This article is part of our WNBA Fantasy Primer series.
WNBA Fantasy Picks, Starting Lineups and Previews Tonight
After a one-game slate on Monday night, the WNBA has two games on Tuesday. Kirien Sprecher highlights things to keep an eye on from around the league, including injury updates, fantasy risers and fallers and projected starting lineups for tonight's action.
Those looking for a complete overview of every matchup can check out RotoWire's Daily WNBA Projections page and the latest WNBA news. A video version of the latest trends to watch around the league can be found through the RotoWire WNBA Show, which airs live every Monday and Friday at 1:00 p.m. CT. Those looking for sports betting advice can view the RotoWire Picks and Props tool.
WNBA Schedule Today
Los Angeles Sparks @ Connecticut Sun
New York Liberty @ Phoenix Mercury
WNBA News Roundup
Courtney Vandersloot Doubtful Again
Vandersloot will likely miss her fifth straight game Tuesday due to personal reasons. It's unclear when she'll return to action. Kayla Thornton should continue to start, but Leonie Fiebich has carved out a larger bench role in Vandersloot's absence.
Bridget Carleton Ruled Out, Dorka Juhasz Starts
Carleton was initially listed as probable due to an elbow injury for Monday's game against the Wings. However, she was surprisingly downgraded to out, opening up a starting spot for Dorka Juhasz, who posted 11 points, four boards, two assists and two blocks in 25 minutes during a 90-78 win over Dallas. The extent of Carleton's injury remains unclear.
Stephanie Soares Starts Sans Arike Ogunbowale
Ogunbowale was a late scratch Monday against the Lynx due to Achilles soreness, so Soares entered the starting lineup for the third time this season. However, Soares was held scoreless and grabbed just two rebounds, while Sevgi Uzun, Jacy Sheldon and Lou Lopez Senechal were the real beneficiaries of Ogunbowale's absence. Ogunbowale is considered day-to-day.
WNBA Fantasy Risers and Fallers
Risers
- Sevgi Uzun, G, Dallas Wings
In Arike Ogunbowale's absence, Uzun played 31 minutes, scored a season-high 17 points and dished out at least six assists for the fourth time this season. Ogunbowale is considered day-to-day, but Uzun's solid production may allow Dallas to be cautious with their superstar point guard.
- Natisha Hiedeman, G, Minnesota Lynx
Hiedeman shook off a probable tag due to an ankle injury and posted season highs in minutes (23) and points (17). She also dished out at least five assists for the fourth time this season. Hiedeman's increased production was likely due to Bridget Carleton's (elbow) absence, but the latter's return timeline remains unclear.
Fallers
- Olivia Epoupa, G, Minnesota Lynx
Even with Bridget Carleton (elbow) unavailable, Epoupa didn't play, marking her first DNP-CD since May 29. In the previous seven games, Epoupa averaged 8.9 minutes off the bench.
Matchup Previews
Los Angeles Sparks 
at Connecticut Sun 
WNBA Injury Report
Los Angeles
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Azura Stevens | F | Arm | OUT | 6/22/2024 |
| Julie Allemand | G | Ankle | OFS | 5/1/2025 |
Connecticut
| Moriah Jefferson | G | Ankle | OUT | 6/21/2024 |
| Leila Lacan | G | Not Injury Related | OFS | 5/1/2025 |
| Abbey Hsu | G | Not Injury Related | OUT | 5/1/2025 |
WNBA Starting Lineups
Note: All starting lineups included are projected and have not been confirmed by each team. For updated lineups as tipoff approaches, check out RotoWire's WNBA Daily Lineups page.
Los Angeles Sparks Projected Starters
Connecticut Sun Projected Starters
New York Liberty 
at Phoenix Mercury 
WNBA Injury Report
New York
| Courtney Vandersloot | G | Personal | GTD | 6/18/2024 |
| Nyara Sabally | F | Back | OUT | 6/20/2024 |
| Rebekah Gardner | G | Achilles | OFS | 4/1/2025 |
| Kaitlyn Davis | F | Not Injury Related | OFS | 5/1/2025 |
Phoenix
None
WNBA Starting Lineups
Note: All starting lineups included are projected and have not been confirmed by each team. For updated lineups as tipoff approaches, check out RotoWire's WNBA Daily Lineups page.
New York Liberty Projected Starters
Phoenix Mercury Projected Starters
Players to Watch
- Aari McDonald, G, Los Angeles Sparks
McDonald has scored at least 14 points in four straight games, averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 assists, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 steals in 27.5 minutes during the stretch. We still have Layshia Clarendon projected as a starter. However, McDonald started the second half of Sunday's loss to Atlanta over Clarendon, and it wouldn't be surprising to see that become a permanent switch moving forward.
- Leonie Fiebich, F, New York Liberty
While Kayla Thornton continues to start in Courtney Vandersloot's absence, Fiebich's production off the bench has also grown. Over her last four games, Fiebich has averaged 8.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 0.8 steals in 21.8 minutes.
