WNBA Player News

Timpson is one of the best defenders in this draft class, as she is an elite shot-blocker who can also disrupt passing lanes. The 6-foot-2 forward was a three-time All-ACC selection during her Florida State career, most recently averaging 17.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.8 steals and 3.1 blocks per game as a senior. Timpson was an excellent offensive rebounder who did most of her scoring in the paint throughout her college career. She’ll join Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston in Indiana as part of the Fever’s young core.

Already playing without Rae Burrell (leg), who will miss 6-8 weeks after going down during Friday’s season opener, the Sparks lost Jackson at the end of the third quarter on Sunday. The second-year forward took a shot to the mouth and remained prone on the court for a few minutes before walking back to the bench. Jackson did not return during the final period, with rookie Sarah Ashlee Barker (6/3/1/1/1 with one three-pointer in 24 minutes) taking on more minutes. The Sparks are off until Wednesday; hopefully, Jackson will be healthy enough to play. If not, Barker’s role will be significant to a team already down Burrell and Cameron Brink (knee).

Having torched the Valkyries on Friday, Plum ran into more resistance as the Sparks hosted last season’s runners-up in Sunday’s home opener. While she did not have her best day shooting the basketball, fantasy managers with Plum rostered should not be concerned. Minnesota is once again one of the league’s best teams, so this would be a challenging matchup. Plum will look to rebound on Wednesday when the Sparks begin a three-game week with a matchup against the Mercury.

Limited to 11 points in Friday’s season-opening win over the Valkyries, Stevens stepped things up offensively on Sunday. She made four of her seven three-point attempts against the Lynx, with the 21 points being the most the veteran center has scored in a game since July 16, 2024 (24 vs. Seattle). Stevens averages 9.4 points per game for her career, so days like Sunday have not been the norm. However, the combination of this start and the Sparks playing three games next week will raise her fantasy profile.

Two games, two double-doubles for Hamby, who had another efficient effort on Sunday. She also made some personal history, passing Alana Beard to move into eighth on the Sparks’ all-time rebound list. While Hamby did not record any defensive stats against the Lynx, that should not be a common occurrence this season. The Spaks have one of the better schedules for next week, as they’ll play three games starting with the Mercury on Wednesday.

Alanna Smith’s return from a quad injury pushed Shepard to the bench on Sunday after starting Friday’s season opener. However, her playing time increased, with Shepard logging 30 minutes after playing 29 two days prior. And the former Notre Dame standout had another productive outing, recording a double-double and dishing out a few assists. The minutes split will shift as Smith gets back to playing without restrictions, but Shepard will have added value in the short term.

Williams did not have a good evening shooting the basketball, but the veteran guard proved valuable in other ways. She led the Lynx in assists and did not commit a turnover, and Williams was also effective as a rebounder. Through two games, Williams has recorded 19 assists and no turnovers. If she can remain efficient as a playmaker, that would help Minnesota contend for a championship this season after falling one win short of the title in 2024.

Back in the Lynx starting lineup after missing Friday’s opener due to a quad injury, Smith’s playing time was limited on Sunday. However, she made the most of her opportunities, shooting 70 percent from the field and finishing one steal shy of a complete stat line. Thanks to the play of Jessica Shepard, who recorded a double-double off the bench after starting on Friday, the Lynx did not have to place too much responsibility on Smith’s plate against the Sparks. With Smith back in the lineup, Alissa Pili was a DNP-CD after logging 11 minutes off the bench on Friday.

After dropping 34 points on the Wings in Friday’s season-opener, Collier continued her league-wide “revenge tour” with another exemplary effort. The Lynx star shot over 50 percent from the field and recorded a complete stat line, leading the way as Minnesota improved its record to 2-0. Given how their 2024 season concluded, Minnesota has been a trendy pick to win the championship in 2025. And it doesn’t hurt to have a player of Collier’s caliber to rely on for consistent production. The Lynx play two games next week, starting with the Wings at home on Wednesday.

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.

Smith is back after missing Friday’s season-opening win over the Wings with a quad injury. She’ll start at the center position, with Jessica Shepard heading to the bench. Minnesota’s other four starters are unchanged, with Courtney Williamson, Karlie Samuelson, Bridget Carleton and Napheesa Collier completing the quintet.