In this article, we will be breaking down some of our favorite plays on the slate at their positions. Remember to always keep your eye on the news as the day progresses.
Guard
Diamond DeShields– DeShields did not have a good season last year for the Sky but has started this season off really well. In her two games, DeShields has played at least 28 minutes and is averaging nine points, 3.5 rebounds, five assists, and a steal. DeShields has produced at least 19 fantasy points in each of those games. Today I am expecting more of the same from DeShields as Allie Quigley will miss her second straight game today.
Ariel Atkins– I really like Atkins today due to her high usage rate. Atkins has a usage rate of at least 29% and has taken at least 12 shots in back-to-back games with at least seven of those shots being from deep for the Mystics. In those two games, Atkins is averaging 18.5 points, three assists, and 29.1 fantasy points. That scoring ability should only be amplified today against the Fever. The Fever have allowed 83.5 points per game this season which is the fifth-most in the WNBA with most of that damage being done by guards. The Fever have allowed guards to average 53.3 points per game this season with a 45.5% three-point percentage which is the worst mark in the WNBA.
Forward
Ruthy Hebard – Candace Parker missed the Sky’s last game due to an injury and it sounds like she is going to miss today’s game after being downgraded to questionable from probable. If Parker is out, Hebard is going to be one of the most popular plays on this slate but I am more than okay with eating the chalk with Hebard. Herbard played 33 minutes without Parker last game and had a huge outing with 18 points, ten rebounds, three blocks, and a steal on her way to 36.5 fantasy points. While asking for that kind of production again is asking for a lot there are two reasons why I think it happens. The first is when Hebard plays big minutes she produces. Hebard has played over 25 minutes three times in her career. In those games, Hebard has produced at least 28 fantasy points in each game and is averaging 34.77 fantasy points. The second reason is the match-up against the Liberty. The Liberty struggle down low and this season they have allowed the third-most rebounds per game and fourth-most points per game in the paint.
Tina Charles– Charles struggled in her first game with the Mystics after sitting out last season but has been amazing in her past two games. In those two games, Charles is averaging 28 points, 10.5 rebounds, two assists, and 1.5 steals+blocks. Charles has at least 42 fantasy points in each of those games. While the Fever are not the best match-up for Charles as they have been stout against forwards this season I don’t see Charles slowing down today.
