WNBA Daily Fantasy preview

One Big Questionable, and Candace Parker

We finally draw a three-game slate today, with two solid games, and one that has the potential to be a blowout. As well, any time Los Angeles is on the slate, it will make it interesting, as their “big three” lineup was a disaster (-43 net rating) last game. With that said, let’s look ahead to the June 21 DFS Preview.

Atlanta Dream @ Connecticut Sun

We start with a game that very well could end in a blowout, with neither of the team’s starters getting their regular dose of minutes. There is, however, a chance that this game is not a blowout. Even so, Atlanta should struggle to put up fantasy points against a great Connecticut defense.

My favorite play from the Dream is still Tiffany Hayes (8.4k DK, 6.1k FD), who is still not priced high enough after her scoring outbursts in her last few games. Though points will be hard to come by, Hayes is handling the ball a lot more without Alex Bentley, which should lead to fantasy points. Aside from Hayes, Jessica Breland (8.2k, 6k) is someone I am looking to, almost exclusively due to matchup. Despite being one of the top teams in the league, Connecticut is vulnerable to a lot of steals and blocks, something that Breland excels at. She is certainly in consideration on FanDuel, where these blocks and steals are worth 3 fantasy points.

On the other side of the court is Connecticut. The Sun have a solid matchup, but the blowout really worries me. Jonquel Jones (11.2k, 8.5k) should be in for 40 fantasy points, but could only play 25 minutes (severely decreasing the likelihood she gets to 40 fantasy points) depending on the score. The only other player in consideration for me on the Sun is Courtney Williams (8.8k, 6.6k), whose price seems a little cheap on FanDuel. Williams could easily see 30 fantasy points, and fills up every area of the stat sheet.

Indiana Fever @ Chicago Sky

Indiana draws a great matchup with the high-tempo Chicago Sky. The big question mark in this game is Natalie Achonwa, who is listed as questionable with a calf strain. If Achonwa is out, like last game, Teaira McCowan (6.2k, 5.3k) will step into the starting lineup and will be in all of my lineups. McCowan reached the 50 fantasy point barrier in her last start, and could play even more minutes, as she was in early foul trouble. This will be a situation to monitor.

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Aside from the frontcourt situation, I also really like Kelsey Mitchell (8.3k, 5.9k) who has broken out in her sophomore season. Her minutes seem more stable around 30, and Mitchell is rocking a 27% usage rate. The combination of a high usage rate and a fast-paced matchup makes Mitchell a solid option at a mid-range price.

On Chicago’s side, there are many good options, but no real great options. This may just be the nature of the Sky, as they tend to score by committee, instead of a singular player taking over. If a player was to take over, it would be Diamond DeShields (9.6k, 7.5k), but she is too expensive for my liking.

Stefanie Dolson (7.5k, 6k) is probably the player that interests me the most, as her minutes have been creeping up to the 30 minute barrier. Dolson is a real threat for 30 fantasy points, but also draws a tough matchup with McCowan (if Achonwa is out). Her low price, however, makes me want to take the risk. The other starters are all solid, but one does not really stand out as a “must-play” to me.

Los Angeles Sparks @ Seattle Storm

Los Angeles got Candace Parker (8k, 7.6k))back last game, and while the game was not a success whatsoever, there were encouraging signs fantasy-wise. Parker played 25 minutes, and was on pace to play over 30, but was taken out due to the huge deficit. We are getting an absolute bargain on DraftKings, where she put up 1.27 fantasy points per minute last season. Parker will be another cornerstone of my lineups.

Other than Parker, no one really interests me that much. Nneka Ogwumike (9.9k, 7.9k) is probably the second best, but her usage should take a hit with Parker back. Still, she could snag a double double and pay off her high price. Figuring out who will play the 2 with the starters could also be key, but for now it seems as though Derek Fisher is content to spread those minutes around.

Seattle will once again be without their starting point guard, Jordin Canada. This will be the second game she has missed, but unfortunately the first did not tell us much. Blake Dietrick (3.4k, 3k) started, but predictably did almost nothing fantasy-wise. Shavonte Zellous (4.2k, 3.6k) was probably the biggest beneficiary, playing her season high in minutes, while Jewell Loyd (9.1k, 7.4k) played the point. Zellous could be in for more minutes (or even a start!) and is a good option at a low price.

Loyd is also another good option, especially if she stays playing point guard. Her assist rate should increase, and her already high usage could go even higher. I would expect somewhere in the ballpark of 35 fantasy points. Good luck today!

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