DFS WNBA: Saturday Breakdown

DFS WNBA: Saturday Breakdown

DraftKings and FanDuel Price Differences

Top 5 FanDuel (Late Games Only)

PlayerPOSTEAMFanDuel Price% of BudgetDraftKings Price% of BudgetDifference
Kim MestdaghGWAS30007.5%610012.20%-4.7%
Courtney VanderslootGCHI750018.8%1140022.80%-4.1%
LaToya SandersFWAS620015.5%970019.40%-3.9%
Karima Chris.GMIN570014.3%880017.60%-3.4%
Sylvia FowlesFMIN860021.5%1170023.40%-1.9%

Top 5 DraftKings (Late Games Only)

PlayerPOSTEAMFanDuel Price% of BudgetDraftKings Price% of BudgetDifference
Danielle Robinson      GMIN560014.0%36007.20%6.8%
Ariel AtkinsGWAS680017.0%660013.20%3.8%
Napheesa CollierFMIN510012.8%45009.00%3.8%
Emma MeessemanFWAS500012.5%44008.80%3.7%
Morgan TuckFCON490012.3%43008.60%3.7%

2018 Team Stats

2018 Advanced Team Offense Stats

TEAMPOSSOff RtgREB%EFG%TS%PACEFTA RATEBLK%TOV%%PTS 2PT%PTS 3PT%PTS FT
Seattle Storm80.7108.15153.457.280.10.2518.516.65331.115.9
Connecticut Sun81108.253.651.95580.90.2366.216.659.52614.5
Washington Mystics78.8107.348.85155.878.90.268.115.452.329.817.9
Phoenix Mercury80.3106.848.752.257.680.30.316916.949.929.620.4
Atlanta Dream81.999.949.546.851.481.90.3110.516.458.721.519.8
Los Angeles Sparks78.110147.249.753.777.80.232615.561.322.815.9
Dallas

DraftKings and FanDuel Price Differences

Top 5 FanDuel (Late Games Only)

PlayerPOSTEAMFanDuel Price% of BudgetDraftKings Price% of BudgetDifference
Kim MestdaghGWAS30007.5%610012.20%-4.7%
Courtney VanderslootGCHI750018.8%1140022.80%-4.1%
LaToya SandersFWAS620015.5%970019.40%-3.9%
Karima Chris.GMIN570014.3%880017.60%-3.4%
Sylvia FowlesFMIN860021.5%1170023.40%-1.9%

Top 5 DraftKings (Late Games Only)

PlayerPOSTEAMFanDuel Price% of BudgetDraftKings Price% of BudgetDifference
Danielle Robinson      GMIN560014.0%36007.20%6.8%
Ariel AtkinsGWAS680017.0%660013.20%3.8%
Napheesa CollierFMIN510012.8%45009.00%3.8%
Emma MeessemanFWAS500012.5%44008.80%3.7%
Morgan TuckFCON490012.3%43008.60%3.7%

2018 Team Stats

2018 Advanced Team Offense Stats

TEAMPOSSOff RtgREB%EFG%TS%PACEFTA RATEBLK%TOV%%PTS 2PT%PTS 3PT%PTS FT
Seattle Storm80.7108.15153.457.280.10.2518.516.65331.115.9
Connecticut Sun81108.253.651.95580.90.2366.216.659.52614.5
Washington Mystics78.8107.348.85155.878.90.268.115.452.329.817.9
Phoenix Mercury80.3106.848.752.257.680.30.316916.949.929.620.4
Atlanta Dream81.999.949.546.851.481.90.3110.516.458.721.519.8
Los Angeles Sparks78.110147.249.753.777.80.232615.561.322.815.9
Dallas Wings81.710653.24954.481.60.3469.217.354.923.321.8
Minnesota Lynx78.6100.453.149.152.978.60.2456.318.163.320.516.3
Las Vegas Aces83.2101.550.946.952.182.90.3327.915.465.113.521.4
Chicago Sky82.6101.547.550.554.781.30.2667.218.65725.717.3
New York Liberty8097.149.248.151.779.50.234618.458.725.715.6
Indiana Fever80.195.347.244.648.979.10.2275.615.160.822.217.1

2018 Advanced Team Defense Stats (Opponent Stats)

TEAMPOSSOff RtgREB%EFG%TS%PACEFTA RATEBLK%TOV%%PTS 2PT%PTS 3PT%PTS FT
Seattle Storm80.798.84947.951.880.10.2287.216.660.823.116
Connecticut Sun80.910146.449.353.980.90.2787.217.256.924.518.6
Washington Mystics78.9103.151.249.654.378.90.2736.317.357.524.118.4
Phoenix Mercury80.3103.651.347.852.580.30.287.515.557.22418.9
Atlanta Dream81.997.150.546.851.181.90.2617.918.358.523.617.9
Los Angeles Sparks7898.752.849.353.677.80.2695.419.26121.317.7
Dallas Wings81.5104.746.849.754.381.60.2929.115.85724.118.9
Minnesota Lynx78.799.546.949.753.478.60.2266.816.158.226.515.3
Las Vegas Aces83.1104.749.150.454.582.90.2528.715.355.727.616.7
Chicago Sky82.4109.452.550.855.181.30.2789.716.159.622.617.8
New York Liberty80.3105.750.849.654.579.50.3277.416.151.827.820.4
Indiana Fever80.3106.752.852.256.379.10.2887.416.959.123.217.7

Data from WNBA.com

Phoenix Mercury at Seattle Storm

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Phoenix

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Sancho LyttleCKneeOUT5/31/2019
Camille LittleFAnkleOUT5/31/2019
Diana TaurasiGBackOUT7/17/2019

Seattle

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Ramu TokashikiFPersonalSUSP5/25/2019
Alysha ClarkFRestOUT5/29/2019
Sue BirdGKneeOUT7/17/2019
Breanna StewartFAchillesSUSP-INJ2/1/2020

Vegas Odds: Phoenix - 3 (Open: Phoenix -2.5)     Over Under: 158.5 (Open: 163.5)

2018 Player Stats

PlayerTeamPosGMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK
Brittney Griner                   PhoC3432.620.57.72.10.52.6
Diana TaurasiPhoG333020.73.55.30.90.2
DeWanna BonnerPhoG3432.917.37.23.11.30.4
Briann JanuaryPhoG3327.172.13.30.60.1
Sancho LyttlePhoC1823.37.95.31.40.90.4
Leilani MitchellPhoG3114.94.41.42.20.50.2
Yvonne TurnerPhoG3213.34.11.81.30.70.1
Stephanie TalbotPhoG3114.63.71.91.30.50.3
Camille LittlePhoF3316.231.81.20.50.3
Angel RobinsonPhoF249.92.330.50.20.3
Marie GulichPhoC2351.510.100.3
Imani WrightPhoG1100000
PlayerTeamPosGMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK
Breanna StewartSeaF3431.621.88.42.51.41.4
Jewell LoydSeaG3429.715.54.63.71.30.1
Natasha HowardSeaF3425.613.26.411.32
Sue BirdSeaG3126.610.11.77.11.10.1
Alysha ClarkSeaF3126.27.43.51.910.1
Jordin CanadaSeaG3316.55.71.53.30.90
Kaleena Mosqueda-LewisSeaF3313.45.11.50.80.10
Crystal LanghorneSeaF2613.94.630.30.30.2
Sami WhitcombSeaG318.52.90.90.50.50.1
Courtney ParisSeaC3410.62.13.90.60.20.3
Mercedes RussellSeaC224.61.61.40.100.1
Noelle QuinnSeaG209.11.50.90.70.10.1
Teana MuldrowSeaF3200.3000

The Skinny

In a battle of the walking wounded, a number of new or unconventional faces should see plenty of minutes in this contest. Seattle was hit harder by injury, losing two of their top contributors, not to mention Alysha Clark's absence from at least the opener. Jewell Loyd should take on the primary scoring duties, which should position her for a big day and season. Jordin Canada will likely join her in the backcourt and may serve as the starting point guard. Both ranked first and second on the team in scoring this preseason, followed closely behind by Natasha Howard. If the preseason is any indication, Crystal Langhorne and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis may round out the starting five, with Mercedes Russel and Anriel Howard set to provide significant minutes off the bench.

On the flip side Phoenix will miss out on star veteran Diana Taurasi (back) for a significant portion of the season. Without her, the offense will likely run through star center Brittney Griner and guard DeWanna Bonner, who rank first (Bonner) and second (Griner) among DraftKings salaries Saturday. Alanna Smith had the biggest showing this preseason, notching 8.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 2.5 blocks and 2.0 steals over 23 minutes per game. Though she didn't start either contest, Smith's play should warrant considerable minutes Saturday. For what it's worth, Essence Carson, Briann January and Yvonne Turner also saw starts in the preseason, though Carson was really the only one to provide any real value from a fantasy standpoint.

Washington Mystics at Connecticut Sun

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Washington

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Natasha CloudGHandGTD5/25/2019
Aerial PowersFBackOUT6/1/2019
Elena Delle DonneFKneeOUT6/1/2019
Kiara LeslieGKneeOUT8/2/2019

Connecticut

None

Vegas Odds: Connecticut -5.5 (Open: Connecticut - 1.5)     Over Under: 165.5 (Open: 169)

2018 Player Stats

PlayerTeamPosGMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK
Elena Delle DonneWasF2932.220.77.22.30.91.4
Kristi ToliverWasG3332.913.92.34.41.20
Ariel AtkinsWasG2922.511.32.42.11.40.3
LaToya SandersWasF2824.510.26.41.61.31.1
Natasha CloudWasG2726.58.63.24.60.70.1
Monique CurrieWasG3215.96.630.80.40.2
Tianna HawkinsWasF3216.66.33.50.80.50.4
Tierra Ruffin-PrattWasG3318.15.521.50.60.2
Myisha Hines-AllenWasF2410.53.82.90.40.40.2
Shatori Walker-KimbroughWasG198.83.50.80.40.40.3
Aerial PowersWasF912.76.13.20.90.70.4
Krystal ThomasWasC249.91.82.50.20.20.1
Tayler HillWasG13930.610.20.1
PlayerTeamPosGMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK
Chiney Ogwumike               ConF3125.514.47.311.10.6
Jasmine ThomasConG3428.112.93.34.81.10.2
Jonquel JonesConF3420.511.85.51.70.41.2
Courtney WilliamsConG3027.112.65.930.80.1
Alyssa ThomasConF2430.610.38.14.21.20.4
Shekinna StricklenConG3418.86.62.30.50.60.1
Morgan TuckConF3413.65.92.30.50.40.1
Alex BentleyConG1921.7101.43.21.30.1
Rachel BanhamConG3312.85.20.91.50.50.1
Brionna JonesConC2793.120.20.20.2
Layshia ClarendonConG1515.95.41.62.70.50
Betnijah LaneyConG299.32.71.70.70.40
Lexie BrownConG225.61.70.80.50.30

The Skinny

Another team bit by the injury bug, Washington loses out on the services of star Elena Delle Donne for Saturday's opener. The top returning producer from a season ago playing Saturday falls to Kristi Toliver, who racked up 13.9 points per game and 4.4 assists per game last season. The real diamond in the rough on both sites (especially DraftKings as noted above) is Emma Meesseman. She's back in the mix after playing a season overseas and led the Mystics this preseason with 13.5 points and 1.5 blocks per game this preseason. Meesseman will take on a Sun frontcourt that allowed a league-low 46.4 field-goal percentage. However, Chiney Ogwumike -- the team's second-leading rebounder -- was dealt to the Los Angeles Sparks this offseason. LaToya Sanders works in a similar fashion down low, though Meesseman may be asked to step outside the line a bit more while Delle Donne is sidelined.

Sans Ogwumike, Jonquel Jones put on a show this preseason, collecting 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, one block and one assist over less than 20 minutes per game. She posted solid rate stats over 20.5 minutes per game last year as well, so there's a chance Jones could flourish if she can handle a larger workload this season. With no injuries to report, the Sun will presumably roll with the same starting five they used for all three preseason games: Jones, Jasmine Thomas, Courtney Williams, Shekinna Stricklen and Alyssa Thomas. Bria Holmes, Morgan Tuck and Brionna Jones will likely serve as the first three off the bench.

Chicago Sky at Minnesota Lynx

Injuries

Note: All return dates are just estimates

Chicago

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Kahleah CopperGHandGTD5/25/2019
Jamierra FaulknerGKneeOUT6/1/2019

Minnesota

NamePosInjuryStatusReturn
Karima Christmas-KellyGKneeGTD5/25/2019
Seimone AugustusGKneeOUT5/29/2019
Kelsey GriffinFToeSUSP5/29/2019
Temi FagbenleFSuspensionSUSP-DNR6/1/2019
Maya MooreFPersonalOUT2/1/2020

Vegas Odds: Minnesota - 4 (Open: Same)     Over Under: 160.5 (Open: 163.5)

2018 Player Stats

PlayerTeamPosGMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK
Allie QuigleyChiG3229.715.42.42.50.70.3
Diamond DeShieldsChiG3428.514.44.92.21.10.3
Courtney VanderslootChiG3031.812.53.78.61.30.6
Cheyenne ParkerChiF3419.7105.80.70.61.1
Stefanie DolsonChiC2727.69.74.630.60.9
Gabby WilliamsChiF34237.34.31.61.60.2
Kahleah CopperChiG3315.97.12.20.60.30.2
Jamierra FaulknerChiG1721.27.61.43.90.50.1
Alaina CoatesChiC3211.43.43.20.40.20.2
Astou NdourChiC2211.64.62.50.30.20.5
Linnae HarperChiG246.120.810.20
PlayerTeamPosGMinPTSREBASTSTLBLK
Maya Moore                 MinF3431.8185.12.61.70.4
Sylvia FowlesMinC343217.711.92.21.41.2
Seimone AugustusMinG3326.210.81.82.60.40.2
Danielle RobinsonMinG2818.66.51.83.30.90
Lindsay WhalenMinG3219.35.72.63.10.70.1
Rebekkah BrunsonMinF2527.67.26.82.40.80.5
Cecilia ZandalasiniMinF2916.55.71.91.10.30
Tanisha WrightMinG3317.84.31.620.50.1
Temi FagbenleMinF309.43.120.60.30.3
Alexis JonesMinG268.83.30.90.70.10.1
Endy MiyemMinF205.11.40.60.30.10.1
Erlana LarkinsMinF1312.92.12.71.30.70.2
Lynetta KizerMinC145.61.61.50.60.10
Sydney ColsonMinG28.53.51200.5

The Skinny

Of the two late games, Chicago and Minnesota holds the edge 6-4 in terms of pricing discrepancies among the two main daily fantasy sites. Courtney Vandersloot, in particular, represents the highest priced player with a significant discrepancy (4.5% cheaper on FanDuel), with Sylvia Fowles (1.9% cheaper on FanDuel) as the only other star player to crack either list. Fortunately for the Sky, none of the team's star contributors will sit this one out barring a late scratch. However, they could be without a pair of key bench contributors in Jamierra Faulkner (already ruled out) and Kahleah Copper (questionable). If that's the case, the starters, presumably Vandersloot, Allie Quigley, Gabby Williams, Katie Lou Samuelson and Stefanie Dolson, would likely be aligned for more minutes than usual. Rookie second-round pick Chloe Jackson pieced together a strong preseason for the Sky, averaging 24 minutes in the two preseason contests, and checks in extremely cheap ($3500 FD, $3000 DK) on both sites, potentially making her a worthwhile flier option with a shorter bench available.

On the flip side, the Lynx will be without two of it's three highest scorers -- Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus -- from a season ago, likely forcing the offense to flow through Fowles early and often in the post. Odyssey Sims was dealt to the Lynx from the Sparks this offseason and mowed through the preseason with 22.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.5 steals per game in two preseason contests. She will presumably fill the starting spot left by Augustus alongside Danielle Robinson in the backcourt and comes in moderately priced on both sites, making for some solid value. Damiris Dantas should also get the start, though the status of Karima Christmas-Kelly (knee) could determine who the fifth starter is. Napheesa Collier may slide into a starting spot and additional minutes should Christmas-Kelly be forced to miss the contest.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chris Benzine
Chris is a sports editor for various sports on the site and also a consistent contributor in the college sports arena.
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