Cecilia

Zandalasini

Hayes will miss a second straight game after reinjuring her nose during Golden State’s June 1 loss to the Lynx. Cecilia Zandalasini replaced her in the starting lineup and has played well, most recently scoring 18 points and hitting three three-pointers in Saturday’s rout of the Aces. However, with Zandalasini headed to EuroBasket to represent Italy, Stephanie Talbot is Hayes’ most likely replacement in the starting lineup.

With the Valkyries waiving Kyara Linskens and losing Cecilia Zandalasini as she plays for Italy in this month’s FIBA Women’s EuroBasket, there was the ability to fill a roster spot. They’ve decided to bring back Amihere, who went through training camp with Golden State before being waived on May 14. While she will be available for Monday’s game against the Sparks, Amihere is unlikely to get the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball.

Zandalasini posted a new season-high in points in her second start of the season on Saturday. She offered her typical contributions from beyond the arc while also tallying her most assists of the season. The fourth-year forward has logged 30 minutes in back-to-back games for head coach Natalie Nakase and appears to be locked in as one of the five starters for the time being. With Zandalasini putting forth a productive offensive explosion on Saturday, she could see similar opportunities moving forward.

Tiffany Hayes (nose) was unavailable for Thursday’s game, opening up a spot in the starting lineup. Zandalasini was Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase’s choice to fill the void, and she recorded a complete stat line against the Mercury. The fourth-year forward hit double figures for the first time this season and is more of a floor-spacing threat than Stephanie Talbot, who started the last time Hayes was unavailable. Talbot played 12 minutes off the bench on Thursday, finishing with two points (1-of-2 FGs), three rebounds and three assists. If Hayes remains out for Saturday’s game against the Aces, it would be unsurprising if Zandalasini retained her place in the starting lineup.

After missing multiple games with a nose injury, Hayes returned to the Valkyries’ starting lineup for Sunday’s game against the Lynx. Unfortunately, the veteran guard reinjured her nose during the fourth quarter and did not return. If Hayes cannot play on Thursday, Stephanie Talbot is the most likely replacement in the starting lineup. No Hayes on Thursday would also result in more playing time for Cecilila Zandalasini.

Back in the Valkyries’ starting lineup after missing multiple games with a nose injury, Hayes took another hit to the area during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game. The veteran guard was injured in a scramble for a loose ball with Minnesota’s Natisha Hiedeman, exiting the game immediately. While Cecilia Zandalasini replaced Hayes at that moment, Stephanie Talbot was the most recent replacement in the starting lineup when the Valkyries were without Hayes. Both players will be of greater importance if Hayes has to miss time.

Zandalasini is available to make her Valkyries debut after missing the first four games of the regular season. While the rookie forward provides additional depth, there’s no guarantee she gets the minutes needed to impact fantasy basketball. For the first time this season, Golden State’s entire roster has been deemed healthy enough to play.

Zandalasini has not appeared in a game this season, but she has recently participated in individual workouts. Getting the rookie forward on the court would give the Valkyries another option in the frontcourt, but fantasy managers should not expect too much right away once she’s cleared to play.

Zandalasini has yet to make her Valkyries debut, and her right foot injury limited the forward to individual work during Monday’s practice. She’ll remain sidelined for the first game of Golden State’s road trip, but this does not impact the team’s current rotation.