Washington

Mystics

Friday’s game will be the third Austin has missed with a left leg injury. While it is not believed to be a long-term issue, the Mystics have not offered a concrete timeline for return. Stefanie Dolson has been the replacement in the starting lineup, but reserve Emily Engstler has been more productive with Austin unavailable.

Sheldon appeared to tweak her right ankle during Wednesday’s loss to the Valkyries. While Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson said after the game that he believed Sheldon was fine, the guard will not play on Friday. The Mystics signed Madison Scott to a 7-day contract on Thursday, and she may play rotation minutes off the bench in Sheldon’s absence.

Waived by the Wings just before the start of the season, Scott is back in the WNBA on a seven-day contract. A second-round pick in May’s draft, the former Ole Miss standout reunites with college teammate Shakira Austin in the nation’s capital. During her final season at Ole Miss, Scott averaged 11.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.

Engstler’s playing time has increased in recent games, as the Mystics continue without the injured Shakira Austin. After scoring 11 points and recording a complete stat line in Washington’s August 10 win over the Wings, Engstler did not miss a shot on Wednesday. She isn’t at the point where fantasy managers should consider streaming her, but Engstler is worth watching, especially if Austin continues to miss time. Stefanie Dolson made another start on Wednesday, finishing with five points, one rebound, two assists and one three-pointer in 17 minutes.

Citron didn’t have the best night shooting the basketball, but she continues to offer solid value for the Mystics. The rookie guard was a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line on Wednesday, and she’s scored at least 15 points in three straight and six of her last seven games. While Washington has not officially shifted its focus away from fighting for a playoff spot, the decision to trade Brittney Sykes decreased its odds of reaching the postseason. Citron’s playing time will be secure as the Mystics build for the future, which looks promising with her and fellow rookie Kiki Iriafen leading the way.

After going scoreless on 0-of-4 shooting in Washington’s win over the Wings on August 10, Sutton got untracked Wednesday night. Not only were the 15 points the most she’s scored in a game since June 26, but the tally was three more than her total in Washington’s prior three games combined. With Brittney Sykes now in Seattle, Sutton will have more opportunities to score while running the Mystics’ offense. The consistency isn’t there yet, but she may be able to offer sneaky deep-league value as Washington closes out its season.

For the first time since late May, when she recorded four consecutive double-doubles, Iriafen has accomplished that goal in two straight games. The rookie forward has been one of the bright spots for the Mystics, who seemingly shifted into “draft lottery” mode with the trade of Brittney Sykes just before the deadline. Iriafen played 33 minutes on Wednesday, the most she’s logged in a game since May 23 against the Aces (35 minutes). If that continues moving forward, she has the potential to be a difference-maker in fantasy league playoffs, which began in standard ESPN leagues this week.

Wednesday’s game will be Austin’s second missed game with what the Mystics have described as a sore left leg. During his pregame availability, Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson said the team’s starting center is dealing with an injury, and the hope is that it will not be a long-term issue. Stefanie Dolson will remain in the starting lineup as Austin’s replacement.

Dallas defended Citron well during the first half of Sunday’s game, frequently blitzing the rookie to make her uncomfortable and take the ball out of her hands. Something changed after the break, with the rookie guard often getting to her preferred spots and scoring 17 points. The Mystics scored 61 points in the second half as a team, outscoring Dallas by 24. Citron and teammate Kiki Iriafen form the best rookie tandem in the WNBA this season, with both in line to receive votes for Rookie of the Year. Washington’s decision to trade Brittney Sykes hurt their chances of reaching the playoffs, but the veteran’s exit means more will be asked of Citron and Iriafen.

While Iriafen has been slightly banged up recently, even heading to the locker room briefly during the first quarter of Sunday’s game, that hasn’t negatively impacted her standing as one of the WNBA’s best rookies. Not only did Iriafen establish a new season-high point total, but she recorded her ninth double-double. The latter accomplishment broke the Mystics’ franchise rookie record. Dallas’ Paige Bueckers may be considered the favorite to win Rookie of the Year, but neither Iriafen nor teammate Sonia Citron will be overlooked by voters. Without those two, the Mystics would be well out of the race for the final playoff spot by now.