RotoWire DFS Tools
DAILY MATCHUPS (Odds, Team Efficiency, Pace, Opposing Stats)
DraftKings and FanDuel Top Values (RotoWire Optimizer)
Top 5 FanDuel
| PLAYER | POS | TEAM | OPP | SAL | FPTS | VAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eziyoda Magbegor | F | SEA | PHO | 4300 | 25.69 | 6 |
| Crystal Dangerfield | G | MIN | @IND | 3900 | 21.67 | 5.6 |
| Rebecca Allen | F | NY | WAS | 6400 | 35.27 | 5.5 |
| Brianna Turner | F | PHO | @SEA | 6200 | 32.35 | 5.2 |
| A'ja Wilson | F | LVA | @CHI | 8700 | 44.71 | 5.1 |
Top 5 DraftKings
| PLAYER | POS | TEAM | OPP | SAL | FPTS | VAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A'ja Wilson | F | LVA | @CHI | 11300 | 44.59 | 4 |
| Skylar Diggins-Smith | G | PHO | @SEA | 9900 | 39.83 | 4 |
| Tina Charles | F | WAS | @NY | 11100 | 41.6 | 3.8 |
| Brittney Griner | F | PHO | @SEA | 11000 | 42.23 | 3.8 |
| Rebecca Allen | F | NY | WAS | 8900 | 33.76 | 3.8 |
Washington Mystics 
(-1.5) vs New York Liberty 
Injuries
Note: All return dates are just estimates
Washington
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ariel Atkins | G | Personal | GTD | 9/17/2021 |
| Myisha Hines-Allen | F | Illness | GTD | 9/17/2021 |
| Elena Delle Donne | F | Back | OUT | 9/21/2021 |
| Alysha Clark | F | Foot | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
| Klara Lundquist | G | Suspension | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
New York
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reshanda Gray | F | Illness | OUT | 9/17/2021 |
| Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe | F | Not Injury Related | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
| Asia Durr | G | Illness | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
| Han Xu | C | Not Injury Related | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
| Marine Johannes | G | Not Injury Related | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
| Jocelyn Willoughby | F | Achilles | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
2021 Player Stats
Washington
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3PM | 3PA | FGM | FGA | FTM | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tina Charles | 24.3 | 9.6 | 2 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 2 | 5.3 | 9.1 | 20.2 | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Ariel Atkins | 15.7 | 2.8 | 2.6 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 2.1 | 6 | 5.2 | 13 | 3.2 | 3.8 |
| Myisha Hines-Allen | 13.8 | 7.3 | 2.4 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 5.3 | 12.1 | 2.4 | 3.3 |
| Natasha Cloud | 8.2 | 3.6 | 6.5 | 1.3 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 2.8 | 7.6 | 1.6 | 1.9 |
| Theresa Plaisance | 6.6 | 4.5 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 3.8 | 2.4 | 6.7 | 0.7 | 0.9 |
| Leilani Mitchell | 6.4 | 2 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 1.6 | 4.5 | 2.1 | 5.8 | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Sydney Wiese | 4.6 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0 | 0.9 | 3 | 1.6 | 4.9 | 0.5 | 0.7 |
| Shavonte Zellous | 4.3 | 2.3 | 1.6 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 4.2 | 0.8 | 1 |
| Shatori Walker-Kimbrough | 7.1 | 1.4 | 1 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 2.5 | 4.9 | 1.9 | 2.2 |
| Erica McCall | 4.2 | 4.4 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0 | 0 | 1.6 | 3.2 | 1 | 1.5 |
| Megan Gustafson | 4 | 3.6 | 0 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 2.9 | 0.5 | 0.8 |
| Elena Delle Donne | 13.7 | 4.3 | 0.7 | 0 | 0.3 | 1 | 1.7 | 4.3 | 9 | 4 | 4 |
| Kiara Leslie | 2.8 | 2.2 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 0.8 | 0.9 |
| Stella Johnson | 2 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Jillian Alleyne | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
New York
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3PM | 3PA | FGM | FGA | FTM | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betnijah Laney | 17 | 4.2 | 5 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 3.4 | 6.5 | 14.1 | 3 | 3.8 |
| Sami Whitcomb | 11.7 | 5 | 2.8 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 2.6 | 6 | 4.1 | 8.8 | 0.9 | 1.1 |
| Sabrina Ionescu | 11.4 | 5.7 | 6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 1.8 | 5.5 | 3.7 | 9.8 | 2.3 | 2.6 |
| Michaela Onyenwere | 8.7 | 2.9 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 1.2 | 3.6 | 2.9 | 7.2 | 1.8 | 2.2 |
| Rebecca Allen | 9.2 | 3.8 | 1.1 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.9 | 5.1 | 3 | 8.8 | 1.4 | 1.5 |
| Natasha Howard | 15.5 | 7 | 1.8 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 1 | 2.9 | 6.3 | 13.6 | 1.8 | 2.3 |
| Kylee Shook | 5.8 | 4.1 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 5.2 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Jazmine Jones | 6 | 2.5 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 1.8 | 2 | 5.7 | 1.3 | 1.7 |
| Reshanda Gray | 5.9 | 3.5 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 2.3 | 4.3 | 1.2 | 1.7 |
| DiDi Richards | 2.2 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.9 | 2 | 0.1 | 0.3 |
| Leaonna Odom | 3.1 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0.7 |
| Kiah Stokes | 1.7 | 4.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Joyner Holmes | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jocelyn Willoughby | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Layshia Clarendon | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The Skinny
The Mystics and Liberty are expected to take part in the most competitive matchup on Friday's slate, and each team ranks within the bottom third of the league in defensive efficiency. Washington's usage depends on the status of Ariel Atkins (personal) and Myisha Hines-Allen (illness). Both of them have been sidelined recently, which has led to increased minutes for Leilani Mitchell and Theresa Plaisance. Neither Mitchell nor Plaisance have been able to generate excessive production despite their uptick in playing time. If Atkins and Hines-Allen are available, they should immediately reclaim prominent roles for the Mystics. Tina Charles is back to a normal workload following a four-game absence, and she's posted double-doubles in each of her last two appearances. The Liberty's defense allows plenty of scoring, rebounds and assists, which should lead to increased production for Natasha Cloud and Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, particularly if Atkins and Hines-Allen remain sidelined.
The Liberty are much healthier than the Mystics and should see relatively normal usage in the competitive matchup. Sabrina Ionescu has scored in double figures during each of her last 10 appearances and has averaged 14.1 points, 6.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds in 33.6 minutes per game during that time. Natasha Howard has also put together some well-rounded performances recently and is coming off a 25-point game against the Sun on Wednesday. Across the last three contests, she's averaged 18.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 30.7 minutes per game. Betnijah Laney has been slightly less productive on the scoreboard recently with single-digit scoring totals in two of the last three games, but she's helped propel the team's offense with 5.1 assists per game in 10 appearances since the Olympic break.
Minnesota Lynx 
(-9.5) vs Indiana Fever 
Injuries
Note: All return dates are just estimates
Minnesota
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layshia Clarendon | G | Leg | GTD | 9/17/2021 |
| Maya Moore | F | Personal | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
| Rennia Davis | G | Foot | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
| Damiris Dantas | C | Foot | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
Indiana
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tiffany Mitchell | G | Knee | GTD | 9/17/2021 |
| Danielle Robinson | G | Knee | GTD | 9/17/2021 |
| Bernadett Hatar | C | Ankle | OUT | 9/17/2021 |
| Kysre Gondrezick | G | Personal | OUT | 9/17/2021 |
| Chelsey Perry | F | Knee | OUT | 9/17/2021 |
| Florencia Chagas | G | Personal | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
| Jessica Breland | F | Thumb | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
| Julie Allemand | G | Not Injury Related | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
| Temi Fagbenle | F | Personal | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
2021 Player Stats
Minnesota
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3PM | 3PA | FGM | FGA | FTM | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sylvia Fowles | 16.1 | 10 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 0 | 0 | 6.8 | 10.7 | 2.5 | 3.4 |
| Napheesa Collier | 16.2 | 6.5 | 3.1 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 2.8 | 6 | 13.5 | 3.4 | 3.9 |
| Kayla McBride | 14 | 3.6 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 2 | 5 | 4.6 | 10.4 | 2.9 | 3.1 |
| Crystal Dangerfield | 7.4 | 1.9 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.9 | 2.5 | 2.7 | 7.3 | 1.1 | 1.3 |
| Layshia Clarendon | 10.5 | 3.3 | 5.7 | 0.6 | 0 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 4.5 | 8.6 | 1.4 | 1.8 |
| Damiris Dantas | 7.7 | 4 | 2.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 4.3 | 2.8 | 7.3 | 0.8 | 1 |
| Aerial Powers | 12.7 | 3.6 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 4 | 9.4 | 3.9 | 4.3 |
| Bridget Carleton | 4.9 | 2.3 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 2.3 | 1.8 | 4.3 | 0.5 | 0.7 |
| Rachel Banham | 5 | 1.2 | 1.6 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 1 | 2.7 | 1.9 | 4.7 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Natalie Achonwa | 3.2 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 2.7 | 1.1 | 1.2 |
| Jessica Shepard | 2 | 3.3 | 1.7 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 1.9 | 0.5 | 0.6 |
| Cierra Burdick | 2 | 0.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.7 | 1 | 0.7 | 1 |
| Linnae Harper | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Natasha Mack | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Indiana
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3PM | 3PA | FGM | FGA | FTM | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelsey Mitchell | 17 | 2.6 | 2.5 | 1 | 0.2 | 2.1 | 6.4 | 6.4 | 15.2 | 2.2 | 2.5 |
| Teaira McCowan | 11.4 | 9.6 | 1 | 0.6 | 1.6 | 0 | 0 | 4.3 | 8 | 2.7 | 4.2 |
| Tiffany Mitchell | 12 | 2.9 | 2 | 0.6 | 0 | 0.4 | 1.7 | 3.8 | 9.1 | 3.9 | 4.5 |
| Danielle Robinson | 9.9 | 3.5 | 3.7 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 1 | 3.7 | 8.8 | 2.3 | 2.6 |
| Victoria Vivians | 6.7 | 2.9 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 4 | 2.4 | 7.2 | 0.7 | 0.9 |
| Jantel Lavender | 6.6 | 3.9 | 1.6 | 0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 2.9 | 7 | 0.6 | 0.7 |
| Jessica Breland | 5.8 | 6.3 | 2 | 0.6 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 2.6 | 6.9 | 0.5 | 0.7 |
| Lindsay Allen | 5 | 1.4 | 2.6 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 1.9 | 4.5 | 0.8 | 1 |
| Emma Cannon | 5.2 | 3.8 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 1 | 2.3 | 4.8 | 0.4 | 0.7 |
| Kysre Gondrezick | 1.9 | 1 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0 | 0.4 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 2.4 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Bernadett Hatar | 4.9 | 2.6 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4.1 | 0.9 | 1 |
| Aaliyah Wilson | 1.2 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.8 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Lauren Cox | 1.4 | 2 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Chelsey Perry | 2.2 | 1 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 0.8 | 3 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
The Skinny
The Lynx have a defense that ranks among the top half of the league, but they'll be playing against the Fever, who have the worst-ranked defensive efficiency in the WNBA. Napheesa Collier has scored in double figures in three of her last five appearances and will attempt to remain productive Friday after she put up a team-high 22 points in Sunday's win over Indiana. However, Sylvia Fowles has the highest DFS salary on the team after she averaged 13.6 points and 9.8 rebounds in 26.8 minutes per game across the last five contests. Aerial Powers has a more reasonable salary but has been a force on the scoreboard recently. She had a streak of three consecutive 20-point performances snapped in Sunday's win over the Fever, but she's been in the starting lineup in each of the last two games. Kayla McBride has put together a streak of six consecutive double-digit scoring totals and has averaged 15.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists in 30.0 minutes per game during that time.
The Fever are dealing with several injuries, most notably to Danielle Robinson (knee) and Tiffany Mitchell (knee). Mitchell should see plenty of playing time if she's able to return from her one-game absence, while Robinson would likely see more limitations if she's able to suit up since she hasn't played since Aug. 28. Victoria Vivians has taken on an increased role in Indiana's backcourt since the Olympic break, particularly since Robinson suffered her injury. The 26-year-old has topped 10 points in three of her last four appearances and has averaged 10.8 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists in 31.0 minutes per game during that time. Kelsey Mitchell has also been a bright spot during Indiana's relatively disappointing season and has averaged 20.0 points, 3.2 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 35.7 minutes per game across the last six contests. Teaira McCowan has been the team's top contributor on the boards this year and has posted double-doubles in four of her 10 appearances since the Olympics. During that time, she's averaged 11.5 points and 10.6 rebounds in 27.9 minutes per contest.
Las Vegas Aces 
(-3.5) vs Chicago Sky 
Injuries
Note: All return dates are just estimates
Las Vegas
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liz Cambage | C | Covid-19 | OUT | 9/19/2021 |
| Iliana Rupert | C | Not Injury Related | OUT | 4/1/2022 |
| Angel McCoughtry | F | Knee | OUT | 4/1/2022 |
Chicago
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stefanie Dolson | C | Knee | GTD | 9/17/2021 |
| Maria Conde | F | Personal | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
| Leonie Fiebich | F | Personal | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
2021 Player Stats
Las Vegas
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3PM | 3PA | FGM | FGA | FTM | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A'ja Wilson | 18.7 | 9.4 | 3 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 0 | 0 | 6.6 | 14.9 | 5.4 | 6.2 |
| Jackie Young | 12.1 | 4 | 3.2 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 4.8 | 9.6 | 2.4 | 2.9 |
| Liz Cambage | 14.7 | 8.4 | 1.3 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 5.8 | 10.5 | 3 | 4.2 |
| Kelsey Plum | 14.3 | 2.4 | 3.7 | 1 | 0 | 1.6 | 4.3 | 4.7 | 10.9 | 3.3 | 3.5 |
| Chelsea Gray | 11.1 | 3 | 6.1 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 2.1 | 4.6 | 10.3 | 1 | 1.2 |
| Dearica Hamby | 11.4 | 6.7 | 1.7 | 1 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 1.3 | 4.3 | 7.9 | 2.6 | 3.9 |
| Riquna Williams | 10.1 | 2.7 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 1.9 | 4.7 | 3.4 | 7.9 | 1.4 | 1.5 |
| Ji-Su Park | 2 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 2 | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Destiny Slocum | 1.2 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Kiah Stokes | 1.4 | 5.8 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 0 | 0 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Joyner Holmes | 3.3 | 1 | 0.5 | 0 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 1 | 1.3 | 2.5 | 0 | 0 |
| Emma Cannon | 2 | 1.7 | 0.3 | 0 | 0.3 | 0 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Bria Holmes | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 0 | 0 |
| Angel McCoughtry | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Chicago
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3PM | 3PA | FGM | FGA | FTM | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahleah Copper | 14.4 | 4.4 | 1.7 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 2.6 | 5.3 | 11.7 | 3 | 3.6 |
| Courtney Vandersloot | 11 | 3.5 | 8.8 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 3.3 | 4.2 | 9.6 | 1.4 | 1.6 |
| Allie Quigley | 13.5 | 2.5 | 2.4 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 2.1 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 10.5 | 1.9 | 2 |
| Diamond DeShields | 10.8 | 3.4 | 2.2 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 2.5 | 3.8 | 9.7 | 2.5 | 3.1 |
| Candace Parker | 13.3 | 8.9 | 4 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 11 | 2.2 | 2.8 |
| Azura Stevens | 7.5 | 4.6 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 3 | 6 | 0.9 | 1.1 |
| Stefanie Dolson | 7.5 | 3.5 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 2 | 3 | 6.1 | 0.8 | 0.8 |
| Ruthy Hebard | 6 | 4.4 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0 | 0.1 | 2.5 | 4.7 | 0.9 | 1.1 |
| Astou Ndour-Fall | 6.6 | 5.1 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 1.7 | 2.3 | 6.1 | 1.7 | 1.8 |
| Dana Evans | 3.8 | 0.4 | 1 | 0.2 | 0 | 0.7 | 1.7 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Lexie Brown | 1.5 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0 | 0.4 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stephanie Watts | 2.5 | 3.7 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 3.2 | 1 | 1.3 |
| Shyla Heal | 2 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 2 | 1.5 | 1.5 |
| Natasha Mack | 2 | 1.3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.7 | 1 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Brittany Boyd-Jones | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0.5 | 1 | 0.5 | 2 | 0.5 | 1 |
The Skinny
The Aces and Sky are expected to engage in the highest-scoring matchup on Friday's slate with an expected total of 170.5. Although each team has a strong defense, the two squads rank within the top three teams in the league in pace. 2020 WNBA MVP A'ja Wilson has been the top contributor for the Aces this season and has one of the highest DFS salaries Friday. She's recorded double-doubles in four of her last six appearances and has averaged 18.7 points and 9.8 rebounds in 31.8 minutes per game during that time. Kelsey Plum has a more reasonable salary but has been a top contributor on the scoreboard recently despite coming off the bench. She's scored in double figures in each of the last five games and has averaged 20.2 points and 4.2 assists in 26.6 minutes per contest across that span. Kiah Stokes has been dominant on the boards since Liz Cambage (COVID-19 protocols) has been sidelined and has averaged 9.0 rebounds per game across her last five appearances.
The Sky scored at least 80 points in each of their two matchups against the Aces earlier in the month and will attempt to replicate their production Friday. They'll likely be playing without Stefanie Dolson (knee), who is doubtful and appears to be on track to miss her first game since June 1. Although she's played a bench role for Chicago, her absence should lead to even more playing time in the frontcourt for Candace Parker, who has recorded double-doubles in each of her last three appearances and has averaged 18.0 points, 12.7 points and 5.3 assists in 31.0 minutes per game during that time. Allie Quigley should also see plenty of production against the Aces' defense, which allows plenty of looks from the perimeter. Courtney Vandersloot has also had increased three-point attempts across the last month but has been limited to just 6.5 points per game across her last two appearances.
Phoenix Mercury 
(-2.5) vs Seattle Storm 
Injuries
Note: All return dates are just estimates
Phoenix
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alanna Smith | F | Covid-19 | GTD | 9/17/2021 |
| Diana Taurasi | G | Ankle | OUT | 9/19/2021 |
Seattle
| Name | Pos | Injury | Status | Return |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jordin Canada | G | Knee | GTD | 9/17/2021 |
| Breanna Stewart | F | Foot | OUT | 9/20/2021 |
| Mikiah Herbert Harrigan | F | Not Injury Related | OUT | 5/1/2022 |
2021 Player Stats
Phoenix
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3PM | 3PA | FGM | FGA | FTM | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brittney Griner | 20.8 | 9.5 | 2.6 | 0.4 | 2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 8.4 | 14.6 | 3.8 | 4.6 |
| Skylar Diggins-Smith | 18.1 | 3.3 | 5.2 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 1.5 | 4.1 | 5.6 | 12.5 | 5.3 | 6.4 |
| Kia Nurse | 9.2 | 3.5 | 1.8 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 1.7 | 5 | 3 | 8.3 | 1.5 | 1.9 |
| Diana Taurasi | 15.2 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 2.6 | 7.6 | 4.4 | 11.9 | 3.9 | 4.5 |
| Brianna Turner | 8 | 9.5 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 0 | 0 | 3.5 | 6.2 | 1.1 | 1.5 |
| Sophie Cunningham | 5.4 | 2 | 1.1 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 1 | 2.4 | 1.9 | 4.3 | 0.6 | 0.8 |
| Shey Peddy | 4.8 | 2.3 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 1.7 | 4.2 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Megan Walker | 4.8 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 2.7 | 1.7 | 5.3 | 0.7 | 1.1 |
| Kia Vaughn | 4.3 | 2.7 | 1.3 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4.7 | 0.4 | 0.7 |
| Alanna Smith | 1.2 | 1.3 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.2 | 1.2 | 0.4 | 1.9 | 0.1 | 0.2 |
| Bria Hartley | 3 | 0.3 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 0 | 0.5 | 1 | 1.3 | 2.3 | 0 | 0 |
| Cierra Burdick | 1 | 1.8 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Haley Gorecki | 0 | 0.7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.3 | 0 | 0.3 | 0 | 0 |
Seattle
| Player | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | 3PM | 3PA | FGM | FGA | FTM | FTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breanna Stewart | 20.3 | 9.6 | 2.7 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 1.7 | 5.1 | 6.9 | 15.8 | 4.8 | 5.6 |
| Jewell Loyd | 17.3 | 4.1 | 3.8 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 2 | 5.5 | 6 | 14.5 | 3.2 | 3.6 |
| Sue Bird | 10.2 | 2.6 | 5.3 | 1 | 0.1 | 2.3 | 5.3 | 3.6 | 8.2 | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| Mercedes Russell | 7.1 | 6.1 | 1.6 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0 | 0 | 2.9 | 4.8 | 1.2 | 1.6 |
| Eziyoda Magbegor | 6.4 | 3.8 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 1 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2.6 | 5.2 | 1.1 | 1.2 |
| Katie Lou Samuelson | 7 | 3.5 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 1 | 2.8 | 2.7 | 5.9 | 0.7 | 1 |
| Jordin Canada | 5.9 | 2.3 | 3 | 0.8 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 2 | 5 | 1.8 | 2.2 |
| Stephanie Talbot | 5.6 | 2.9 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.9 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 4.8 | 0.2 | 0.3 |
| Epiphanny Prince | 5.7 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.2 | 0.8 | 1.7 | 2 | 4.6 | 0.9 | 1 |
| Candice Dupree | 5.9 | 2.5 | 0.7 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2.6 | 5.9 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Kennedy Burke | 3 | 0.9 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 2.5 | 0.5 | 0.7 |
| Karlie Samuelson | 3 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 0 | 0 | 0.3 | 2.7 | 1 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 0.7 |
| Kiana Williams | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.1 |
| Cierra Burdick | 0.4 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0 | 0 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 0.3 |
| Mikiah Herbert Harrigan | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
The Skinny
Both teams in the matchup between the Mercury and the Storm have strong defenses while ranking among the bottom half in the league in pace, and neither team has an expected total above 80 points as a result. The Mercury will be playing without Diana Taurasi (ankle) for a third consecutive game, which should lead to another start for Shey Peddy. Peddy has been in the starting five in each of the last two games and has averaged 15.0 points and 3.5 assists in 29.0 minutes per contest during that time. Brittney Griner didn't miss a beat in her return to the court Saturday, and she now has double-doubles in each of her last two appearances. She should handle a massive role once again Friday but has one of the top salaries on both DraftKings and FanDuel. Skylar Diggins-Smith has logged at least four assists in each of her last nine games and has averaged 17.6 points, 5.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds in 32.3 minutes per contest during that time. On the boards, Brianna Turner has been Phoenix's top contributor during the second half of the year and has averaged 9.4 points and 11.4 rebounds in 32.3 minutes per game across her last 11 appearances.
The Storm were in line to compete for the No. 1 seed in the playoffs earlier in the year, but they've played without Breanna Stewart (foot) recently after she was shut down for the remainder of the regular season. Her absence has created more playing time for Eziyoda Magbegor, who has continued to come off the bench recently but has played 24 minutes in each of the last two games. During that time, she's averaged 10.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per contest. Stephanie Talbot has also generated modest production in the Storm's frontcourt and took on a starting role in Sunday's loss. She's averaged 7.3 points and 4.0 rebounds in 20.3 minutes per game across the last three contests. Like the rest of Seattle's offense, Jewell Loyd has been inconsistent recently. She totaled just five points in Sunday's blowout loss to the Sparks but has still scored at least 10 points in four of her last six appearances. The Storm have proven to be one of the best teams in the WNBA when they're playing at their full potential, but they've been wildly inconsistent with Stewart sidelined and will likely struggle to generate much offensive production in what should be a low-scoring matchup Friday.
