Sue Bird's injury, the Lynx's beach trip, and DraftKings advice
I did some reporting. Here's what I found out.
Hello, it’s me, Matt Ellentuck.
I’m trying something a little different today. I reported some news yesterday, which I’ll explain below. After that, I’m going to include my daily fantasy tips, which are usually given to my paid subscribers six days per week.
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Here’s Basketball
Sue Bird has a bone bruised left knee
The Seattle Storm announced on Monday that Bird would be sitting out Tuesday’s game against the Sun because of a left knee injury. That came as a surprise considering she didn’t play on Saturday due to “rest.” I followed up with the Storm, who told me that Bird had an MRI that revealed a minor bone bruise. Bird’s injury happened on Thursday against the Lynx, and she opted to play through it.
Bird shouldn’t miss significant time, though. In an interview with the AP’s Doug Feinberg, she said, “It’s basically day-to-day. That’s where I’m at… I thought resting that one game would be enough. It needs more time. Sadly bone bruises are the type of thing you can’t continue to play on and it gets better. It needs rest to get to the point where you can play in the schedule we have. I have to give it time to cool down.”
The Storm will also be without Epiphany Prince on Tuesday for personal reasons. Expect a ton of run for Jordin Canada.
The Lynx took a trip outside the bubble to the beach
The Minnesota Lynx took pictures at the beach on Monday that left us wondering … “is this safe? Did they leave IMG academy? What?!”
I followed up with the Lynx and the league to clarify this trip was approved by the WNBA. Minnesota’s group didn’t just go rogue after a hot 3-1 start to the season.
A league spokesperson told me,"The WNBA health and safety protocols developed in consultation with medical experts have always included the possibility of limited, structured team excursions once the regular season began. The offerings include golf, private beach outings and exclusive fishing charters with stringent health and safety guidelines.”
So yes, the Lynx did leave campus, but it was to go to a private beach to enjoy a rare three-day off period from games. And yes, this means we may see WNBA fishing and golf content in the future. It would’ve been nice to know this information ahead of time, but hey, we’ve got it now.
Now, let’s talk fantasy sports.
First, here’s today’s schedule
Game 1: Dallas Wings vs. Chicago Sky at 6:00 p.m. ET on League Pass
Game 2: Phoenix Mercury vs. Atlanta Dream at 7:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Game 3: Connecticut Sun vs. Seattle Storm at 9:00 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Here’s my picks
Game 1: The Sky. Dallas has a lot to figure out with so many rookies playing heavy minutes, and Arike Ogunbowale is having only a so-so start to the year. I’m taking the Sky because they’re simply the better team.
Game 2: The Dream. Both of these teams should be better than they are, but I’m low enough on the Mercury’s defense to take Atlanta in this one. Betnijah Laney has been tough to stop, and if Courtney Williams shakes off the rust, she could give Diana Taurasi a tough time.
Game 3: The Storm. I know they’re without two of their three point guards, but Sun players not named DeWanna Bonner really struggle to score. I don’t think Natasha Howard, Breanna Stewart, Alysha Clark and Canada will make their lives easier.
And now, on to DraftKings
Guards to pick:
Jordin Canada, Seattle Storm ($7,500) - No Bird. No Prince. Canada is going to play a ton of minutes, with plenty of opportunities to score.
Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury ($9,200) - Taurasi’s had a very good two-game stretch, and being defended by rookie Chennedy Carter, I like her chances to perform well again.
Betnijah Laney, Atlanta Dream ($8,700) - The Mercury’s defense is porous. I feel pretty good taking a guard who can and will launch. Laney’s also averaging four assists and three steals per game.
Guards to avoid:
DeWanna Bonner, Connecticut Sun ($11,700) - Yes, I think she’s been the best player in 2020. No, I don’t think you should pay an absurdly high price to play her against the best defensive team in the league.
Diamond DeShields, Chicago Sky ($7,700) - Even at this low of a price, we haven’t seen a healthy enough DeShields to justify playing her.
Forwards to pick:
Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm ($11,500) - Connecticut doesn’t have anyone who can matchup to Stewie’s size, strength and mobility. This could be a huge game for her.
Bella Alarie, Dallas Wings ($4,400) - If you’re looking for a cheap play to save money for a star, try Alarie. In the last two games for Dallas, she’s played 16 and 22 minutes, scoring 18 and 19 fantasy points.
Forwards to avoid:
Satou Sabally, Dallas Wings ($9,800) - Sabally got bullied against the Aces, and an interior defense of Cheyenne Parker and Azura Stevens could do the same. Sabally will have breakout games. I wouldn’t count on this to be the one, especially at a superstar’s price tag.
Natasha Howard, Seattle Storm ($7,200) - Howard’s looked disengaged all season, and Ezi Magbegor, a rookie, is eating up some of her minutes. Howard dominated daily fantasy last year. Now, with Stewie back, the game’s changed.
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