WNBA DFS Breakdown: Thursday

WNBA DFS Breakdown: Thursday

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TEAM TRENDS

OPPONENT AVERAGES

DraftKings and FanDuel Top Values (RotoWire Optimizer)

Top 5 FanDuel

PLAYERPOSTEAMOPPSALFPTSVAL
Rachel BanhamGMINLA300021.077
Kiah StokesFLVACHI340022.756.7
Riquna WilliamsGLVACHI430025.816
Allisha GrayGDALATL630035.15.6
A'ja WilsonFLVACHI860046.265.4

Top 5 DraftKings

PLAYERPOSTEAMOPPSALFPTSVAL
Rachel BanhamGMINLA430022.215.2
Kiah StokesFLVACHI420021.935.2
Tiffany HayesGATL@DAL720031.554.4
Bridget CarletonGMINLA460020.154.4
A'ja WilsonFLVACHI1100046.44.2

Los Angeles Sparks vs Minnesota Lynx (-6.5)

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Los Angeles

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Chiney OgwumikeFKneeGTD9/2/2021
Kristi ToliverGHandOUT9/9/2021
Gabby WilliamsFSuspensionOUT5/1/2022
Maria VadeevaCSuspensionOUT5/1/2022
Ivana RacaFNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022
Jasmine WalkerFKneeOUT5/1/2022
Aina AyusoGNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022

Minnesota

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Sylvia FowlesCShoulderGTD9/2/2021
Damiris DantasCLower LegOUT9/4/2021
Layshia ClarendonGLegOUT9/4/2021
Maya MooreFPersonalOUT5/1/2022
Rennia DavisGFootOUT5/1/2022

2021 Player Stats

Los Angeles

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Erica Wheeler13.43.34.71.30.212.7512.22.53
Brittney Sykes9.34.62.21.80.50.21.13.68.81.92.6
Amanda Zahui B.105.310.61.41.143.88.91.21.6
Nia Coffey8.43.90.90.91.31.63.937.10.91.1
Te'a Cooper8.31.81.30.90.20.72.22.87.722.6
Nneka Ogwumike14.15.62.810.20.51.56.1111.51.8
Kristi Toliver9.41.52.80.701.54.43.58.50.81
Bria Holmes4.92.81.20.90.40.51.91.85.60.81.4
Arella Guirantes3.41.30.60.40.20.31.21.24.10.81.1
Chiney Ogwumike7.84.81.30.80.50.50.73.27.811.3
Karlie Samuelson3.82.30.80.6012.11.23.10.50.6
Lauren Cox3.53.50.60.90.900.41.43.40.81.1
Kristine Anigwe3.93.90.70.60.1001.33.31.32.3
Jasmine Walker00.5110.50202.501

Minnesota

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Sylvia Fowles16.6101.51.91.800711.12.73.7
Napheesa Collier16.56.431.31.40.62.66.113.63.74.2
Kayla McBride14.13.62.20.80.225.24.510.433.2
Layshia Clarendon10.53.35.70.600.30.74.58.61.41.8
Crystal Dangerfield7.81.830.700.92.42.87.41.21.4
Damiris Dantas7.742.30.40.31.44.32.87.30.81
Bridget Carleton4.92.31.10.80.10.82.21.84.20.50.6
Rachel Banham4.41.21.30.20.112.71.64.10.10.3
Aerial Powers8.93.92.40.30.60.11.42.683.64
Natalie Achonwa31.90.80.60.300.10.92.61.31.4
Jessica Shepard2.13.11.80.20.20.10.60.720.60.8
Cierra Burdick20.3000000.710.71
Linnae Harper01000000000
Natasha Mack00000000000

The Skinny

Neither team in the matchup between the Sparks and Lynx tends to push the pace, so the contest has the lowest expected total (150.5) on Thursday's slate. The Sparks will be without Kristi Toliver (hand) once again, which should lead to increased playing time for Te'a Cooper. Cooper has started each of the last two games with Toliver sidelined, and she's averaged 11.0 points and 2.5 rebounds in 28.0 minutes per game during that time. Erica Wheeler has maintained a prominent role in the team's offense and has played at least 30 minutes in seven of the eight games since the Olympic break. The 30-year-old has had well-rounded production with 12.1 points, 5.5 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 34.0 minutes per game during that time. Nneka Ogwumike has been somewhat inconsistent recently with two single-digit scoring totals in her last four appearances, while Nia Coffey has put up four consecutive double-digit scoring totals despite coming off the bench.

Minnesota's usage depends on the status of Sylvia Fowles (shoulder), who missed her first game of the season Tuesday and is questionable ahead of Thursday's matchup. Her absence led to increased playing time for Bridget Carleton, but she was limited to just five points in 29 minutes. Layshia Clarendon (leg) was also held out, and they've been ruled out for Thursday's matchup against the Sparks. Collier's production increased during Tuesday's game since Fowles was sidelined, and she posted a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds in 38 minutes. Kayla McBride shouldered the load in the backcourt with 25 points and nine rebounds in 32 minutes. Rachel Banham also saw increased playing time Tuesday and recorded eight rebounds and five assists across 24 minutes in Clarendon's absence. She has a low DFS salary but should offer plenty of value, even if she continues to come off the bench. Collier should see increased work again if Fowles is held out, while McBride and Banham should see increased roles with Clarendon sidelined once again.

Atlanta Dream vs Dallas Wings (-6.5)

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Atlanta

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Tiffany HayesGKneeGTD9/2/2021
Candice DupreeFBackGTD9/2/2021
Tianna HawkinsFFootOUT9/5/2021
Chennedy CarterGSuspensionOUT9/5/2021
Crystal BradfordGFootOUT9/19/2021
Cheyenne ParkerFPersonalOUT2/1/2022
Maite CazorlaGPersonalOUT5/1/2022
Raquel CarreraCNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022

Dallas

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Satou SaballyFAchillesOUT9/5/2021
Imani McGee-StaffordCPersonalSUSP5/1/2022

2021 Player Stats

Atlanta

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Courtney Williams15.96.54.21.20.41.33.46.816.811.7
Odyssey Sims9.32.73.81.30.10.62.43.8101.21.6
Crystal Bradford8.83.81.51.20.41.23.43.480.81.6
Tiffany Hayes14.62.92.91.60.11.73.94.911.23.24
Monique Billings7.1611.2100.12.75.81.72.5
Aari McDonald6.81.41.80.90.11.13.125.51.82
Chennedy Carter14.21.33.30.70.40.10.85.5123.23.6
Elizabeth Williams5.64.611.21002.44.50.91.7
Cheyenne Parker10.24.51.21.20.90.82.33.88.51.72.2
Tianna Hawkins5.23.40.70.40.50.62.51.94.80.80.9
Shekinna Stricklen2.30.70.40.60.20.62.80.83.50.10.3
Candice Dupree7.84.30.50.8000.33.57.80.80.8
Blake Dietrick421.510141.5500
Kalani Brown21000001300

Dallas

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Arike Ogunbowale19.13.23.51.102.46.36.315.94.24.8
Marina Mabrey13.34.12.81.10.325.7511.91.31.6
Isabelle Harrison10.85.81.11.10.7004.58.71.72.2
Allisha Gray11.54.21.910.91.22.84.19.22.22.4
Kayla Thornton7.65.61.50.70.10.71.92.86.21.41.6
Satou Sabally12.46.32.80.30.91.13.54.2102.93.7
Moriah Jefferson5.31.82.40.80.10.81.72.250.10.2
Tyasha Harris4.81.62.70.50.30.721.74.60.81
Charli Collier3.73.60.10.20.2001.53.10.60.9
Bella Alarie2.63.50.40.40.600.11.12.10.40.5
Awak Kuier2.21.70.40.30.30.10.90.62.20.80.9
Kristine Anigwe2.3200.3000120.30.7
Dana Evans0.800.5000.20.50.210.30.3
Chelsea Dungee0.30.1000.10.10.50.10.600

The Skinny

Atlanta and Dallas are expected to engage in a relatively close matchup Thursday, and the Dream could help drive up the score with the fourth-highest pace in the league. Both teams allow plenty of looks from beyond the arc, which should benefit Tiffany Hayes (knee), who is probable for Thursday's game. She's been limited by a right knee injury recently but returned to the lineup last Thursday and posted 11 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals in 30 minutes. She should see plenty of playing time once again if she's cleared to play against the Wings. Aari McDonald has averaged 5.3 three-point attempts per game across her last four appearances despite coming off the bench and could thrive against Dallas' defense. Monique Billings has been productive recently with three double-digit scoring totals in six games since the Olympic break, and she's been in the starting lineup in each of the last two games. Candice Dupree (back) also has a chance to return, as she's questionable after she missed the last two games. She took on a prominent role in her first three games after the Olympic break and averaged 10.3 points and 5.7 rebounds in 31.3 minutes per contest during that time. If she's back to full strength, she should be a key contributor for the Dream.

Atlanta's defense has allowed plenty of scoring this season, which should allow the Wings to drive up the score in spite of their ninth-ranked pace. Arike Ogunbowale and Marina Mabrey should have plenty of chances to thrive against the Dream given their abundance of three-point attempts, while the team's offense will get a boost with Allisha Gray (concussion) back in action. Ogunbowale has been a team leader in 2021 and has topped 20 points in three of the five games since the Olympic break, including at least 25 points in each of her last two appearances. Mabrey has played a bench role, but she's scored in double figures in two of the last three games and has averaged 6.7 three-point attempts per contest during that time. Gray had started each of the first three games after the Olympic break but missed the last two contests due to a concussion. It's not yet clear whether she'll have any restrictions in her first game back, but she has a chance to provide mid-tier value if she can handle a full workload.

Chicago Sky vs Las Vegas Aces (-3.5)

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Chicago

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Astou Ndour-FallCFootOUT9/5/2021
Maria CondeFPersonalOUT5/1/2022
Leonie FiebichFPersonalOUT5/1/2022

Las Vegas

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Dearica HambyFAnkleOUT9/5/2021
Liz CambageCCovid-19OUT9/5/2021
Angel McCoughtryFKneeOUT9/20/2021
Iliana RupertCNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022

2021 Player Stats

Chicago

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Kahleah Copper14.74.51.90.90.30.92.65.5122.93.5
Courtney Vandersloot11.33.691.90.41.23.44.39.71.41.6
Diamond DeShields11.13.62.21.10.40.82.73.9102.63.1
Allie Quigley13.42.62.30.60.22.24.84.710.61.81.9
Candace Parker12.68.33.70.81.212.84.710.32.12.6
Azura Stevens7.44.80.80.80.60.61.636.10.91.1
Ruthy Hebard6.34.60.80.70.700.12.74.811.2
Stefanie Dolson7.53.81.20.30.90.81.936.20.90.9
Astou Ndour-Fall75.10.40.40.70.41.82.46.41.81.9
Dana Evans3.70.41.10.300.71.70.931.11.2
Lexie Brown1.60.71.10.300.41.70.62.100
Stephanie Watts2.53.70.50.50.30.21.70.73.211.3
Shyla Heal20.80.80000.80.321.51.5
Natasha Mack21.3000000.710.70.7
Brittany Boyd-Jones212100.510.520.51

Las Vegas

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
A'ja Wilson18.59.33.20.71.3006.514.55.56.2
Liz Cambage14.78.41.30.91.70.20.55.810.534.2
Jackie Young11.83.73.31.20.40.20.64.69.22.52.9
Chelsea Gray11.3361.10.30.82.24.710.41.11.2
Dearica Hamby11.76.91.71.10.10.31.34.37.92.84.2
Kelsey Plum12.82.43.70.90.11.544.310.42.72.9
Riquna Williams92.71.50.70.31.84.737.31.21.3
Ji-Su Park2.21.90.80.20.700.20.72.10.80.9
Destiny Slocum1.30.90.60.20.10.30.70.41.10.20.3
Joyner Holmes3.310.500.30.811.32.500
Kiah Stokes0.84.20.40.30.4000.30.70.10.2
Emma Cannon21.70.300.300.70.71.70.70.7
Angel McCoughtry00000000100

The Skinny

The matchup between the Sky and the Aces has the highest expected total (170) and figures to feature plenty of scoring since both teams rank among the top three teams in pace. The Aces are proficient defensively and have the best defensive efficiency in the league, but they give up plenty of looks from the perimeter. While Allie Quigley has made just one three-pointer across the last two games, she's still led the team in three-point attempts and should have plenty of chances once again. Courtney Vandersloot has heated up from beyond the arc recently and has shot 50 percent from the perimeter across her last five appearances. As a result, she's scored in double figures during four of the last five games. Kahleah Copper has been the team's leading scorer and has averaged 17.4 points per game across her seven appearances since the Olympic break. During that time, she's shot 38.9 percent from three-point range.

The Aces have thrived in the frontcourt recently, and A'ja Wilson should see plenty of work Thursday with Liz Cambage sidelined due to the league's health and safety protocols. Wilson was held to just four points against Connecticut's stingy defense last week, but she's still been dominant since the Olympic break. She's recorded double-doubles in three of the five games since the WNBA resumed play, and she's averaged 15.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.6 assists in 30.2 minutes per contest during that time. Dearica Hamby missed Saturday's game due to a left ankle sprain and will be held out once again Thursday. Her absence led to increased playing time for Kiah Stokes, who recorded one point and eight rebounds in 22 minutes. Wilson and Stokes should see plenty of work in the Aces' frontcourt with two key players in Hamby and Cambage unavailable. Riquna Williams has a low-range DFS salary but has averaged 9.5 points and 4.3 rebounds in 27.5 minutes per game across her last five appearances, and she's in line for additional work with the Aces shorthanded Thursday.

New York Liberty vs Seattle Storm (-12.0)

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

New York

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Sami WhitcombGAnkleGTD9/2/2021
Jazmine JonesGFootGTD9/2/2021
Michaela OnyenwereFChestGTD9/2/2021
Nayo Raincock-EkunweFNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022
Asia DurrGIllnessOUT5/1/2022
Han XuCNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022
Marine JohannesGNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022
Jocelyn WilloughbyFAchillesOUT5/1/2022

Seattle

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Jordin CanadaGKneeOUT9/7/2021
Mikiah Herbert HarriganFNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2022

2021 Player Stats

New York

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Betnijah Laney17.84.15.10.70.11.13.56.814.83.24.1
Sami Whitcomb12.35.42.91.10.42.76.14.3911.2
Sabrina Ionescu10.85.860.50.51.85.53.39.32.32.6
Michaela Onyenwere8.830.50.40.31.23.82.97.51.82.1
Rebecca Allen9.441.11.81.325.1391.31.5
Kylee Shook5.94.41.50.40.60.82.12.55.50.10.1
Jazmine Jones6.72.71.30.50.40.822.36.11.31.8
Natasha Howard14.46.61.610.31.13.25.713.322.3
Reshanda Gray6.13.40.20.30.30.10.62.44.41.31.9
DiDi Richards2.310.90.60.20.30.70.920.10.3
Leaonna Odom3.31.20.50.30.30.311.22.60.50.7
Kiah Stokes1.74.20.60.40.70.10.20.71.20.20.2
Joyner Holmes00100000000
Jocelyn Willoughby00000000000
Layshia Clarendon00000000000

Seattle

PlayerPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PAFGMFGAFTMFTA
Breanna Stewart20.39.92.71.21.81.85.36.9164.75.5
Jewell Loyd1843.71.40.22.15.76.314.83.33.8
Sue Bird10.52.75.510.12.35.33.88.50.60.8
Mercedes Russell6.76.31.60.80.4002.84.71.11.5
Jordin Canada5.92.330.80.10.10.5251.82.2
Eziyoda Magbegor6.23.70.70.510.20.32.5511.2
Katie Lou Samuelson6.73.51.60.50.30.92.72.65.80.50.8
Stephanie Talbot5.42.71.50.50.40.92.22.24.70.20.3
Epiphanny Prince5.41.61.70.70.20.81.61.84.411.1
Candice Dupree5.92.50.70.40.20.10.32.65.90.70.7
Kennedy Burke3.110.30.30.20.30.81.22.60.40.6
Kiana Williams0.40.40.20.100.10.60.10.70.10.1
Karlie Samuelson20100011200
Mikiah Herbert Harrigan00000000000
Cierra Burdick010.20.200000.400

The Skinny

The Storm have the highest expected score on Thursday's slate (87.75), but they're favored to win by 12 points and could rest some starters if they develop a comfortable lead early on. However, the Liberty could still post a relatively high score since they have the second-highest pace in the league. New York is dealing with several injuries, highlighted by Sami Whitcomb (ankle), who returned to the court Tuesday but played just seven minutes. She's questionable once again, and DiDi Richards will likely see additional playing time if Whitcomb is held out. Richards is a lackluster DFS play given her inconsistent results, but Betnijah Laney has taken on an increased role in the Liberty's backcourt while Whitcomb has been sidelined. Across her last three appearances, the 27-year-old has averaged 17.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 37.0 minutes per game. Sabrina Ionescu has also developed more consistency since the Olympic break, as she's scored in double figures in each of her seven appearances since the layoff. During that time, the second-year pro has averaged 13.0 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 33.1 minutes per contest.

The Liberty allow plenty of scoring, which should allow Seattle's starters to rack up fantasy points if the score remains relatively close in Thursday's matchup. Breanna Stewart has remained dominant since she returned from a two-game absence due to rest purposes, and she's averaged a double-double with 18.8 points and 11.2 rebounds in 33.0 minutes per game across her last five appearances. She has the top DFS salary on DraftKings and FanDuel on Thursday but should still provide value given her recent output. Jewell Loyd topped 25 points in each of her first three appearances after the Olympic break but has shot just 32.7 percent from the floor across her last four appearances. As a result, she's averaged just 11.3 points per game during that time but should have the chance to bounce back against a lackluster defense Thursday. Although Katie Lou Samuelson could return to the starting five with Jordin Canada (knee) sidelined, she's averaged just 6.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game to begin the second half of the year.

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. Jason Shebilske plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: DraftKings: FavreFanatic, FanDuel: Favre_Fanatic.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jason Shebilske
Jason joined RotoWire in 2019. In 2023, he was named the FSWA Player Notes Writer of the Year. In addition to RotoWire, Jason writes for the Sports Broadcast Journal. In 2024, he was dubbed "The Polish Parlay" for his WNBA hot betting streak.
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