%FGAFTA
Nneka Ogwumike18.56.51.50.5054.810015015.51
Chiney Ogwumike11.55.521042.9601.566.710.52.5
Kristi Toliver1013.50.5058.3753.542.962
Nia Coffey93.50.51146.7253507.52
Te'a Cooper61.511.5020753507.52
Arella Guirantes52.50.51028.61002.5071
Erica Wheeler52.51.51035.702070
Brittney Sykes422.510.521.4502.5072
Bria Holmes112.51.500100105.51
Jasmine Walker00.5110.500202.51

Chicago

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLKFG%FT%3PA3P%FGAFTA
Kahleah Copper1841.51.5047.290.5237.513.35.3
Diamond DeShields14.34.83.81040.483.325011.84.5
Astou Ndour-Fall13.37.80.501.35094.42.322.28.54.5
Courtney Vandersloot10.84.38.51.50.537.51003.338.5102
Ruthy Hebard9.87.3211.840.569.20.309.33.3
Azura Stevens8.5511142.97525072
Candace Parker1684135075475104
Stephanie Watts1.83.80.50.809.183.31.502.81.5
Allie Quigley7230022.2100333.392
Stefanie Dolson4400012.51000082
Brittany Boyd-Jones21210255015021
Natasha Mack240005000020
Shyla Heal111.50001000.5021

The Skinny

Second on the list Friday the game featuring the largest expected total on the night between the Sky and Sparks (169.5). This is likely thanks to the teams sporting the two fastest paces in the league. The Despite checking in worst in the league in both offensive and defensive efficiency thus far (only two games played, to be fair), the Sparks are only four-point underdogs versus a Chicago team that is reeling a bit from a pair of home blemishes at the hands of the Liberty and the Dream. The Sparks are expected to gain the services of center Amanda Zahui B. for the first time this season and will not face Candace Parker in her what would have been her first time against her former team. That should help the Sparks' frontcourt a bit, though the Sky still pull down north of 50 percent of the rebound chances. LA has been the worst in the league on that front to date, but the return of Zahui B should shore up the team's frontcourt depth a bit, though it's unclear exactly how much playing time she will be allotted in her season debut following a back injury. Unless she plays north of 20 minutes, it's unlikely she will be of great value on either daily site. Kristi Toliver is believed to be the best value available on both sites according to RotoWire's daily projections.

Chicago, on the other hand, has plenty of value lining the top of the charts Friday. Azura Stevens is considered one of the best values of the night on both sites, as she continues to progress in her return from a knee injury at the end of last season. She's done plenty of damage in limited action thus far, posting 11 points, five boards, two blocks, two assissts and a steal over just 20 minutes Tuesday. She should continue to fill the stat sheet and could provide sizeable value if she can up her minutes even a few beyond the 20 she played Tuesday. With Parker and Allie Quigley oth still out, look for Diamond DeShields, Kahleah Copper and Courtney Vandersloot to all play massive minutes. That trio has been locked in for 30-plus in each of the last three games and figure to handle big minutes until the other two are healthy enough to return. DeShields is also a strong value on DraftKings and a top-five value on FanDuel, so she should be in play on both sites again Friday. Astou Ndour-Fall also lands within the realm of possibility for FanDuel purposes.

Minnesota Lynx at  Seattle Storm

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Minnesota

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Rennia DavisGFootOUT5/30/2021
Aerial PowersFHamstringOUT6/4/2021
Maya MooreFPersonalOUT3/1/2022

Seattle

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Katie Lou SamuelsonGSuspensionOUT6/4/2021
Mikiah Herbert HarriganFNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022

2021 Player Stats

Minnesota

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTA
Sylvia Fowles1910.311.71008.314.35.3
Kayla McBride133.71.70.70.71.34.34103.7
Crystal Dangerfield1325.31.70136130.3
Aerial Powers1154.30.31.30.323.711.74
Damiris Dantas752.30.30.314.72.78.70.7
Jessica Shepard5.33.72.7000.31.71.73.71.7
Bridget Carleton4.31.70.30.3001.31.74.71.3
Rachel Banham2.71.30.710.30.31.7140.7
Natalie Achonwa120.50.5000021
Linnae Harper0100000000

Seattle

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTA
Breanna Stewart2410.8211.826.28.619.66.2
Jewell Loyd21.25.44.82.40.62.66.87.816.63.6
Sue Bird11.83.45.60.60.22.663.882
Jordin Canada81.83.20.8000.82.25.44.6
Candice Dupree83.610.40.60.20.43.67.80.6
Ezi Magbegor53.80.60.40.80.40.82.24.40.4
Stephanie Talbot4.831.60.80.812.21.64.20.8
Katie Lou Samuelson94.51.510.5233.550
Kennedy Burke3.30.80.510.30.81.51.32.80
Mercedes Russell3.35.32.31000132
Epiphanny Prince11.521000.501.51
Mikiah Herbert Harrigan0000000000
Kiana Williams0000.5000.500.50

The Skinny

Now we get to another game that could be interesting Friday with the Lynx expected to have Napheesa Collier back in what will likely be a full capacity considering she recently finished up her season in France. Collier's presence in the frontcourt adds to an already loaded unit but also comes at a much-needed time following the news that Aerial Powers will be sidelined indefinitely due to a hamstring strain. Collier figures to absorb all of her minutes and potentially a few more, but the net result shouldn't change a ton in the Lynx rotation otherwise. Collier's sizeable salary on both sites doesn't exactly position her as a value play Friday, though she's not out of the conversation either. Collier is a true MVP candidate for the Lynx who could have an opportunity to take another step this year. The Storm sit mid-pack so far in terms of defensive efficiency and are below 50 percent on the boards, so there may be some room to get Collier value. Others on the Lynx to consider include Sylvia Fowles on DK, Jessica Shepard as a low-salary option on both as well as Kayla McBride.

Seattle litters the top of the charts with potential fantasy value, with Jewell Loyd, Breanna Stewart and Sue Bird headlining value thanks to strong five-game starts for the trio that hasn't been quite matched by the salaries yet. They seem likely to each play 30-plus minutes again Friday and should be featured heavily on a Storm squad with an expected scored of 86.0, good for third on the slate. Mercedes Russell also  saw a major jump in playing time in the last game and will likely be needed again Friday to provide some extra length against a Minnesota squad that features just that in abundance. Russell's potential for at least high-20s minute volume grants her a spot among the potential value plays.

Indiana Fever at Las Vegas Aces

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Indiana

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Bernadett HatarCAnkleOUT5/30/2021
Aaliyah WilsonGFootOUT5/30/2021
Florencia ChagasGPersonalOUT10/1/2021
Julie AllemandGNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022
Temi FagbenleFPersonalOUT5/1/2022

Las Vegas

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Kelsey PlumGNot Injury RelatedOUT6/1/2021
Iliana RupertCNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022
Angel McCoughtryFKneeOUT5/1/2022

2021 Player Stats

Indiana

PlayerMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PA3P%FGMFGAFTA
Kelsey Mitchell31.215.72.71.810.31.75.729.46.2142.3
Danielle Robinson28.810.22.83.82.20.20.51.7303.89.52
Teaira McCowan25.210.28.71.30.31.30004.59.23
Tiffany Mitchell21.892.82.30.300.21.511.137.83.2
Jessica Breland2397.32.70.31.30.20.35049.21
Victoria Vivians16.75.8210.300.73.3201.85.31.7
Jantel Lavender21.866.82.4000.20.633.32.66.20.8
Kysre Gondrezick11.541.81.30.5012.342.91.540
Lindsay Allen10.73.70.71.5000.31.522.21.33.30.8
Bernadett Hatar166.72.70.300.70002.751.3
Chelsey Perry4.50.50.500.50000011
Lauren Cox10.50210.50000020

Las Vegas

PlayerMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTA
A'ja Wilson33.617.883.20.41.60.20.26.613.84.6
Jackie Young3316.24.82.20.80.40.21.25.611.85.2
Liz Cambage23.2137.60.40.22.400.45.28.84
Chelsea Gray30.812.82.461.60.81.235.610.60.4
Dearica Hamby23.49.86.421.20.40.21.83.683.4
Riquna Williams25.47.422.610.81.652.47.41
Kelsey Plum26.510.51.53.5101.5449.51
Destiny Slocum11.331.81.50.50.30.51.512.30.8
Ji-Su Park9.61.21.80.601.2000.61.80
Emma Cannon411.50.50000.500.51

The Skinny

The fever are the largest underdogs on the slate (+10.5) and sport an expected of 78 that ranks them only ahead of the Mystics. However, Vegas things this game has a lot of blowout potential, which isn't quite as appealing for fantasy purposes considering the starters would then likely spend a chunk of the second half resting on the sidelines. This potential, combined with salaries for the contest, are likely a big part of the reason there aren't many considered good values on the Fever's end tonight. The other reason for minimal values may be the fact that the Fever have spready minutes around in the rotation on a team that's pretty healthy in terms of the regulars, so there aren't really enough minutes to go around. Kelsey Mitchell and Danielle Robertson and Tiffany Mitchell should all see around 30 minutes if the contest doesn't become one-sided, but it would certainly be a contrarian play in this instance to stack Fever players.

The Aces sit on the other end of the spectrum with the highest expected score on the slate. However, they too may not be worth overinvesting on the high end given the potential for a blowout in this contest, especially given the hefty salaries attached to many of the star players. Riquna Williams, however, still makes the cut for top-five value plays on both sites and seems likely to see stable minutes at least in the mid-20s regardless of the outcome of the game. She hasn't quite found her shooting stroke from deep yet (32.0 percent), so there's potentially more value to be had on that front if she starts connecting on her five attempts per game Friday. That could come in handy considering the Fever have allowed a slate-high 24.8 three-point attempts and a slate-best 43.0 percent conversion rate from deep on the year. Chelsea Gray is second on the team in attempts at 3.0 per game while converting at a 40.0 percent rate thus far, giving her some potential to add value as well.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Chris Benzine plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: Crispy272001, DraftKings: Crispy27.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chris Benzine
Chris is the college football editor and the Kansas City Chiefs beat writer. He's a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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