Rae

Burrell

With Cameron Brink (knee) not due to return until some point in June and Rae Burrell (leg) out for 6-8 weeks, the Sparks are down bodies at this early juncture. As a result, they’ve brought back King, who was waived on May 12 after being the 28th overall pick in April’s draft. King’s contract will run for the season after being initially signed to a seven-day hardship contract.

Burrell injured her right leg during the first half of Friday’s season-opening win over the Valkyries, as she landed awkwardly after challenging a jump shot. The good news is that she’s expected to recover fully and is projected to return sometime this season. The absences of Burrell and Cameron Brink (knee) leave the Sparks light on available bodies. Rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker will play more rotation minutes off the bench.

After scoring 13 points in the Sparks’ exhibition matchup with the Valkyries, Jackson matched that number in Friday’s season opener. The second-year forward was one of three starters to play at least 35 minutes. And the Sparks’ lack of depth, as Cameron Brink (knee) isn’t expected back until sometime in June and Rae Burrell (knee) exited Friday’s game in the first half, may require Jackson to log heavy minutes for the foreseeable future. That would raise her fantasy ceiling, especially if the Sparks receive bad news regarding the severity of Burrell’s injury.

Burrell landed awkwardly after challenging a jump shot during the first half of Friday’s season opener. Requiring assistance back to the locker room, the reserve guard has been ruled out for the rest of the night. Burrell’s exit means more playing time for rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker, who played nine minutes in the first half.

Sims came off the bench in the Sparks’ preseason win over the Valkyries, with Rae Burrell starting alongside Plum. The Sparks have changed the lineup for Friday’s opener, with Sims receiving the starting nod. This change raises her fantasy ceiling, and managers will also want to watch Plum’s assist tally.