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After a day off from writing this column because it was my anniversary Friday and I was not going to be able to get something out before Saturday's early game, we're back today to talk about Sunday's three games!
The biggest game today? The Sparks/Sky rematch. Los Angeles had a horrid start to 2021, but then rebounded by beating Chicago the other day. Can they prove that wasn't a fluke?
In this article, I'll be providing you with some daily fantasy WNBA lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 5/30/21. These lineups picks will range from elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. Want to talk more about the WNBA? I'm always available on Twitter and always down to discuss women's basketball: @juscarts.
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WNBA DFS Game Breakdown: Sparks @ Sky
When: 6:00 PM ET
Watch: Facebook
Injuries: Los Angeles: OUT: Jasmine Walker
Chicago: OUT: Allie Quigley, Candace Parker, Stefanie Dolson
Players of Interest:
The rematch of these teams will once again not feature Candace Parker for Chicago, but that should just offer more chances for Ruthy Hebard to put up strong numbers. In the first game against L.A., Hebard had 12 points and eight rebounds while playing 35 minutes. Meanwhile, Azura Stevens saw her minutes cut down to 15, which is something to maybe be concerned about!
Courtney Vandersloot was shut down last game, as she was held to two points and six assists. Yikes, but I do think she bounces back some. If you want a more reliable guard play for the Sky, try Kahleah Copper.
For L.A., Nneka Ogwumike remains a solid play, especially since Chicago doesn't have Parker to guard her. She had 14 points and nine boards last game. But keep an eye on Amanda Zahui B., who played 16 minutes in her season debut, scoring eight points and pulling down two boards. If she has an expanded role, she could do a lot here.
At guard, there's been a lot of inconsistent play from this team, which makes it hard to trust anyone. Brittney Sykes is the exception, as she had 11 points, five rebounds, three assists, and five steals last game. As for a sleeper, Arella Guirantes still hasn't done a lot, but she started last game, playing 14 minutes. Only five points and two assists, but it seems the team is angling toward giving her a bigger role.
WNBA DFS Game Breakdown: Fever @ Aces
When: 6:00 PM ET
Watch: WNBA League Pass
Injuries: Indiana: OUT: Alliyah Wilson, QUES: Bernadett Hatar
Las Vegas: OUT: Destiny Slocum, Kelsey Plum, Angel McCoughtry
Players of Interest:
The Aces are super short-handed, making all three of their guards strong plays on this slate. Chelsea Gray and Jackie Young are top picks because both should play virtually the entire game and won't face a ton of strong defense, while Riquna Williams is more of a value pick. But with Destiny Slocum out last game, Williams played 38 minutes, scoring a season-high 18 points. Really strong option here.
At forward, the Aces have three players who should find success. A'ja Wilson is one of the top plays on the slate. Liz Cambage has struggled at times, but posted 12 points and seven rebounds in just 15 minutes last game. She makes the most of her time on the court. And Dearica Hamby just tore apart the Fever, scoring 25 points. She'll be relied on a lot to score in this game with so few players available.
Indiana's been getting inconsistent production from Kelsey Mitchell, but the short-handed Aces are going to get tired in the backcourt in this game, so Mitchell feels like a higher value play than other times. She had 13 points in Friday's game between these teams. Meanwhile, Tiffany Mitchell had 17 points in that game, but didn't do a ton else. She's risky.
Teaira McCowan worried me last game since she was up against Liz Cambage, but she finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds in 30 minutes. Seems Indiana will want her on the floor a lot to counter the size for Vegas, so pencil her in as a strong play. Jantel Lavender saw 21 minutes of action last game and could be a sneaky value play.
WNBA DFS Game Breakdown: Sun @ Lynx
When: 7:00 PM ET
Watch: WNBA League Pass
Injuries: Connecticut: OUT: Alyssa Thomas
Minnesota: OUT: Aerial Powers, QUES: Layshia Clarendon
Players of Interest:
Jonquel Jones. I don't think I need to say more about her, right? Six double-doubles in a row, with at least three assists and a steal in each of those games. Jones is playing like the MVP right now. Brionna Jones has also been scoring well. Not much else at forward for this team since those two play so much.
DeWanna Bonner is probably the top guard you can play on this slate. She'll score a bunch of points, grab some rebounds, and then will fill in some holes in assists, blocks, and steals that result in a high DFS total. I also like DiJonai Carrington as a sleeper. Played a season-high 16 minutes last game, scoring 10 points and adding two steals. Her role appears to be growing.
For Minnesota, Napheesa Collier is back, and in her first game she had 14 points, three rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. She played 28 minutes. Expect that to ease up into the 30s today, making her a top play. Sylvia Fowles played just 19 minutes last game with Collier back, but still managed 15 points and six boards, so keep her on your radar. (Collier's return appears to spell doom for Jessica Shepard's role, by the way.)
As for guards, Aerial Powers being out presents some chances. We haven't talked much about Crystal Dangerfield this season, but she's had some solid games, though also has been inconsistent as a scorer. Still, plenty of upside there. Kayla McBride continues to not score as efficiently as you'd like, but she's going to get you at least 17 fantasy points, so there's at least a decent floor there. And Bridget Carleton has now 20-plus minutes in three consecutive games, making her an interesting sleeper.
