RADIO
We've got a one-game slate for you today. And since DraftKings and FanDuel do these one gamers so differently, here's the compromise we're making for these slates. I'll give you captain/MVPs plays, but I won't break down the Star & Pro picks over on FanDuel, because getting into that level of pricing change is a lot when we're also doing DraftKings and bets.
Just as I have for the last couple of years, I'll be providing daily fantasy lineup picks for the WNBA this season here at RotoBaller. But because I also moved to a state with legalized sports betting earlier this year, I'll be sprinkling in some basic betting picks. Not going to get complicated since there's limited space in this piece, but I'll throw you a bet or two each day that I like.
In this article, I'll be providing you with some daily fantasy WNBA lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 5/17/22. These lineups picks will range from elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. The slate locks on 5/18/2022 at 7:00 p.m. ET. 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 Lineup Picks: Captain/MVP
Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm) - DK: $14,100, FD: $9,500
Breanna Stewart is questionable after missing the last two games with COVID. If she plays, then you should probably swap Loyd out for Stewart, but for now, let's talk about Loyd as a captain pick.
She's scored 26 points in both of her games without Stewart this year, with five rebounds and two steals in both, plus an average of 2.5 assists. Without Stewart, Loyd basically has to be this entire Storm offense and while it's led to some inefficient games like when she was 8-for-23 last time, the raw numbers make her a great captain pick.
Ezi Magbegor (Seattle Storm) - DK: $11,700 FD: $8,000
Want to save a little on your captain? Then consider Magbegor if, and only if, Breanna Stewart is out.
Magbegor has played well this season and had seven blocks in her last game. Until Mercedes Russell returns, Ezi is locked in as the starting five on this team, and if Stewart is out again then Magbegor will continue to take on a larger role. Her scoring numbers aren't great, as she's finished with eight points in three of the team's four games, but she's able to add a ton of defensive stats.
WNBA DFS Lineup Picks: Utility Slots
Courtney Vandersloot (Chicago Sky) - DK: $8,200, FD: $8,500
I'll likely captain Vandersloot some as well, though the inconsistency in how many shots she takes does make me a little more inclined to use her in a utility slot since I would trust Loyd, for instance, more in that 1.5 spot.
Vandersloot can dish out a ton of assists every night though and because of that, she has a nice fantasy ceiling. She'll get you 25ish DFS points if the assists aren't there, with 35-40 if the assists are.
Sue Bird (Seattle Storm) - DK: $7,000, FD: $7,500
Bird's numbers have been a roller coaster this year. Good game, then a bad game, then a good game and then another bad game. The latter was a 1-for-11 shooting performance against the Mercury. But that kind of volume is encouraging, even if Bird went 0-for-8 from three. She's taken 15 threes over the last two games and should have better numbers in this game, as it should be faster-paced and give Bird more chances to get assists that'll help her numbers even if the shots aren't falling.
WNBA DFS Lineup Picks: Value Picks
Allie Quigley (Chicago Sky) - DK: $5,600, FD: $6,000
Quigley returned last game. And if you were worried that Dana Evans playing out of her mind would lead to less chances for Quigley once she was back, you were wrong. She played 21 minutes in per return and while her shot wasn't there, Quigley should see the floor a little more each game and has the shooting ability to drain some treys, as she's one of the greatest shooters in league history. She won't be 1-for-4 every night.
Stephanie Talbot (Seattle Storm) - DK: $5,000, FD: $6,000
Another player whose value probably depends on Stewart being out. Last game, Talbot played 38 minutes, going 3-for-11 with eight points, 14 rebounds and three assists. When Stewart is around, Talbot plays 15-20 minutes, but with her out, the Storm have to use her as a stretch four because of the lack of depth on this team.
WNBA Betting Picks for 5/18/2022
Looking to make some WNBA bets? Let's look at some options for you.
Seattle Storm Spread (+3.5)
Only one game today, so here's one bet I like.
If Stewart returns, this is a no-brainer, but even if she doesn't, the Storm figured some kinds out against Phoenix without her and could have won that game if Sue Bird's shot had been falling. The top of this team is too talented for me to bet against them and if Stewart does end up playing, this spread will go down so you'd be smart to get it at 3.5 while you can.
