WNBA DFS Breakdown: Wednesday

WNBA DFS Breakdown: Wednesday

Rotowire DFS Tools

LINEUP OPTIMIZER

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

DAILY LINEUPS

VALUE REPORT

TEAM TRENDS

OPPONENT AVERAGES

DraftKings and FanDuel Price Differences

Top 5 FanDuel

PLAYERPOSTEAMFanDuel Price% of BudgetDraftKings Price% of BudgetDifference
Natisha HiedemanGCON34008.5%630012.6%-4.1%
Brittney GrinerFPHO750018.8%1140022.8%-4.1%
Breanna StewartFSEA820020.5%1200024.0%-3.5%
Courtney WilliamsGATL530013.3%830016.6%-3.4%
Skylar Diggins-SmithGPHO660016.5%980019.6%-3.1%

Top 5 DraftKings

PLAYERPOSTEAMFanDuel Price% of BudgetDraftKings Price% of BudgetDifference
Stella JohnsonGCHI34008.5%30006.0%2.5%
Crystal LanghorneFSEA35008.8%32006.4%2.4%
Theresa PlaisanceFCON38009.5%36007.2%2.3%
Sydney ColsonGCHI33008.3%31006.2%2.1%
Kia VaughnFPHO39009.8%39007.8%2.0%

Dallas Wings vs Connecticut Sun

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Dallas

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Satou SaballyFBackGTD8/12/2020
Luisa GeiselsoderCPersonalOUT5/1/2021
Imani McGee-StaffordCPersonalSUSP5/1/2022

Connecticut

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Briann JanuaryGIllnessGTD8/12/2020
Jonquel JonesFPersonalOUT2/1/2021

2020 Player Stats

Dallas

PlayerTeamPosGMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PATO
Arike OgunbowaleDalG832.620.41.92.81.506.51.6
Satou SaballyDalF827.4126.82.110.93.52.3
Allisha GrayDalG817103.10.90.50.32.90.8
Kayla ThorntonDalF825.58.140.51.30.34.51.1
Tyasha HarrisDalG7177.10.73.70.702.40.7
Moriah JeffersonDalG817.95.63.42.40.90.30.81.9
Isabelle HarrisonDalC817.55.44.51.40.90.30.41.3
Katie Lou SamuelsonDalG816.44.81.80.80.80.32.90.3
Astou NdourDalC612.84.330.500.820.5
Bella AlarieDalF815.32.53.80.51.11.10.60.4
Marina MabreyDalG56.62.81.20.20.601.61
Megan GustafsonDalF34.71.71.30000.30

Connecticut

PlayerTeamPosGMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PM3PATO
DeWanna BonnerConG833.918.87.93.42.50.61.55.52.4
Alyssa ThomasConF833.915.4104.11.80002.5
Jasmine ThomasConG829.611.91.84.91.80.31.33.53
Brionna JonesConC825.811.84.61.11.80.60.10.12.3
Natisha HiedemanConG8216.12.420.4012.61.3
Bria HolmesConG820.36.11.81.90.90.30.921.1
Kaila CharlesConG712.14.71.60.30.70.60.40.70.9
Kaleena Mosqueda-LewisConF813.93.82.10.40.10.10.83.80.5
Beatrice MompremierConF75.321.40.10.30.1000.3
Jacki GemelosConG55.21.80.400.200.61.20.6
Theresa PlaisanceConF46.820.300.30.501.50

The Skinny

Dallas was unable to back up its third win of the season versus the Dream on Saturday with another win Monday, falling to the Mercury by 12. Fortunately, last season's runner ups in Connecticut haven't reached nearly the same level success this season as they did in 2019. Through eight games, the Sun have skidded their way to just a 2-6 marks thus far. That comes despite a defnse that plays sits top half of the league in efficiency. With Dallas beginning to slow the pace down after a fast start and a pair of inefficient offenses going at it, this contest features just a 161.5 over/under. Phoenix's areas worth exploiting include the three-point line and taking it to the rack to draw contact. Arike Ogunbowale checks the box in both of those areas, shooting a team-high 6.5 three-point shots per contest while also tying for the team lead in free-throw attempts (3.8) along with Allisha Gray and Satou Sabally. Speaking of Sabally, it's questionable whether or not she can give it a go Wednesday due to a back injury. If she can't suit up, Katie Lou Samuelson, Bella Allarie and Moriah Jefferson are all candidates to cover some of her minutes.

Connecticut, on the other hand, is expected to get slightly healthier with Briann January expected to be in uniform for the first time this season. January is unlikely to see the floor enough to warrant fantasy consideration just yet, but her return could nick a few minutes off of the regular rotation players in the Sun's backcourt. Add to that the expected slow pace of the game and relatively inefficient offenses on both sides, and your left nitpicking Sun players as well. The glaring benefit of opponents against the Wings comes on the glass, where the opposition is snagging a slate-high 53.2 percent of rebounds and 37.8 rebounds overall. Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner take the largest share of those by a significant margin, but it could position Brionna Jones for another solid game as well.

Phoenix Mercury vs Chicago Sky

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Phoenix

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Diana TaurasiGBackOUT8/14/2020
Jessica BrelandFPersonalOUT1/1/2021
Yvonne TurnerGKneeOUT5/1/2021

Chicago

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Stefanie DolsonCAnkleGTD8/12/2020
Kiah GillespieFNot Injury RelatedOUT1/1/2021
Jamierra FaulknerGKneeOUT5/1/2021
Jantel LavenderCFootOUT5/1/2021

2020 Player Stats

Phoenix

PlayerTeamPosGMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PA3P%TO
Brittney GrinerPhoC832.318.47.92.90.120.102.6
Skylar Diggins-SmithPhoG829.615.63.14.41.10.64.139.42.6
Diana TaurasiPhoG72816.93.45.91.90.36.634.82.4
Bria HartleyPhoG625.516.73.54.31.506.237.82.2
Brianna TurnerPhoF822.176.41.60.91001.6
Alanna SmithPhoF815.163.61.40.40.52.129.40.9
Sophie CunninghamPhoG818.94.91.10.60.80.31.821.40.9
Shatori Walker-KimbroughPhoG713.44.71.30.90.601.930.81.1
Kia VaughnPhoC811.832.40.60.50.40.101.1
Nia CoffeyPhoF8152.52.40.60.40.3137.50.6

Chicago

PlayerTeamPosGMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PA3P%TO
Kahleah CopperChiG829.114.54.91.80.90333.32.4
Allie QuigleyChiG826.813.83.32.50.90.15.841.31.4
Cheyenne ParkerChiF827.413.65.91.51.50.51.646.22.9
Azura StevensChiF827.611.65.81.61.41.83.346.21
Courtney VanderslootChiG830.611.43.48.90.90.33.641.42.6
Gabby WilliamsChiF823.49.14.12.31.50.13.833.32.8
Diamond DeShieldsChiG818.97.62.11.91.30.11.516.73
Ruthy HebardChiF8113.43.50.40.30000.6
Stefanie DolsonChiC124844122501
Sydney ColsonChiG43.310000000.5
Stella JohnsonChiG41.500.500.30000

The Skinny

The top two teams in terms of pace go at it in this one, with subpar defensive efficiencies and top-half offensive marks turning this game into an expected shootout at 175.5, which dwarfs the161.5 mark of the other two. In summation, this is a game to target for fantasy purposes.

Phoenix will be without star point guard Diana Taurasi for a second straight game, likely leading to a lot more on-ball action for the likes of Skylar Diggins-Smith and Bria Hartley again after the two combined for 13 assists versus the Wings on Monday. Unfortunately, Taurasi's absence also leaves Phoenix without its primary pick-pocket threat against a team that has been careless with the ball this season, resulting in 10.5 opponent steals per game. Diggins-Smith (1.1 steals per game) and Hartley (1.5 steals per game) are next in line in the category, potentially positioning them for big nights. That's especially true when factoring in that the Sky's opponent's shoot a slate-best 39.9 percent from beyond the arc, though it's worth mentioning opponents shoot a league-low 17.9 attempts from deep. Chicago has cleaned up the boards fairly well thus far, owning the best rebound percentage on the slate, so it could be a bit tricky for Griner in one of her bread-and-butter categories.

On the opposite bench, Chicago is set to regain the services of Stefanie Dolson on Wednesday, though her extended absence could mean minimal run. Assuming that's the case, look for Azura Stevens and Cheyenne Parker to comprise the primary frontcourt options for the Sky once again. With the game expected to remain fairly close, starters should get plenty of run, and the Sky will likely aim to take advantage of the Mercury's tendency to send the opposition to the charity stripe. Cheyenne Parker would be the primary beneficiary to that end, averaging 4.1 free-throw attempts per contest. Courtney Vandersloot (2.3 per game) and Kahleah Copper (2.1), who has seen her minutes jump recently, would also be candidates for a boost in that area. Phoenix has also seen it's opposition nail 7.8 three-point attempts per contest (second-most on slate), which would bode well for Allie Quigley.

Atlanta Dream vs Seattle Storm

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Atlanta

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Chennedy CarterGAnkleOUT8/26/2020
Mikayla PivecGNot Injury RelatedOUT5/1/2021
Tiffany HayesGPersonalOUT5/1/2021
Renee MontgomeryGPersonalOUT5/1/2021
Maite CazorlaGPersonalOUT5/1/2021

Seattle

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Sue BirdGKneeGTD8/12/2020
Epiphanny PrinceGPersonalOUT8/14/2020
Kitija LaksaGNot Injury RelatedOUT1/1/2021

2020 Player Stats

Atlanta

PlayerTeamPosGMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PA3P%TO
Chennedy CarterAtlG825.5172.43.90.90.42.442.13.4
Betnijah LaneyAtlG831.515.84.33.5203.448.13.6
Elizabeth WilliamsAtlF830.612.95.31.50.80.9001.1
Shekinna StricklenAtlG823.59.31.80.40.305.839.10.8
Monique BillingsAtlF828.48.48.30.911.1002.5
Courtney WilliamsAtlG62310.862.70.20.21.301.8
Blake DietrickAtlG817.83.41.62.60.401.5251.8
Glory JohnsonAtlF613.73.73.80.30.80.71.7400.5
Kalani BrownAtlC111134000001
Alexis JonesAtlG311.7400.3104.330.81.7
Jaylyn AgnewAtlF67.21.70.70001.3250.5
Brittany BrewerAtlF39.31.31.700.71.3000.7
Erica McCallAtlF1502010000

Seattle

PlayerTeamPosGMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK3PA3P%TO
Breanna StewartSeaF831.320.17.93.62.31.55.342.93.3
Jewell LoydSeaG827.913.42.32.81.40.35.439.51.9
Jordin CanadaSeaG826.8102.65.11.800.502.4
Alysha ClarkSeaF829.39.43.93.41.80.53.1440.9
Sami WhitcombSeaG8168.82.42.110.33.1400.6
Ezi MagbegorSeaC812.86.82.40.10.40.80.11000.3
Natasha HowardSeaF818.14.65.10.11.40.40.833.31.6
Sue BirdSeaG32110.723.30.30.35.3501
Mercedes RussellSeaC8143.53.80.50.40.3001
Epiphanny PrinceSeaG411.531.30.80.30316.70.5
Morgan TuckSeaF77.41.60.70.30.600.600.4
Crystal LanghorneSeaF47.81.33.30.300.30.301.8

The Skinny

Atlanta suffered a huge loss for an already devastated team Monday when budding rookie point guard Chennedy Carter suffered an ankle injury that is expected to cost her two weeks. Without her running point for most of Monday's game, it was Betnijah Laney and Blake Dietrick who saw additional run on the ball, combining for 11 assists. Dietrick, in particular, saw a significant jump from single-digit minutes in the previous two games to 23 versus the Sun; a scenario that could continue to play out until Carter is back in action. However, it's worth noting that this game features the widest of margins and significant blowout potential (13.5-point spread), so there's a decent chance some of the minutes will be spread around between the clubs. Facing the best-rated defense in the league wand sporting the lowest expected point total (74) on the slate, it may be best to limit exposure to Dream players on the whole.

On the flip side, Seattle checks in with the second-highest expected scoring output (87.5). The Storm face an Atlanta squad among the worst in defensive efficiency and struggling across the board. It's easy to target all-around Breanna Stewart on the slate, and it's easy to justify it as the leading shot-blocker against a team seeing 4.1 shots swatted per game, not to mention her efficiency from outside (team-best 42.9 percent from deep) and work on the glass (team-high 7.9 boards). Those all fit into Dream areas of weakness on the defensive end of the floor, so Stewart should be able to get hers before the game gets out of hand, assuming it does. If that narrative turns true, Samie Whitcomb and Eziyoda Magbegor, who both saw boosted minutes in the blowout win over Chicago on Monday, could see sizable minutes again and could potentially warrant consideration.

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.
RotoWire Community
Join Our Subscriber-Only WNBA Chat
Chat with our writers and other RotoWire WNBA fans for all the pre-game info and in-game banter.
Join The Discussion
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.
WNBA Best Bets Today - Free Picks for Tuesday, September 24
WNBA Best Bets Today - Free Picks for Tuesday, September 24
WNBA Best Bets Today - Free Picks for Thursday, September 19
WNBA Best Bets Today - Free Picks for Thursday, September 19
WNBA DFS Picks and Lineup Tips for Thursday, September 19
WNBA DFS Picks and Lineup Tips for Thursday, September 19
WNBA Best Bets Today - Free Picks for Tuesday, September 17
WNBA Best Bets Today - Free Picks for Tuesday, September 17
WNBA DFS Picks and Lineup Tips for Tuesday, September 17
WNBA DFS Picks and Lineup Tips for Tuesday, September 17
WNBA DFS Picks and Lineup Tips for Sunday, September 15
WNBA DFS Picks and Lineup Tips for Sunday, September 15