RADIO
We're reaching the final stages of the 2019 WNBA season, and Thursday night could be a big night, as a win by the Mercury clinches them a playoff spot. That would lock in the eight teams who'll make the postseason, though there are still seeding changes that could happen over the final couple of weeks.
In this article, I'll be providing you with some daily fantasy WNBA lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 8/29/19. 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
WNBA - DFS Guards
Arike Ogunbowale (G, Dallas Wings) – @ Chicago Sky (DK: $10,100, FD: $7,600)
The days of getting Ogunbowale at a discount are over, but that doesn't mean she shouldn't still be on DFS rosters. I've talked extensively over the last couple of months about Arike and how her shot volume gives her an incredible fantasy floor even when she's struggling to connect, but the rookie's also seen an increase in efficiency lately, hitting at least 40 percent from the floor in four of her last five games. She's also facing a pretty weak Chicago Sky defense; in the first two meetings between these teams, Ogunbowale had a 20 and a 22 point game. She'll shoot 15 times. She'll attempt eight to 10 free throws. She'll continue to sprinkle in some assists and rebounds.
Riquna Williams (G, Los Angeles Sparks) – @ Indiana Fever (DK: $7,700, FD: $5,500)
Like with Ogunbowale, the combination of a soft defense -- Indiana allows the third-highest three-point field goal percentage and third-most points per game in the league -- and some strong recent play is a good indicator for Williams. Since returning from suspension, Williams has instantly taken a key place back in the Sparks rotation, and she's taken at least nine shot attempts in all three games. Notably for Thursday's meeting, she's taken at least five threes in each of those games, and while her 6-for-21 shooting mark from three isn't superb, her taking those shots is a good indicator that she's going to start making them, as was her one strong shooting night, when she was 5-for-8 from deep against the Sun. Williams should also add in a handful of rebounds.
WNBA - DFS Forwards
Teaira McCowan (F, Indiana Fever) – vs Los Angeles Sparks (DK: $8,500 FD: $6,900)
So, uhh...Teaira McCowan, y'all.
Against Seattle, McCowan had 22 points and 19 rebounds. A game later, she had 24 points and 17 rebounds against the Aces. After splitting time with Natalie Achonwa for much of her rookie year, McCowan is ending her first WNBA season on a hot streak. Head coach Pokey Chatman has finally figured out how to balance minutes -- by which I mean, "has given McCowan 30-plus minutes per game" -- and McCowan's on fire.
The Sparks are right in the middle of the league in points allowed in the paint per game, but they've allowed more on average than Seattle and Vegas have, so...I'm not sure interior defense means much to McCowan at this point. Keep riding this hot streak.
Isabelle Harrison (F, Dallas Wings) – @ Chicago Sky (DK: $7,200, FD: $7,000)
A little better value on DraftKings than FanDuel, but Harrison is a good play on both sites because of a matchup with a Chicago Sky team that's allowing the most points in the paint per game in the WNBA. In the last two games where Harrison saw serious minutes, she recorded a pair of double doubles, and this game should offer her another chance to score inside and grab boards. Something like a 12-point, 11-rebound night feels entirely doable in this one.
