The week in the WNBA is defined by the league's All-Star festivities. Gainbridge Fieldhouse hosts the All-Star game with a league-high three Indiana Fever players earning invites. Fantasy managers are tasked with navigating a shortened week with a lens on maximizing games played.
For instance, the Phoenix Mercury play on both Monday and Wednesday, elevating emergent players such as a scoring guard below.
Meanwhile, the Washington Mystics play just a single game this week, limiting opportunities to produce. It's also wise to keep an eye on any starters or stars resting prior to the break. Teams wisely seek to get veterans as much rest as possible during this unique intermission of the regular season.
The goal this week is to identify veterans and rookies in our selections of streamers and players who can positively produce for your fantasy team this week.
Backcourt
Sami Whitcomb, G, Phoenix Mercury (37.3% rostered in ESPN leagues)
It's rare to find a player breakout as a scoring force in Year 9, but Whitcomb is doing just that. With a newfound ability to dribble into her own shot while also being able to run the screen gauntlet as a creator for Phoenix, Whitcomb's volume shooting appears entirely real. It also helps that the team plays twice in the next three days.
Saniya Rivers, G, Connecticut Sun (19.4%)
This rising rookie earned an endorsement in this space last week. Another mention was due given she's delivered a career-long four consecutive games with double-digit scoring. The Sun play just once this week, however, which means those who roster Rivers will want to keep an eye on players from teams like the Valkyries that play on both Monday and Wednesday this week.
Frontcourt
Li Yueru, C, Dallas Wings (10.9%)
Dallas acquiring Yueru was not viewed as a blockbuster swing but merely bid to fill the center spot for a struggling, young roster. The results have been far more impressive than expectations, as Yeuru's quiet season in Seattle has given way to a series of strong performances as the team's primary pivot.
Naz Hillmon, F, Atlanta Dream (13.7%)
Opportunity rates are key in fantasy sports. Minutes, touches, and shots are required to deliver meaningful numbers. Hillmon has enjoyed a sizable spike in nearly all opportunity metrics, with more minutes and usage driving big numbers. The crowd hasn't yet caught onto this shift in play and production from Hamilton. Get ahead of the market by adding Hillmon heading into the break. A second-half surge appears in the works.